Maintaining product integrity in pharmaceutical air logistics is a task that leaves little room for error. With the launch of its new Cool Corridors, Kuehne+Nagel is taking a more controlled, data-driven approach to global temperature-sensitive transport—shifting strategy, integrating new monitoring tools, and expanding its GxP-compliant HealthChain network to meet rising demand for pharmaceutical precision.
The Cool Corridor concept addresses a clear need: safe, sustainable, and consistent temperature control in pharmaceutical air cargo. “The Cool Corridor is an innovative solution that prioritises product integrity while meeting the increasing demand for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable healthcare logistics,” said Kristine Palm, vice president and global head of healthcare air logistics at Kuehne+Nagel.
Central to the new corridors is a strategic move from active to passive packaging. “This allows pharmaceutical shippers to optimise packaging strategies—such as shifting from active to passive solutions—resulting in enhanced product safety, reduced logistics costs, and improved environmental performance,” Palm explained.
By embedding the corridors into the company’s HealthChain-certified network—comprising over 100 fully GxP-compliant, IATA CEIV-certified airfreight stations—Kuehne+Nagel is pushing for global quality uniformity. “We handle everything from pre-conditioning, re-packing, ULD build-up, and break-down inside our +2 to +8 degrees Celsius facilities,” she said.
Consistency is reinforced by strict internal standards. “Our service is regulated by stringent quality standards based on industry best practices and goes above and beyond global regulations,” she said. “As the first in the industry to achieve over 100 CEIV Pharma-certified stations, Kuehne+Nagel guarantees that its handling of pharmaceutical shipments is aligned with the highest standards.”
Monitoring and risk mitigation
Technology plays a central role in ensuring that product safety is not left to chance. All Cool Corridor shipments are monitored continuously through Kuehne+Nagel’s HyperCare team.
“We provide real-time visibility throughout the entire journey, with full access to the data on our MyKN platform,” said Palm. “Our 24/7/365 team monitors the shipments, with the ability to intervene and inform in case of delays or unplanned temperature changes throughout the entire transportation process.”
She added that the team also integrates weather forecasts and PESTLE monitoring into its standard risk assessments. “Our HyperCare monitoring service, which is always applied for Cool Corridors, incorporates weather forecast monitoring and PESTLE monitoring so that we can proactively take mitigating measures in case of any disruptions.”
Limiting time out of range (ToR) is a key performance indicator, and Palm said the corridors are specifically designed to keep ToR at an absolute minimum, even in transit. “We work closely with trusted strategic partners to ensure a limited time out of range, even when the shipments are in transit.”
Global stategy
The corridors are not standalone projects—they are part of a broader expansion plan.
“New Cool Corridors have been established between Brussels and Chicago, and between Brussels and Singapore. More corridors will follow to strengthen Kuehne+Nagel’s global healthcare network and provide secure, scalable solutions in key pharmaceutical markets.”
“Together, Kuehne+Nagel and QuickSTAT offer healthcare solutions across the entire product life cycle, including time-critical solutions by QuickSTAT,” Palm noted.
The company is also opening its quality processes to customers to drive further improvements. “By sharing our quality protocol with our clients, we are able to work with the feedback they provide to further enhance the solution according to their specific needs.
“We have seen great interest from clients and have received positive feedback on our approach to partnering with airline carriers to develop a solution that provides greater geographic reach.”
