K+N to boost African healthcare and pharma logistics capability with new airside facility

Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has struck a long-term agreement for a new airside facility at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport that aims to boost Africa’s healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics capability.

As part of this agreement, K+N will offer customers a set of logistics solutions, including warehousing, transportation, customs brokerage, supply chain management, and airside support to project-specific charters for both in and outbound shipments.

Core to this offering is a cold chain solution that ensures 24/7 temperature-control to safeguard the integrity of highly sensitive pharma products.

The new offering has been designed to support Africa’s aim to become more self-reliant in healthcare operations.

South Africa, Nigeria, and Algeria are leading the manufacturing charge in sub-Saharan Africa, while imports from Europe, North America, India and China remain crucial to meeting Africa’s demand for medicines and basic healthcare.

“Pharmaceuticals in particular are highly-sensitive, time-critical products,” said Gereon Niemeier, managing director, Kuehne+Nagel South Africa. “Every minute these products spend on the tarmac exposes them to temperature fluctuations, physical damage, and loss. Our new facility addresses all these challenges to ensure product stability throughout the journey.”

He added: “Our people have the expertise for plane-side access that other logistics providers don’t.

“In addition, the facility is so close to the charter parking area that we can provide in-person visibility resources, as well as a unique dollie solution, that greatly reduce the risk of ground handling errors as well as shipment claims.

“Onsite monitoring protects product stability – whether temperature-controlled, high value or time critical – throughout the entire journey.

K+N recently started dedicated freighter operations through a partnership with lessor Atlas Air.