Vienna- The Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center (VPHC) at Vienna Airport now also handles pharma freight for Lufthansa Cargo. As part of a cooperation between the Lufthansa Group’s cargo subsidiary and Vienna Airport, the handling of all pharma cargo transported on board Austrian Airlines aircraft to or from Vienna Airport will take place at the VPHC from now on.

With the VPHC, Vienna Airport operates its own GDP-certified competence center for handling temperature-sensitive air cargo without interrupting the cold chain. The VPHC will further strengthen Vienna Airport’s role as a pharma hub for Central and Eastern Europe with Lufthansa Cargo’s intercontinental network. Freight volumes here have grown significantly in recent years.

Lufthansa Cargo, the Group subsidiary responsible for freight in the Lufthansa Group, is also responsible for the cargo business of Austrian Airlines. On board its passenger aircraft, the Austrian flag carrier also distributes transport goods in an extensive intercontinental network as belly cargo, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive goods.

The cooperation further establishes Vienna Airport as a strong pharma hub for Central and Eastern Europe. Austria’s most important international airport has significantly increased its tonnages in this area.

By linking the intercontinental air cargo capacities of Austrian Airlines to the capabilities of the VPHC, Vienna Airport is well prepared for further growth in this sector. State-of-the-art facilities for handling and storing temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and GDP certification ensure optimal processes at the VPHC, handled by a specialized pharma team and monitored by comprehensive temperature control systems.

Two large refrigerated warehouses offer storage facilities for temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (150 square meters) and 15 to 25 degrees (1600 square meters). Mobile refrigeration equipment also provides a seamless link between the air and land sides for temperature-sensitive products.

Regular and closely timed road feeder services at Vienna Airport also enable fast distribution via the European road network. As per the geographically advantageous positions in Europe, pharma shipments from Vienna can reach 23 countries within 36 hours.