DHL Group has announced an expansion of its Airfreight Cold Chain Network, aimed at revolutionising the transport of temperature-sensitive healthcare products globally. This initiative is part of DHL’s €2 billion investment in its Health Logistics division, providing end-to-end visibility and enhanced logistics for the world’s leading healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.
The expansion includes a newly branded Boeing 777 freighter, marking DHL’s strategic focus on health logistics. Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, stated, “Life sciences and healthcare companies expect cold chain solutions that are reliable, compliant, and transparent from end to end — and those expectations are rising fast.”
By reducing reliance on third-party carriers, DHL aims to improve product integrity and temperature control, enhancing supply chain resilience amidst geopolitical tensions and regulatory complexities. The network will initially connect major hubs such as Brussels and Cincinnati, with further routes planned across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
The BRU-CVG corridor, linking the US Midwest with Europe’s advanced life sciences ecosystem, offers a seamless pathway for high-value biologics and time-critical therapies. This infrastructure establishes a resilient connection between two key healthcare markets.
Countries like India, Singapore, Japan, and Brazil are prioritised for further network expansion, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory requirements. The initiative supports DHL’s mission to provide fast, reliable transport of pharmaceutical products, focusing on patient safety and reducing packaging costs.
The dedicated Boeing 777 freighter, featuring the new “DHL Health Logistics” livery, underscores the company’s commitment to healthcare logistics, providing consistent capacity and reinforcing temperature management standards for sensitive shipments.
