Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center increases annual tonnage by 64%
With yet another record tonnage handled, Vienna Airport's highly modern and specialized facility solidifies its position as a vital pharmaceutical centre for Central and Eastern Europe.
In 2022, the Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center (VPHC) increased its overall tonnage by 64% over the previous year. An increase of almost 1,400 tons was recorded with the handling of more than 3,600 tons of pharmaceuticals, biotech products, and other temperature-sensitive goods.
With yet another record tonnage handled, Vienna Airport's highly modern and specialized facility solidifies its position as a vital pharmaceutical centre for Central and Eastern Europe.
"The repeated record tonnage of the Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center shows that Vienna Airport is an indispensable and leading pharmaceutical hub for Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, this underlines the high quality of handling at the VPHC. Here we provide the increasingly internationally active pharma sector with important and, above all, safe access to the often life-saving cold chains. Thanks to highly modern equipment, GDP certification and optimised processes, the VPHC enables reliable and speedy handling and is also well equipped for the increasing demand in the future," said Michael Zach, Vice President Sales, Finance & Cargo, Ground Handling & Cargo Operations, Vienna International Airport.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the VPHC has seen a significant surge in demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical handling. Compared to the pre-crisis year 2019, Vienna Airport's pharmaceutical tonnages have increased by around 173% in 2022. Aside from the continued uncertainty in international water trade, the growing globalisation of the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors is boosting the demand for these time-sensitive and fragile items to be securely transported by airplane.
The GDP-certified VPHC is well prepared for the trend of growing pharmaceutical transportation to continue. Modern equipment, highly optimized procedures, and a dedicated pharma staff ensure excellent adherence to temperature regulations for both handling and storage. Two large-scale cold storage facilities provide warehousing choices for temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (150 square meters) and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (15 to 25 degrees Celsius) (1,600 square meters). Moving refrigeration equipment ensures a solid link between the air and land sides here.
A complete temperature detection system, when combined with sensitive sensor technology, enables continuous monitoring and documentation of the whole supply chain. The well-timed road feeder network and strategic position of Vienna allow for quick onward distribution across Europe's dense road network. By road, 23 nations may be reached in 36 hours.
As host of this year's "FlyPharma Europe" conference, Vienna Airport emphasises its standing as a global pharmaceutical hub. From 9 to 11 October 2023, the event will bring together many international pharmaceutical companies, freight forwarders and airlines at Vienna Airport. Central actors for supply and value chains in medicines and air freight will exchange information, experiences and opinions on technologies, regulations, cooperation, and trends.
