As the demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals continues to rise, Vienna Airport has become a key player in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient cold chain logistics. The airport’s state-of-the-art Vienna Pharma Handling Centre (VPHC) has earned a reputation for excellence in managing and monitoring pharmaceutical shipments, thanks to its advanced technology, seamless operations, and strategic location.
Advancing technology and temperature control
According to Michael Zach, Senior Vice President of Ground Handling and Cargo Operations at Vienna Airport, technological advancements in temperature control and monitoring have been crucial to the airport’s success in maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical cold chain: “The evolution of temperature control and monitoring systems has allowed us to not only enhance individual cold chain facilities but also prevent temperature deviations across different facilities.
“This ensures the creation of a safe supply chain, with the Vienna Pharma Handling Center at the heart of these efforts.” The VPHC features extensive monitoring sensors that track temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, air pressure, and security via CCTV. These tools help ensure that pharmaceutical products are safely managed from their arrival at the airport to their delivery at destinations, reducing the risks of temperature deviations during transit.
Tackling regulatory challenges
The global regulatory landscape for pharmaceutical handling has evolved significantly over the past decade, with increasing emphasis on compliance and transparency. Zach pointed out that while international standards have improved consistency, there are still challenges in accommodating the unique characteristics of different supply chains.
“Temperature control, strict record-keeping, and transparency remain major regulatory hurdles. The challenge lies in balancing these global standards with the specific needs of individual supply chains and facilities,” he explained.
Seamless integration of air and road transport
One of the key aspects of Vienna Airport’s cold chain operations is the seamless integration of air and road transport.
Zach emphasised the importance of using containers that can efficiently transition between air and road transport while ensuring consistent temperature control. The direct connection system between trucks and pharmaceutical centers is another critical feature, effectively preventing external air from influencing the temperature during transfers: “By offering an end-to-end pharmaceutical service, from aircraft to truck and vice versa, we minimize the chances of temperature deviations and streamline the transit process. Our system allows us to handle everything from the storage to the final delivery with state-of-the-art equipment and processes.”
Expanding capacity to meet growing demand
Vienna Airport’s strategic position as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe has been a significant factor in its growth as a pharmaceutical hub. In 2024, the airport handled over 4,200 tonnes of pharmaceutical shipments, marking a 15.3 percent increase from the previous year.
“We are preparing for continued growth, expanding our services in packaging, cooling containers, and more, to meet the demands of an evolving industry,” Zach noted. However, with the rising volume of pharmaceutical shipments, Vienna Airport is also facing capacity challenges.
“Surges in volume can lead to shortages in handling and storage space. To maintain speed and efficiency, we focus on advance reservations and clear communication with our customers to optimize space allocation and staffing,” Zach explained.
Sustainability in cold chain operations
As the cold chain industry continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable practices. Vienna Airport has taken significant strides to reduce its environmental footprint.
Since 2023, the airport’s operations have been CO2-neutral, powered in part by the largest photovoltaic plant in Austria, which provides 50 percent of the airport’s annual electricity consumption. In addition, the airport utilises CO2-neutral district heating, helping to cut CO2 emissions by approximately 21,000 tons annually. “We’re committed to sustainability, operating an e-fleet of about 450 electric vehicles and employing smart energy solutions that help us meet our environmental goals without compromising our cold chain services,” Zach said.
