Qatar Airways Cargo will commence its fourth Pharma Express freighter service operating from Basel, effective May 8. The additional freighter brings total Pharma Express flights to 10 each week, providing dedicated uplift for pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.The award-winning cargo carrier recently increased its Pharma Express flights from both Basel and Brussels in February this year.
Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo said, “There is a growing demand worldwide for safe and reliable transportation of pharmaceuticals. By increasing capacity from Basel, the hub of 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 major pharmaceutical hub to markets where they are required swiftly, via Qatar Airways scheduled or charter services.”
Qatar Airways Cargo pioneered innovative and industry-leading Pharma Express flights in 2015, which currently operate from Brussels, Basel, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. The routes are served by Airbus A330 freighter aircraft, offering 65 to 68 tonnes of capacity each way. A dedicated hub operations team monitors climate-control on all temperature-sensitive shipments to ensure temperature-controlled process is seamless. Qatar Airways also engages in regular external audits by shippers and forwarders to maintain highest standards of compliance and service quality.
Qatar Airways Cargo has invested continuously in product development since introduction of QR Pharma solution. QR Pharma, specialised air freight solution for time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, is airline’s fastest growing product. The product offers active and passive transportation for customers. Both solutions have a high loading and handling priority, including late cut-off times and prioritised destination delivery for QR Pharma shipments. As required by product specifications, pharmaceutical shipments are stored, transported and handled under strict monitored conditions in a climate-controlled environment, during every stage of transportation.
