DHL expands global pharma airfreight network

DHL Group is expanding its dedicated Airfreight Cold Chain Network to enhance its Life Sciences & Healthcare logistics offering. The move forms part of the company’s €2 billion strategic investment in DHL Health Logistics.

The expanded network will provide end-to-end visibility for temperature-sensitive medicines, vaccines, biologics, and cell and gene therapies. It targets the growing demands of major pharmaceutical and healthcare companies for reliable, compliant and transparent cold chain solutions.

Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, said customers are seeking more resilient and cost-efficient supply chains. He added that the strengthened network combines DHL Aviation’s global connectivity, GDP-compliant stations and modern temperature-controlled facilities to deliver consistent quality for critical therapies.

The first key corridor will link Brussels (BRU) and Cincinnati (CVG). The route connects the US Midwest, a major pharma hub, with one of Europe’s leading life sciences clusters. By avoiding congested coastal gateways, the lane offers a direct, temperature-controlled pathway for high-value and time-critical shipments.

In Brussels, the operation is supported by 45,000 sqm of pharma-dedicated space at BRUcargo, ensuring clinical-grade handling standards across the chain.

To support the expansion, DHL has deployed a dedicated Boeing 777F between Brussels and Cincinnati. The aircraft carries the new “DHL Health Logistics” livery and provides controlled, predictable capacity on a critical pharma route.

By reducing reliance on third-party carriers and commercial airlines, DHL aims to improve temperature control and product integrity. The expanded network now connects more than 30 GDP-compliant aviation hubs and gateways worldwide, strengthening resilience amid geopolitical pressures, capacity constraints and tighter regulations.

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