How Pharma.Aero is raising the bar for pharma air cargo
In this episode of Conversations, filmed at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, we speak with Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero.
Pharma.Aero is a cross-industry collaboration platform bringing together airlines, airports, forwarders, shippers and regulators to improve the reliability and quality of pharmaceutical air cargo. Van Gelder explains the key gaps that continue to affect pharma logistics, with a particular focus on Africa, including temperature excursions, data silos and inconsistent handling standards across airports and regions.
The discussion explores the importance of industry-wide collaboration, shared standards and data transparency in strengthening cold chain performance. Van Gelder also highlights how Pharma.Aero works with global hubs such as Brussels Airport, Miami International Airport and others to drive practical, measurable improvements in pharma cargo handling.
In conversation with Parijat Sourabh from the STAT Publishing Group, Van Gelder shares his perspectives on building resilience in pharma air cargo, addressing operational blind spots, and what the industry must prioritise as pharmaceutical volumes continue to grow globally.
