Cargolux is the first airline worldwide to be GDP certified, which underlines its strong commitment to the safe and expedient movement of high-value temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments across its global network.

Good Distribution Practice is a quality system dedicated to the handling of healthcare and pharmaceutical products, from the delivery of raw materials to the manufacturing plants to the final shipment to the end user. Internationally accepted pharmaceutical GDP regulations demand that companies handling and transporting pharmaceutical products align their operations with the defined standards. An independent attestation of compliance with EU GDP/WHO requirements has confirmed Cargolux’s dedication to operate a consistent quality management system across the transportation process.

At its home base in Luxembourg, Cargolux relies on specialized, state-of-the-art infrastructure. The LuxairCARGO Pharma & Healthcare Center, a purpose-built temperature-controlled pharmaceutical storage facility at its Luxembourg hub, offers the world’s first fully GDP certified airfreight platform, including a variety of storage areas, each catering to specific temperature requirements, dedicated and temperature-controlled truck docks and build-up/break down areas. Building on this infrastructure, Cargolux has established detailed procedures, responsibilities and extensive proactive communication to ensure operational and healthcare compliance in cooperation with suppliers and customers. Outstation ground suppliers follow dedicated GDP procedures under close Cargolux supervision.

The GDP certification also recognizes Cargolux’s operation of a specialized fleet of Boeing 747 freighters with four independently-controlled temperature zones and its qualified team of cool chain experts, experienced in the handling of healthcare goods in an effective, end-to-end temperature controlled process.