Oncology treatment, cold chain complexity, and the next phase of air cargo’s role in global health
Fabrice Panza, global head of pharmaceuticals at Etihad Cargo, says cancer logistics isn’t about moving boxes, it’s about delivering results. In today’s supply chains, time, temperature and traceability are all non-negotiable.
Clinical Trials and Formulations
Etihad Airways’ GDPR-certified PharmaLife supports a wide range of critical products – from diagnostics and vaccines to investigational oncology treatments. By building targeted corridors, the carrier connects major manufacturing hubs in Europe, Asia and the Middle East with emerging markets that often lack local manufacturing.
In the UAE, regulators play an active role. “In Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Health plays an important role through the accelerator program for research and clinical trials,” Panza said. As part of the HELM framework, this program is designed to accelerate the development of experiments. For Etihad Cargo, this means faster clearance and shorter delivery times. “We deliver investigational drugs quickly and reliably to trial sites across the region.”
The localization of clinical research has accelerated the demand for specialized logistics services, especially for breast cancer treatment and other precision medicine. According to Panza, the consortium network supports this push by offering “expert solutions” from trained pharma champions across key nodes in the network.
Build for warmth and trust
The technical infrastructure behind pharmaceutical logistics is rarely seen from the outside, but it is essential. Etihad Airways’ facility in Abu Dhabi is GDPR and IATA CEIV Pharma accredited, and includes refrigeration and air conditioning rooms (2-8°C and 15-25°C), continuous temperature mapping, and certified ULD processing systems.
Looking to the future, the carrier is investing heavily and expects growth in treatments that require more intensive management. “We are working with global partners such as Pharma.Aero on cold chain solutions in anticipation of the next generation of therapies, including precision medicine and oncology therapies,” Panza said.
Digitization plays a central role. The company’s SmartTrack platform deploys IoT sensors and feeds live temperature to the network, allowing for real-time visibility and, crucially, proactive intervention. “It allows for proactive intervention at every stage of the journey,” Panza said. “Ensuring that oncology shipments arrive safely, on time and in full compliance with international quality standards.”
Even as the industry tightens its control protocols, another pressure is mounting: reducing emissions.
Panza does not see this as a contradiction, but rather a dual mission. “We incorporate environmentally friendly solutions such as advanced thermal coatings, load optimization, reduced transit times, and next-generation aircraft technology,” he said. “For us, sustainability supports reliability and builds long-term trust with customers.”
This trust is especially important in deprived areas, where healthcare infrastructure is limited and air cargo is often the only reliable means of transporting life-saving medicines. “We are helping to close the gaps in access to critical oncology drugs,” said Panza, referring to partnerships with NGOs and governments working to improve access.
By 2030, precision medicine will require precision logistics
The next five years will be transformative. As advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapies move from the trial stage to front-line care, air cargo will be asked to do more — with less margin for error.
“By 2030, air cargo will be an essential lifeline for precision medicine,” Panza said. “Alliance Cargo is already preparing for this future with advanced monitoring, deep partnerships, and an advanced suite of medicine-focused solutions designed to deliver patient outcomes,” he added.
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