By Andrea Ladouceur
Globally, over 35 per cent of the world’s pharmaceuticals move by air. Ninety per cent of specialized medicines are transported by air. This cargo requires security, temperature control and is considered high-yield cargo, and its regular routes around the world are changing in a big way.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis has exposed the fragility of the global pharma logistics system. What was once an efficient route now threatens the timely and safe delivery of life-saving medicine to the world.
The conversation is now on diversification and redundancy to build resiliency, focusing on these priorities:
• Build logistic capacity in strategic locations that are stable and easy to access (rerouting outside the Gulf).
• Invest in air cargo routes that create capacity when shipping is delayed.
• Industry must expand cold chain and specialized handling capabilities in both primary and secondary hubs.
In partnership, the Winnipeg Airport Authority and BAM went to LogiPharma Europe where global leaders met to discuss where industry is heading with cold storage, air cargo and supply chains for pharmaceuticals.
We also shared Winnipeg Airport’s new $150M cold storage facility with the specifications needed for pharmaceuticals and Manitoba’s ever-expanding transportation advantages.
This is an advantage for Manitoba. The world needs more secure medicine air cargo options and cold storage options. Companies are expanding to areas that are safe, stable and rich in transportation logistics. As the medicine manufacturing hub of Canada, Manitoba has a lot to offer in this space.
The conversation is no longer just about efficiency and speed. Instead, there is a growing emphasis on resilience, redundancy, adaptability, and preparedness amid ongoing global uncertainty. These companies are acting. We met with companies that have opened their first North American location, and others are planning to do the same. This is where Manitoba can play a role in the safe supply of medicine for the world (and maybe for Canada, too).
We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent our community at LogiPharma and look forward to continuing these conversations closer to home.