Etihad Cargo reports 37% increase in pharma shipments in 2023

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, recorded the highest volumes of pharmaceuticals transported in its history with a 37 percent increase in shipments in 2023 compared to 2022.

The carrier also transported 10 percent more fresh and perishable shipments, making 2023 the third consecutive year that Etihad Cargo has achieved growth for both products despite challenging market conditions, says an official release. "This milestone achievement reflects Etihad Cargo's unwavering commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical and perishables logistics, reinforcing its position as a leading global air cargo operator."

Contributing to the increase in cool chain volumes transported by Etihad Cargo in 2023 was the opening of the carrier's dedicated pharma hub, which has doubled its cool chain storage and handling capacity, the release added. "The 3,300 square metre facility comprises the latest technology and features including RFS loading docks with levellers, insulation and floor work for faster and more efficient loading with stricter temperature controls, increased storage space, additional build-up and breakdown zones for improved production workflows and upgraded cool chain facilities for our pharma handling and storage operations. Since launching the new pharmaceutical centre in July 2023, Etihad Cargo immediately achieved an increase in pharmaceutical volumes, recording a 39 percent increase in July, a 40 percent increase in August and a 41 percent increase in September."

Etihad Cargo has also refurbished its perishables handling and storage facility. The carrier operates a 3,000 square metre dedicated perishables temperature-controlled warehouse, providing smoother transfers to Etihad Cargo's FreshForward truck fleet, the release added.

Leonard Rodrigues, Acting Managing Director, Etihad Cargo says: "Etihad Cargo is fully aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global logistics, pharmaceuticals and perishables hub. The carrier's commitment to quality combined with continuous product and infrastructure enhancements has enabled Etihad Cargo to achieve significant growth and contribute to the creation of a more resilient and robust global cool chain."

Etihad Cargo's PharmaLife network covers over 62 destinations, and is actively collaborating with key airline partners to establish further IATA CEIV-certified pharma trade lanes to broaden the carrier's network through dedicated PharmaLife agreements.

Since launching Pharma Corridor 2.0 between Abu Dhabi and Brussels, Etihad Cargo recorded a 10.3 percent increase in volumes transported via the first-of-its-kind corridor and has shipped over 70 percent more pharmaceutical and life sciences cargo volumes since the corridor's creation. "The establishment of Pharma Corridor 2.0 and an expansive global PharmaLife network has enabled Etihad Cargo to bring much-needed transparency, traceability and trackability to the sector, benefiting not only customers but also the global pharma supply chain. Leveraging the success of the Pharma Corridor, Etihad Cargo has launched Fresh Corridor 2.0 between Abu Dhabi and the Netherlands, resulting in a 42 percent increase in fresh volumes transported," says Rodrigues.

Etihad Cargo's expanding freighter network, in combination with the airline's passenger network, supports growing capacity demand for Etihad Cargo's premium products, the release added. In Asia, the carrier added a fourth gateway destination in China — Ezhou — in 2023 and offers more belly hold cargo capacity across new passenger routes to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, operating seven flights per week to each destination. Seven new passenger flights to Chennai bring the total number of weekly flights to 21, supported by a twice-weekly freighter service.

Rodrigues says: "Etihad Cargo's partners have benefited from the carrier's expanded operations in key regions and increased frequencies across critical trade routes for pharmaceutical and perishables flows. For example, India represents 30-40 percent of the global production of generic medications and supplies medicines to over 200 countries. The country is establishing itself as a healthcare hub, which is driving demand for PharmaLife, and Etihad Cargo is committed to supporting emerging and growing markets through new product features, technology and dedicated expertise. In 2023, Etihad Cargo started new pharma roadshows and naturally focused on India. The carrier's Pharma Champions programme is providing local expertise for Etihad Cargo's Indian customers as well as enhancing its connectivity to India's key markets, including North America and Europe. In less than one year, Etihad Cargo has doubled its PharmaLife volumes ex India."

Etihad Cargo recently announced it will be implementing enhanced cargo screening requirements for U.S.-bound shipments from selected stations including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad, and Bangkok, Jakarta, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Singapore.