Qatar Airways Cargo increases Pharma Express flights from Basel

Apr 27, 2017: Qatar Airways Cargo will commence its fourth Pharma Express freighter service operating from Basel, effective May 8. The additional freighter brings the total Pharma Express flights to 10 each week, providing dedicated uplift for pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.

The cargo carrier recently increased its Pharma Express flights from both Basel and Brussels in February this year.

Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer Cargo, Qatar Airways, said, “There is a growing demand worldwide for the safe and reliable transportation of pharmaceuticals. By increasing capacity from Basel, the hub of the Swiss pharmaceutical industry, we are able to provide increased uplift to our customers as well as a seamless cool-chain for pharmaceutical exports out of Basel through our GDP-compliant hub in Doha. Our global customers benefit from additional capacity to import medicines and healthcare products from this major pharmaceutical hub to markets where they are required swiftly, via Qatar Airways scheduled or charter services.”

Qatar Airways Cargo pioneered the innovative and industry-leading Pharma Express flights in 2015, which currently operate from pharmaceutical hubs such as Brussels, Basel, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad to bridge the world’s major pharmaceutical trade lanes. The routes are served by the Airbus A330 freighter aircraft, offering 65 to 68 tonnes of capacity each way.

Qatar Airways Cargo has invested continuously in product development since the introduction of QR Pharma solution.

The use of refrigerated trucks at the hub in Doha ensures the cool-chain is continuous and seamless.

The airline has seen a rapid rise in its pharmaceuticals volume, with a 39 percent increase in temperature-controlled shipments in 2016-17 over the 2015-16 result.

The cargo carrier recently added Sao Paulo as its 71st destination to the expanding QR Pharma network and added the 12th Boeing 777 freighter to its fleet.