At the FlyPharma Amsterdam 2025 conference, global pharmaceutical leaders and partners highlighted the need for collaboration to ensure the smooth transport of vital medicines amid changing regulations, geopolitical challenges, and shifting trade flows.
Pharma growth fuels demand for specialized air cargo
The global pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is projected to reach USD 1.77 trillion in 2025, expanding at a mid–single-digit growth rate. Industry optimism is driven by innovation in biologics, personalized medicine, and digital health, as well as by expanding global patient access.
This momentum is translating directly into strong demand for airfreight capacity, particularly for temperature-controlled and high-value shipments. The pharma airfreight segment alone is forecast to grow more than 6 percent annually, as manufacturers and logistics providers prioritize speed, reliability, and compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.
Schiphol: a global hub for pharma logistics
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol plays a vital role as one of the world’s most important pharmaceutical logistics hubs. Its central European location, advanced infrastructure, and strong ecosystem of logistics partners make it indispensable for global pharmaceutical supply chains. Schiphol is not only critical to the worldwide distribution of medicines and vaccines but also to the Dutch economy, reinforcing the Netherlands’ position as a gateway for international trade and innovation in life sciences.
The role of Air France KLM Martinair Cargo in global pharma logistics Air France–KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) has established itself as a pioneer and leader in pharmaceutical logistics, being among the first airlines to achieve IATA CEIV Pharma certification. With its dual-hub structure in Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle, strategically located in Europe’s “pharma belt,” the airline offers unique resilience and flexibility in a volatile market.
“For Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare segment has been a strategic priority over the past five years,” said GertJan Roelands, SVP Commercial, AFKLMP Cargo. “We have invested significantly in our infrastructure at both hubs and key outstations, introduced new digital solutions, and optimized processes to enhance resilience and transport quality. In addition, we have trained and expanded our specialized pharma teams. These efforts are paying off—this year, our results in the pharmaceutical and healthcare segment reached a new record, and our market share has increased.”
Despite geopolitical pressures and market volatility, AFKLMP Cargo remains focused on its fundamentals: on-time delivery and uncompromised cool chain integrity. Its resilience, proven during the pandemic, continues to guide its long-term strategy.
“Pharmaceutical logistics is not just about transportation—it is about trust, responsibility, and resilience,” said GertJan Roelands. “Our mission is to deliver healthcare products safely and reliably, adapting to new challenges while ensuring patients around the world receive the medicines they need.”
