Etihad Cargo is making significant strides in bolstering its cool chain infrastructure to meet the growing demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products. With the recent expansion of its pharma hub in Abu Dhabi, the carrier has doubled its cool chain storage and handling capacity, a move designed to streamline operations and improve service delivery for the global pharmaceutical sector.

Doubling capacity

Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad Cargo, shared the impact of this expansion on operational efficiency: “Doubling our cool chain capacity has allowed us to handle larger volumes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals while ensuring their integrity. With advanced infrastructure, streamlined workflows, and faster turnaround times, we minimise handling risks and enhance our supply chain resilience.”

As part of its commitment to ensuring product integrity, Etihad Cargo has not only increased its cool chain capacity but also introduced new stations and added more flight frequencies.

Despite these expansions, Brun emphasised that maintaining the quality of pharmaceutical shipments remains a top priority:
“We adhere strictly to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and IATA CEIV Pharma standards. Our certified ground handlers are trained to Etihad’s high standards, and we invest in advanced temperature monitoring technologies to ensure the safe transport of sensitive products.”

Etihad Cargo’s growth in the pharmaceutical sector has been driven by a focus on customer experience and tailored solutions.
“Our customers are the driving force behind our success. Strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and new trade lanes have strengthened our ability to meet demand,” Brun noted.

The airline has also expanded its PharmaLife certified trade lanes to over 2,350 destinations globally, which has enhanced product traceability and integrity. “These certified lanes have enabled greater visibility and better monitoring of pharmaceutical shipments, reducing the risk of temperature fluctuations,” Brun added.

From fresh corridor to forward growth

In addition to its pharma-focused initiatives, Etihad Cargo launched Fresh Corridor 2.0 in 2024, aimed at improving the handling of perishables between Abu Dhabi and the Netherlands. The introduction of this corridor has had a tangible impact on reducing spoilage rates and improving transit times for perishable goods.

“Fresh Corridor 2.0 has optimised cool chain handling and real-time tracking, which has significantly reduced spoilage and improved efficiency in the supply chain,” said Brun. Etihad expects FreshForward volumes to grow by 14 percent in 2025 due to the corridor’s success.

Looking to the future, Etihad Cargo is exploring further innovations to improve cool chain efficiency and minimise the risk of temperature excursions. “We are investing in blockchain traceability and IoT-enabled real-time monitoring, which will further enhance transparency in our supply chain. Additionally, we are advancing our packaging solutions, using phase-change materials and active temperature control containers to safeguard pharmaceutical shipments,” Brun revealed.

Etihad Cargo is also actively shaping the future of pharmaceutical logistics through educational initiatives. The airline co-founded the Pharma Logistics Winter University, a collaboration with Pharma.Aero, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and leading academic institutions. This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap in pharmaceutical logistics and nurture the next generation of industry leaders. “By investing in this initiative, we are contributing to the development of talent and fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical logistics sector,” said Brun.

Pharma ambitions

As Abu Dhabi strengthens its position as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences, Etihad Cargo sees its role as pivotal in supporting the region’s vision. “Our commitment to providing world-class cool chain services ensures the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, reinforcing the region’s leadership in the global healthcare market,” Brun affirmed.

Through the Pharma Logistics Winter University, Etihad Cargo is also helping to develop the skills and expertise of future leaders in the field. “Future leaders must not only understand the specialised requirements of life sciences but also the latest innovations in cold chain management, risk management, and advanced control tower technologies,” Brun stated.