Qatar Airways Cargo launches dedicated pharma routes

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Qatar Airways Cargo has launched two new Pharma Express routes from India to Doha, which it says provides a “unique and dedicated service to the pharmaceutical industry”.

These additional routes to the carrier’s network have been added following the success of the Brussels-Basel-Doha Pharma Express route launched in January 2015.

The first new Pharma Express route will commence on 10 November and will operate from Mumbai via Ahmedabad (India) to Doha on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The second route will commence on 11 November and will operate from Hyderabad (India) to Doha on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both flights will offer connectivity across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network.

“We are delighted to launch two new pharma express routes from India,” says Ulrich Ogiermann, Qatar Airways chief officer for cargo. “To date, we are the only airline offering this dedicated service to the pharmaceutical industry. The Pharma Express flights will cater to the growing pharmaceutical industry in the region.”

Ogiermann continues: “Air cargo standards for handling time and temperature-sensitive commodities such as pharmaceuticals are becoming more stringent, with stricter guidelines on temperature control.

“Our thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in safeguarding the integrity of these commodities ensures that Qatar Airways Cargo continues to provide meticulous and uncompromised service standards in line with Good Distribution Practice requirements.”

The QR Pharma service will also be provided on both these express routes, which offers both active and passive services.

The Indian pharma market is the world’s third largest in terms of volume and 13th largest in terms of value, according to a report by Equitymaster.

Qatar Airways Cargo announced plans last month to build a new multi-deck cargo facility to be opened by 2018 at Hamad International Airport.

When complete the new facility will increase the hub’s overall capacity to 4.4 million tonnes per year with the potential for further expansion to seven million tonnes in the future.