ECS Group supports CORSAIR’s pharma audit readiness

ECS Group’s subsidiary, Aero Cargo International France, is working with CORSAIR and pharma logistics specialist Healthc’Air to implement an end-to-end pharmaceutical cargo management solution for the airline.

The 20-week implementation project is designed to create a robust and audit-ready quality management system that will support CORSAIR’s pharmaceutical cargo operations and strengthen its position in the sector.

Aero Cargo International, which has been CORSAIR’s GSSA partner for 40 years, said the project began with an in-depth lane risk assessment. The assessment covered quoting, booking and ground handling agent processes to identify and reduce or remove deviations.

The partners are developing a comprehensive end-to-end pharma shipment management solution aimed at achieving the highest quality standards.

Guillaume Tourneret, Managing Director France of Aero Cargo International, said pharmaceutical cargo is a high-yield and strategic growth driver for CORSAIR. He said it already represents more than 4% of the airline’s annual tonnage and more than doubles on exports to the French Overseas network, with rates 15–20% above general cargo.

Tourneret said the collaboration with CORSAIR and Healthc’Air would deliver an audit-ready, end-to-end solution that would strengthen competitiveness and position the airline as a trusted partner for high-value pharmaceutical flows.

Pharmaceutical cargo is becoming an increasingly important focus product for CORSAIR and for the wider industry. The release noted that during times of crisis, pharmaceutical shipments can shift quickly from sea to air and therefore require partners that can adapt rapidly by offering capacity or introducing new niche destinations.

CORSAIR said it is important for the airline to remain flexible while complying with the strict standards of pharmaceutical logistics. The initiative is intended to support the airline’s expansion into high-value healthcare segments, including sensitive shipments such as oncology treatments and human organs.

The 20-week roll-out plan is based on three main pillars: evaluating the existing network and preparing an overview of station and fleet capabilities; connecting theory with practice and creating an operational database; and implementing and refining processes as the product is rolled out.

Yulia Celetaria, Global Director Pharma of Healthc’Air, said the implementation began with pharma training for the commercial team, followed by discussions and meetings to better understand day-to-day processes and communication with CORSAIR.

Celetaria said that once the project is fully implemented, CORSAIR will have a robust system in place that strengthens its competitiveness in the long term. She added that being pharma-audit ready at any given moment increases customer trust and supports the gradual growth of pharmaceutical cargo volumes.

Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, said collaboration creates the strongest solutions and thanked the CORSAIR, Healthc’Air and Aero Cargo teams for their contributions to the project.