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Heathrow cargo meet November 22-23 focuses on pharma ground handling

TRAINING and standards of ground handlers moving pharmaceuticals are themes to be developed at the 2016 Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals Conference organised by London's Air Cargo News at the Hilton London Heathrow Terminal 4 hotel on November 22-23.

Tony Wright, formerly with British Airways and Envirotainer, and for the last 10 years owner and founder of consultancy Exelsius, says the aim is to encourage more collaboration and in particular to get more shipper input.

"Collaboration is a word that we use rather loosely - it is a bit of a buzzword," he said. "But we need to look at all parts of the supply chain and how we can establish and measure common standards."

"I very much want shippers to be part of that. The air cargo industry is not being defensive, but is saying 'tell us what you want us to do? I am focusing on getting pharmaceutical companies to come and have their say in a round-table discussion."

In particular, Mr Wright thinks there needs to be more attention paid to the role of handlers.

"They have always been something of a poor relation, but they are in fact fundamental to the whole pharmaceutical supply chain.

"However, they need to be clear about exactly what standards pharmaceutical companies want," he said.

Mr Wright admits that there have been some examples of this as times have got tougher for pharma shippers in recent years and margins have come under pressure. "There has been a tendency to look at rates and seek a cheaper deal," he said.For more information visit www.aircargonews.net/lifesciencesandpharma-conference.html.