Qatar Airways Cargo has added Helsinki to its expanding pharma network, its 74th pharma destination introduced within three months since Dublin was added in June.

Finland is very important in the global pharmaceutical market and boasts expertise in research and development, attracting hundreds of clinical trials every year.

The pharmaceutical service system in Finland is dependent on imports, while exports of substances and medicinal devices grew by over six per cent in 2016.

Qatar Airways launched flights to Helsinki in October last year, with daily Boeing 787 Dreamliners providing belly capacity each way, connecting pharma import and export businesses to a global network of over 150 destinations via the airline’s GDP compliant hub in Doha.

Qatar Airways chief officer for cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann says: “The expansion of our pharma network helps us meet the growing air freight requirements in the pharmaceutical industry where time and temperature management are of paramount importance.”

“We understand the intricacies in maintaining a seamless cool chain for pharmaceuticals. With the inclusion of Helsinki in our QR Pharma network, we can now offer pharmaceutical importers and exporters in Finland seamless connectivity, while adhering to the highest cool chain standards.”

The carrier implements a complete quality audit and training modules at each of its pharma stations, ensuring high operating standards are met for handling pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.

QR Pharma, the airline’s specialist product for pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, offers active solutions as well as passive solutions, including fast transfer times at Doha through its Quick Ramp Transfer, and reefer truck services for ramp transfers.