Air France KLM Martinair Cargo sees record growth in pharma Transport

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) has seen continuous growth in the transport of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, reaching new records in 2025, the airline confirmed during the FlyPharma Amsterdam conference this week. The company has strengthened its market share while ensuring speed, reliability, and compliance with global standards.

The global pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is expected to reach $1,770 billion this year, driven by biologics, personalised medicine, and digital health. This growth is creating strong demand for airfreight, particularly for temperature-controlled and high-value shipments. Pharma airfreight alone is forecast to grow more than six percent annually, prompting carriers and airports to invest in cold-chain infrastructure, IoT tracking, and digital monitoring tools.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol plays a key role as a global hub for pharmaceutical logistics. Its central location in Europe, advanced facilities, and strong logistics ecosystem make it essential for distributing medicines and vaccines worldwide. In 2024, the Netherlands exports $38.49 billion worth of pharmaceutical products, highlighting the sector’s contribution to trade, innovation, and high-value employment. Schiphol’s importance was particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic when it served as a main gateway for vaccines and temperature-sensitive shipments.

AFKLMP Cargo has established itself as a leader in pharmaceutical logistics, being among the first airlines to receive IATA CEIV Pharma certification. With hubs at Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle, the airline offers flexibility and resilience in a volatile market. GertJan Roelands, SVP Commercial at AFKLMP Cargo, said the company has invested in infrastructure, digital solutions, and specialised teams, which has helped the airline achieve record results in the pharmaceutical segment.

The airline is also focusing on innovation and sustainability, expanding cool-room capacity, developing digital dashboards, and introducing CO2-based refrigerant technology at Paris CDG. AFKLMP Cargo works closely with shippers, forwarders, and life science clusters to deliver time-critical, fully compliant solutions.

“Pharmaceutical logistics is not just about transportation—it is about trust, responsibility, and resilience,” said Roelands. “Our mission is to deliver healthcare products safely and reliably, adapting to new challenges while ensuring patients around the world receive the medicines they need.”