IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has reported a 22% year on year increase in tonnage for its Constant Climate product in 2024, compared to 2023, reflecting the pharmaceutical industry’s increasing demand for temperature controlled air freight.

The Constant Climate Product is a cold chain solution designed for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, biotech products, diagnostic samples, and other temperature-sensitive materials.

In recent years, the global pharma sector has been growing as a result of aging populations, increasing demands for new treatments, and advancements in research and development. Air cargo is a key part in ensuring a functioning supply chain that is able to deliver in these areas.

According to data from the International Trade in Goods Division, Ireland saw a 48% increase (€2,908 million) in pharma exports in January 2024 the previous year. The Indian government also saw growth, revealing that it commands around 20% of the world’s pharma supply, as its exports increased from $2.13 billion to $2.31 billion in 2024. IAG Cargo also reported that around 50% of all the temperature-controlled shipments originated in these two countries.

To keep up with the growing demand, IAG Cargo has also expanded its network in recent years. It has approximately 100 approved Constant Climate transport stations, including in Cincinnati, Ohio (US), Cape Town, South Africa, and Strasbourg, France.

In addition to this, it has three Constant Climate Quality Centre (CCQC) facilities for pharmaceuticals in Dublin, Madrid, and the New Premia facility at London Heathrow, which doubled its chain storage and handling capacities.

Jordan Kohlbeck, head of pharmaceutical at IAG Cargo, said of the recent growth: “The safe, controlled movement of pharmaceuticals is more important than ever due to increasing global demand, medical advances, regulatory requirements, and the undeniable need for rapid response to medical crises.

“As the industry continues to grow, ensuring life-saving medicines and treatments reach patients in optimal condition will become even more important. We at IAG Cargo are committed to providing world-class temperature-controlled solutions and have invested heavily in our people and facilities to ensure we can be trusted to deliver these goods with the greatest care and precision.”