Insights by Pharma.Aero

In this episode, Frank Van Gelder (Pharma.Aero) speaks with Hunter Ferrell, CEO of Aspen Telematix, to examine how IoT and artificial intelligence are reshaping pharmaceutical logistics.

The discussion explores the industry’s transition from fragmented, delayed data towards real-time intelligence and predictive analytics. While IoT adoption is accelerating, many supply chains still rely on manual processes and disconnected data sources, limiting their ability to proactively manage risks.

Listeners will gain insight into the role of high-resolution data in enabling AI models, the importance of interoperability across platforms, and how predictive capabilities can transform operational decision-making. The episode also addresses future developments, including digital twins, distributed edge computing, and the evolving ROI of IoT investments.

This episode explores one of the most pressing and overlooked challenges in global health logistics: the fact that only 2% of the world’s air cargo capacity serves Sub-Saharan Africa, a region home to 1.6 billion people.

Pharma.Aero Secretary General Frank Van Gelder sits down with Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, The International Air Cargo Association, and discusses how the lack of cargo capacity directly affects access to essential medicines, vaccines, and economic opportunities. Hughes reflects on the pandemic’s stark lessons, where grounded aircraft and diverted capacity limited vaccine availability and, in some cases, cost lives.

Together, they examine how agriculture, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and logistics remain siloed, despite being deeply interconnected. They discuss the rise of counterfeit medicines, shifting trade flows, and the structural barriers that prevent safe, high-value cargo from reaching the people who need it most.

The episode also points forward: why cross-industry action is essential, why global institutions must engage, and how air cargo holds untapped power to improve lives—if capacity, collaboration, and investment are realigned towards health equity and sustainable development.

A data-driven conversation that broadens the lens on air cargo’s role—from commerce facilitator to lifeline for millions.

In this episode of Insights by Pharma.Aero, we ask a crucial question: what have we really learned from the pandemic — and how ready are we for the next crisis?

Host Frank Van Gelder sits down with two leading voices from healthcare and science:

• Prof. Dr. Pierre Van Damme, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Antwerp
• Prof. Dr. Maurizio Cecconi, Head of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan

Together, they explore how the lessons from COVID-19 can shape smarter crisis preparedness — from fire-drill-style training and stronger cross-border collaboration to faster communication and tighter integration with logistics and supply chains.

💬 Key insights include:

• Why speed and trust are the foundation of crisis response
• How scientific networks and logistics systems must train together
• What “fire exercises” can teach us about readiness for future pandemics
• Why communication and confidence are just as vital as vaccines and ventilators

This episode calls for a proactive mindset — because when the next crisis hits, preparation can’t wait until tomorrow.

Geopolitical tensions and evolving trade policies are reshaping pharmaceutical supply chains. This episode explores how tariffs, de-globalization, and shifting sourcing strategies are driving up logistics costs. Gain sharp insights into the hidden pressures shaping the future of pharma trade flows. 

Focused on an ambitious, ground-breaking initiative, PTL Gateway, this episode dives deep into the operational testing of transatlantic supply chains for precision therapies, specifically on the Antwerp–Dallas Fort Worth route.

Explore the real-world logistics of precision therapy shipments with guest Freek De Witte, Director of Air Cargo Belgium, and host Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, discussing the challenges of current airport infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and the need for specialized protocols to manage low-volume, high-value therapies like ATMPs and radioligand treatments.

 With live shipment trials underway, this episode unpacks how community-driven collaboration, real-time data, and flexible frameworks are helping to shape the future of precision logistics. 

Whether you're a pharma manufacturer, logistics provider, or healthcare stakeholder, this episode offers deep insights into how the industry is preparing to deliver next-generation therapies—efficiently, safely, and at scale.

Sustainable Packaging in Life Science & MedTech Air Cargo

Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, and his guests dive into a critical challenge: reducing the environmental impact of tertiary packaging in air cargo. How can the industry move towards more sustainable, reusable, and recyclable packaging solutions without compromising safety and efficiency?

Joining the discussion are:
 ✔ Claire Jung, Global Transportation Quality Manager at Zoetis
 ✔ Olav Glorvigen, Director of Global Product management at Cargolux
✔ Christopher Storch, Head of Sales TempChain International at Envirotainer

💡 Key Takeaways:
📦 "Sustainability is far more than just reducing waste—it’s about rethinking the entire supply chain." – Christopher Storch
🔄 "Reusing packaging requires strict internal qualifications to ensure safety and performance." – Claire Jung
🌍 "Sustainability isn't just an environmental win—it can also be an economic advantage." – Olav Glorvigen

In this episode of the Pharma.Aero Insights podcast, we explore the unique and evolving logistics landscape for precision therapies, focusing on cell, gene, and radioligand treatments.

