Pharma-Hub Frankfurt Airport is the leading European hub for the handling of temperature-sensitive goods

At Frankfurt Airport (FRA), approximately 120,000 tons of vaccines, medications and other pharmaceutical products were handled in 2019. This makes FRA the European leader. In this position, airport operator Fraport and Lufthansa Cargo, together with other partners of the air cargo community[1] at the site, see themselves well prepared for handling a possible corona vaccine.

Currently, around 12,000 square meters of temperature-controlled handling capacity with direct apron access are available at Frankfurt Airport. A good two thirds of this is located in the highly modern Lufthansa Cargo Pharma Hub. An additional 2,000 square meters of space on the further airport grounds are about to be taken into operation. These areas meet international and European standards. For example, Fraport has been meeting the requirements of the CEIV Pharma certificate[2] of the airline association IATA since 2018, as have eleven other service companies operating in Frankfurt. In addition, there are freight forwarders and airlines that meet the EU GDP standard[3]. This means that more than 75 percent of the transport routes at the airport are certified. In addition, Fraport currently uses 20 ultra-modern thermal transporters to ensure the necessary temperature of the goods on their way across the apron as well.

"Frankfurt Airport offers the ideal infrastructural conditions for the handling of pharmaceutical goods. We are closely monitoring the current research for a corona vaccine. When the time comes, we will provide the best possible support together with our partners in the distribution of vaccines and medicines," says Max Philipp Conrady, Head of Central Cargo Infrastructure at Fraport. "Already during the handling of urgently needed protective equipment and partly vital pharmaceutical goods at the beginning of the year, we showed that we, as a cargo community, make an essential contribution to supplying the population".

Lufthansa Cargo is also well prepared to fly a possible corona vaccine around the world. With far reaching destinations and 31 pharmaceutical stations worldwide, all of which are to be CEIV Pharma-certified by the end of 2021, the cargo airline has an excellent network. This means that temperature-sensitive goods, such as vaccines or medicines, can be brought to their destination as quickly as possible. "The last few months have clearly shown us how important well-functioning supply chains are, especially in times of crisis. When it comes to transporting a vaccine against the corona virus, Lufthansa Cargo will also do everything it can to enable fast distribution by air," said Jörg Bodenröder, Director of Handling Specials at Lufthansa Cargo. As one of the first airfreight carriers to focus, among other things, on the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, Lufthansa Cargo can draw on many years of experience in the transport of pharmaceuticals. With almost all the transport options available on the market, customers also have access to a broad product portfolio in which nearly all requirements can be met.

[1] The Air Cargo Community Frankfurt e.V. is an association to promote Frankfurt as an air cargo location. Its more than 50 members include representatives from all areas of the air cargo process chain. The association has various specialist groups that cover the entire range of services offered by companies, institutions and associations with the clear goal of representing Frankfurt as an air cargo location.

[2] The international classification CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) confirms reliable handling of time-critical and temperature-sensitive goods. The global standard was developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It supports airlines, handling companies and forwarders in complying with internationally valid rules and standards for pharmaceutical goods.

[3] In 2013, the EU Commission published the "Guidelines for Good Distribution Practice for Medicinal Products for Human Use", or GDP (Good Distriubution Practice). These are aimed at wholesalers and all companies involved in a supply chain. These guidelines are also mandatory for airfreight service providers.

About Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport

One of the leading players in the global airport business, Fraport AG offers a wide range of operational and management solutions based on over 95 years of aviation expertise. Fraport’s portfolio of companies spans four continents with activities at 31 airports worldwide. In fiscal year 2019 (Dec. 31), Fraport generated sales of €3.7 billion and profit of about €454 million. More than 182 million passengers in 2019 used airports around the world in which Fraport has at least a 50 percent stake. In its Mission Statement, Fraport places the focus on its customers. The Group’s commitment to ensuring a “good trip” to all passengers and travelers is also reflected in its corporate slogan: “Gute Reise! We make it happen”. This applies to all of Fraport’s business activities and services at Germany’s largest aviation hub in Frankfurt and the Group’s airports worldwide.

At its Frankfurt Airport (FRA) home base, Fraport welcomed more than 70.5 million passengers and handled 2.1 million metric tons of cargo (airfreight and airmail) in 2019. A leading hub in the global air transportation system, FRA is the fourth busiest for passenger traffic in Europe. Also in terms of cargo tonnage, FRA is one of the leading hubs in Europe.

Frankfurt Airport City has become Germany’s largest job complex at a single location, employing approximately 81,000 people at some 450 companies and organizations on site. Almost half of Germany’s population lives within a 200-kilometer radius of the FRA intermodal travel hub – the largest airport catchment area in Europe. FRA also serves as a magnet for other companies located throughout the economically vital Frankfurt-RMN (Rhine-Main-Neckar) region. Thanks to synergies associated with the region’s dynamic industries, networked expertise, and outstanding intermodal transportation infrastructure, FRA’s world route network enables Germany’s export-oriented businesses to flourish in global markets. Likewise, FRA is a key gateway for companies wanting to access the huge European marketplace. Thus, Frankfurt Airport – which is strategically located in the heart of Europe – is one of the most important hubs in the global logistics chain.