Beneath the surface of pharmaceutical logistics, what FlyPharma 2025 has revealed

• FlyPharma Europe 2025 brought together more than 160 experts in logistics and life sciences to address challenges in pharmaceutical transportation, with a focus on compliance, sustainability, digitalization and collaboration amid increasing operational complexity.
• Sustainability and digitalization issues dominated the discussions, with a focus on balancing environmental ambitions with real-world logistical requirements and overcoming fragmented data systems to unlock transparency and efficiency.
• The event stressed that people remain the true driver of progress in pharmaceutical logistics, where innovation, coordination and shared purpose are essential to foster resilient, patient-focused supply chains.

FlyPharma Europe 2025 brought together more than 160 logistics and life sciences professionals to face the evolving realities of pharmaceutical transport. What has emerged is a reflection of the sector’s growing pains, its untapped potential, and the urgent need to rethink how compliance, sustainability, collaboration and innovation intersect.

The host city reaffirmed its strategic role in global pharmaceutical flows, with infrastructure development aimed at strengthening its position, even by mentioning Maastricht Airport (MST) as a “second runway”. However, amid this optimism, participants acknowledged persistent challenges: fragmented auditing processes, inconsistent handling standards, and lack of unified data systems.

Sustainability has dominated the agenda. Discussions ranged from packaging and reverse logistics to the feasibility of zero emissions targets and the role of the SAF. Although ambitions are high, many agreed that environmental goals must be balanced with operational realities, especially in temperature-sensitive supply chains. Circulation, waste reduction and carbon footprint reduction emerged as key priorities.

Digitalization is positioned as both a solution and a challenge. While unified platforms and data control promise greater transparency, insights, and operational efficiency, the industry continues to suffer from fragmented systems, trust in AI, and a lack of shared data. The potential is clear, but adoption requires alignment, collaboration and cultural change across the supply chain.

The first day of the conference concluded with a powerful reminder: innovation in pharmaceutical logistics must ultimately serve human needs. A workshop focused on a real medical emergency brought this into sharp focus, as participants explored models of decision-making in a scenario where timing and coordination were crucial. The presence and active participation of the individual affected by the issue shifted the discussion from theoretical to deeply personal, reinforcing the purpose behind each system, process and improvement. It was a moment that brought clarity and purpose, reminded everyone of the importance of this work, and grounded the real-life innovation it aims to protect.

The workshops and panel discussions revealed that people – not just processes or technology – remain the most important and challenging element in the pharmaceutical supply chain. While some argued that mindset matters more than individuals, others stressed the need to engage teams through storytelling and shared purpose. The emergence of cell and gene therapies has increased the urgency of the conversation, highlighting the need for expert engagement, community standards, and cross-functional coordination.

FlyPharma Europe 2025 made one thing clear: the future of pharmaceutical logistics will not be shaped by technology alone, but by people and their willingness to act, adapt and collaborate.