Brussels Airlines Cargo implements temperature-sensitive solutions

Apr 20, 2017: Brussels Airlines Cargo has decided to include the pharma transporter in its default service and commercial offer for all pharma shipments requiring temperature control. The cargo division at Brussels Airlines has taken the Airside Pharma Transporter into operation as a launch customer.

This pilot project was initiated by Brussels Airport in order to offer reliable controlled temperature transports between warehouse and aircraft for pharmaceutical goods. In addition, real-time data about the temperature is made available to the customer and shipper in order to guarantee instant follow-up, offering full transparency throughout. The project was managed within the BRUcargo Pharma Hub project group.

The Airside Pharma Transporter uses a new type of cooling technology and relies on solar power technology to operate autonomously for several days. This allows for an energy neutral transport of the temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments at Brussels Airport.

Four Airside Pharma Transport vehicles are now available and approved for operational use at Brussels Airport. Brussels Airlines Cargo will operate all available transporters on the certified as an integral part of its pharma product, routes and provide the customer peace of mind about controlled temperature conditions at the airport.

Reinout Puissant, business development & product manager, Brussels Airlines, said, "Brussels Airlines Cargo has decided to include the pharma transporter in its default service offer for all pharma shipments requiring temperature control. We herewith respond to the request of the industry to take the lead in quality improvements throughout the entire supply chain, including the part we don't operate ourselves. The airline is the natural advocate for shippers and forwarders to close the gaps in those areas where they have less visibility."

Nathan De Valck, cargo & product development manager, Brussels Airport, said, "A slot booking application for the transporter will be made available to the community after the test phase. Additionally, we are implementing a cloud solution for real-time whereabouts and temperature monitoring including inputs from the airside transporter. This last step will enable us to certify the entire lane, from end to end and all steps visible to the pharma sector. Brussels Airport aims to upscale the program to all airline customers, after this pilot phase with Brussels Airlines.”