| EPC gets the low-down on airfreight issues past, present and future, as Serge Alezier of Air France Cargo-KLM Cargo reports back from a unique event for the pharmaceutical market
Major players of the French pharmaceutical market gathered for a one-day seminar in October 2006 in Paris-Bougival, facilitated by Air France Cargo-KLM Cargo. The seminar, entitled ‘The stakes of the pharmaceutical industry in the field of air transportation’, drew 120 representatives from various French and international companies, ranging from manufacturers and forwarding industries to experts in air regulations, along with special guest members from healthcare authorities. Amidst a bustling atmosphere, participants made multiple contacts, enjoying the spirit of innovation.
TODAY’S DEMANDS
As partners of the airlines involved in the logistic chain of transportation, there was strong representation from forwarders, including those specifically involved in the pharmaceutical industry. Some of the speakers, including Geodis, SDV-Saga and DHL, emphasised the current demands of the pharmaceutical market. These include the launch of new products – patents as well as generics – the increased number of governmental regulations, door-to-door temperature-controlled logistics, the fight against counterfeit products and increased security measures against terrorism.
According to most forwarders, logistic solutions may succeed only when the appropriate approach is taken and technical customised solutions geared by necessary investments are in place. As a result, the internal forwarder organisation evolves to include a dedicated pharmaceutical sales teams, whose unique selling point is their training and awareness campaigns, which invite most of their suppliers and customers to be involved in their decision-making processes. In this way, the forwarders ensure that they are in line with market trends and customer demands. |
