Oncology treatments, cold chain complexity, and the next phase of air cargo’s role in global health
Fabrice Panza, global head of pharmaceutical development at Etihad Cargo, says cancer logistics is not about moving boxes, it is about delivering results. In today’s supply chains, time, temperature and traceability are all non-negotiable.
Clinical trials and building pathways
Etihad Airways GDPR-certified PharmaLife supports a wide range of critical commodities – from diagnostics and vaccines to investigational oncology therapies. By developing targeted corridors, the carrier connects major manufacturing centers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East with emerging markets that often lack local production.
In the UAE, regulators are playing a proactive role. “In Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Health is playing a pivotal role through the Acceleration Program for Research and Clinical Trials,” Panza said. As part of the HELM framework, the program is designed to accelerate advanced experiments. For Etihad Cargo, this means faster clearance and shorter delivery timelines. “We deliver investigational drugs quickly and reliably to trial sites throughout the region.”
The localization of clinical research has accelerated the demand for specialized logistics services, especially for breast cancer treatment and other precision medicines. According to Panza, the consortium network is supporting this push by offering “tailored solutions” from trained pharma champions positioned across key nodes in the network.
Build to temperature and trust
The technical infrastructure behind pharmaceutical logistics is rarely visible from the outside, but it is essential. Etihad Airways Center in Abu Dhabi is GDPR and IATA CEIV Pharma accredited, and includes dedicated cooling and cooling chambers (2-8°C and 15-25°C), continuous temperature mapping, and certified ULD processing systems.
Looking to the future, the carrier is investing more and expects growth in treatments that require more stringent handling. “We are working with global partners like Pharma.Aero on cold chain solutions in anticipation of the next generation of therapeutics, including precision therapies and oncology therapies,” Panza said.
Digitalization plays a central role. The company’s SmartTrack platform positions IoT sensors and feeds live temperature into the network, allowing real-time visibility and, crucially, proactive intervention. “This allows for proactive intervention at any stage of the journey,” Panza said. “Ensuring that oncology shipments arrive safely, on time, and in full compliance with global 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 mandate. “We are incorporating environmentally friendly solutions such as advanced thermal coatings, load optimization, reduced transit times, and next-generation aircraft technologies,” 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 freight is often the only reliable means of transporting life-saving medicines. “We are helping to close gaps in access to critical oncology medicines,” Panza said, referring to partnerships with NGOs and governments that work to improve access.
By 2030, precision medicine will need precision logistics
The next five years will be transformative. As advanced treatments 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. “Etihad Cargo is already preparing for this future with enhanced monitoring, deeper partnerships, and an evolving suite of pharma-focused solutions designed to deliver patient outcomes,” he added.
