Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center (VPHC) increased its total tonnage by 64% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
The cargo centre handled more than 3,600 tons of pharmaceuticals, biotech products and other temperature-sensitive goods in 2022, an increase of over 1,400 tons on 2021.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the VPHC has seen a strong increase in demand for the handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Compared to the pre-crisis year 2019, Vienna Airport has grown its pharmaceutical tonnages by around 173% in 2022. In addition to the ongoing uncertainties in international sea traffic, the increasing internationalisation of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries is also driving the need to safely transport these time-sensitive and fragile goods by aircraft.
The GDP-certified VPHC features state-of-the-art equipment, strictly optimised processes and a special pharma team guaranteeing strict adherence to exact temperature specifications for both handling and storage. Two large-scale cold storage facilities offer warehousing options for temperatures ranging from 2 to 8°C (150m2) and 15 to 25° (1,600m2). Here, movable refrigeration equipment guarantees a secure connection between the air and land sides. In combination with sensitive sensor technology, a comprehensive temperature detection system provides seamless monitoring and documentation of the whole supply chain. The closely timed road feeder network and Vienna's central location enable fast onward distribution via Europe's dense road network. Within 36 hours, 23 countries can be reached by road.
"The repeated record tonnage of the Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center underlines the high quality of handling at the VPHC. Thanks to highly modern equipment, GDP certification and optimised processes, the VPHC enables reliable and speedy handling and is also well equipped for the increasing demand in the future," said Michael Zach, vice president sales, finance & cargo, ground handling & cargo operations at Vienna International Airport.
Image: Vienna International Airport