Join Frank Van Gelder and his guests
Jade Verrept, POM Antwerp (Development Agency of the Antwerp Province) - Cluster Manager of the University of Antwerp Science Park, Point of Contact for the Incubator Darwin, and Co-Founder of at.las ATMP
Mariyam Peñate, Global Account Manager at Expeditors
An D’Hondt, Senior External Manager at PwC Belgium and Project Expert for Pharma.Aero's Precision Therapy Logistics Project

Tune in to learn how these life-saving therapies, with their intricate and highly sensitive supply chains, are pushing the boundaries of traditional pharmaceutical logistics. 

With extreme sensitivity to time and temperature, along with personalized, patient-specific products, precision therapies require an entirely new approach to logistics. Discussions touch on everything from "vein-to-vein" logistics models and make-to-order packaging strategies to the vital role of real-time tracking and specialized handling centres. 

Additional resources:
Pharma.Aero Therapy Logistics Project

In this Pharma.Aero podcast episode, industry experts discuss tackling data, physical, and cybersecurity in pharma shipping.
 
Join Frank Van Gelder and his guests
Tanguy Bullier, Health Safety Security Environment Director for EMEA at WFS
Nicola Caristo, Senior Quality Manager at SkyCell, also project expert - Pharma.Aero Security Standards Project
to learn more about the rising need for cybersecurity and the current gaps in digital maturity across the cargo chain.

The conversation highlights the need for standardized, global security protocols, with new tools like digital twins and AI seen as promising but still developing. Proposing a "global security language," the guests argue for a shared security management system to build mutual trust. Importantly, they underline the role of human collaboration, suggesting that coordinated efforts are as crucial as technological advancements to improve security standards and ensure reliable, efficient pharma transportation.

Additional resources:
Pharma.Aero Security Standards Project aims to develop a new harmonised security standard that ensures the safety, integrity, and compliance of temperature-sensitive valuable pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain. This standard will integrate and harmonise requirements across four critical security pillars: Aviation Security, Customs Security, Asset Protection Security, and Data Security.

Learn more about this project 🔎 Security Standards - pharma.aero - We connect pharma

Japan, a global leader in cutting-edge innovation, plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical market, with its pharmaceutical export industry set to exceed 54 billion US dollars by 2031. The podcast explores the role of international carriers like ANA and 3PL players such as Nippon Express in the Japanese life science market.

Join Frank Van Gelder (Secretary General of Pharma.Aero) and his guests

• Masahiko Takahashi, Vice President Global Marketing of ANA Cargo 
• Eddy Coopmans, Senior Healthcare Manager, Nippon Express Belgium 

"Sea transportation is dominant in terms of weight, accounting for almost 80%, but in terms of value, air import and export account for over 86% of import and export in Japan."

"The demand for CGT products is increasing in Japan, with the gene therapy market projected to increase 20 times larger in 15 years starting from 2020."

"We have been strengthening our logistics contribution to the healthcare industry as a priority industry, focusing on medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and aiming for global expansion and organization development in the life science field."

Discussions revolve around the importance of air transport in the pharmaceutical industry, the challenges posed by evolving healthcare products like ATMP, and the necessity for global collaboration to enhance supply chain operations. ANA's focus on CEIV Pharma certification and advancements in pharmaceutical transportation showcase its proactive approach.

Nippon Express emphasizes the significance of end-to-end visibility and the need for innovative distribution models to meet the rising demand for cell and gene therapy products. 

The direct air corridor between Belgium and Japan emerges as a crucial link, facilitating swift and secure transportation of healthcare products.

Join us as we uncover the intricate ecosystem of the life science industry and the indispensable role of logistics and transportation in shaping its future. 
Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on "Insights" by Pharma.Aero.

From regulatory compliance to collaborative platforms like Pharma.Aero, explore how industry experts are navigating the complexities of ATMP logistics and paving the way for a more efficient and effective healthcare delivery system. 

Join Frank Van Gelder and his guest, Olivier Mary, Chief Commercial and Supply Project Director of Euromed Pharma, shedding light on the crucial role of precision logistics in delivering cutting-edge therapies to those in need. 

Tune in for insights, expertise, and a glimpse into advanced therapy logistics.