In addressing pharmaceutical logistics, it’s crucial for all stakeholders to recognise the extensive and costly nature of production processes. This awareness drives the focus on closing transportation gaps and minimising potential losses.
With over 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical logistics, Turkish Cargo operates with this acute awareness, allowing the carrier to anticipate evolving customer needs and swiftly adjust to the high quality and standards demanded by this industry.
“At Turkish Cargo, our approach revolves around products and industries. That’s why we’ve constructed SMARTIST, a facility that stands as one of the largest in the world, boasting robotic storage systems and an annual handling capacity of 2.2 million tonnes,” Ali Türk – Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines, stated.
“Within SMARTIST, we offer dedicated and specialised storage and operational areas customizsd for each unique cargo product, including those specific to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
“Throughout the construction phase of SMARTIST, we meticulously adhered to IATA CEIV Pharma and GDP regulations to meet the requirements of these industries. At Turkish Cargo, we’ve also formed a specialized pharma operation team and successfully obtained the prestigious International Air Transportation Association (IATA) CEIV Pharma certificate.
Tiered approach
Turkish Cargo has recently introduced three new sub-products as part of the TK Pharma product line: TK Pharma Standard, TK Pharma Extra, and TK Pharma Advanced, aiming to enhance our high service quality.
To achieve this, the carrier began by categorising pharmaceutical shipments based on their sensitivity and transportation requirements. Subsequently, the airline developed new industrial solutions tailored to each category, leading to the creation of our new product structures.
“TK Pharma Standard adheres to industry standards, offering expert handling, priority loading, dedicated temperature-controlled storage, a trained operations team, and 24/7 customer service across the entire TK Pharma Network under Turkish Cargo’s assurance,” Türk explained
“TK Pharma Extra goes above industry standards by utilising temperature-controlled dollies during tarmac operations and continuous monitoring through our 24/7 Pharmaceutical Control Tower from departure to destination.
“TK Pharma Advanced minimizes temperature deviations by utilising active temperature-controlled or advanced passive containers, maintaining cargo at a fixed temperature between -70°C / +30°C as per customer requirements. Our dedicated and trained pharma team exclusively manages all operations related to pharmaceutical shipments, utilising the SMARTIST Temperature Controlled Centre (TCC) and adhering to the last in, first out (LIFO) principle to minimize environmental impact.
Above and beyond
As Turkish Cargo, the carrier is clear in its adherance to a strict audit program aligned with IATA CEIV Pharma and GDP standards to maintain the quality of TK Pharma High-Quality Stations.
Through audits and assessments, the carrier identifies stations capable of delivering top-notch service in pharmaceutical shipments. Additionally, trend analysis and monthly performance checklists are utilised as part of this process. Monthly performance of stations is closely monitored, and training is provided to enhance awareness. Regular re-audits are conducted to ensure that suppliers comply with the necessary standards.
In addition, features of TK Pharma Extra, TK Pharma Advanced offer active and hybrid/advanced passive container solutions sourced from multiple suppliers. These containers effectively shield pharmaceutical shipments from the effects of environmental conditions during transportation. This allows Turkish Cargo to accommodate pharmaceutical shipments within a wide temperature range, spanning from -70°C to +25°C, ensuring the integrity of the cold chain throughout the journey.
“As Turkish Cargo, we continue to invest in temperature-controlled shipment infrastructure, aligning with our strategic plans published in 2023. Accordingly, we have initiated the conceptual design phase of SMARTIST Phase-2, which will serve as the mega hub of Turkish Cargo,” Türk stated.
“Through this investment, our temperature cargo capacity will increase by over 100%, encompassing storage facilities and dedicated areas for handling temperature-sensitive products. Once completed, SMARTIST will boast the largest capacity for temperature-controlled shipment handling.
“Flying more countries than any other airline, our primary focus lies in enhancing quality not just at our hub, but also at our outstations. We’re actively urging our subcontractors to elevate their operational standards, a move that will facilitate the expansion of our TK Pharma High-Quality Stations.
“Beyond operational enhancements, we’re making substantial investments to enhance the visibility and digitalisation of the pharmaceutical transportation process. These investments will reinforce our capacity to track and monitor shipments in real-time, offering our customers enhanced transparency and peace of mind
