DHL Expands Airfreight Cold Chain Network
•February 19, 2026
0
Why It Matters
The enhanced cold‑chain capacity gives life‑science companies a more reliable, compliant route for temperature‑sensitive therapies, reducing costs and supply‑chain risk in a tightening regulatory environment.
Key Takeaways
- •DHL adds 30+ GDP‑compliant aviation hubs.
- •New Brussels‑Cincinnati lane serves US Midwest pharma.
- •Dedicated Boeing 777 provides consistent cold‑chain capacity.
- •€2 bn investment targets health logistics resilience.
- •Expansion prioritises India, Singapore, Japan, Brazil, Germany.
Pulse Analysis
Cold‑chain logistics has become a strategic differentiator for the life‑sciences sector, where a few degrees can determine a drug’s efficacy. As biologics, vaccines and cell‑gene therapies dominate pipelines, manufacturers demand end‑to‑end temperature control, real‑time visibility and regulatory compliance. DHL’s expanded air‑freight network directly addresses these pressures by integrating GDP‑compliant hubs with dedicated aircraft, creating a seamless corridor that eliminates the variability of commercial carrier schedules. This move reflects a broader industry shift toward specialized logistics providers that can guarantee product integrity across global supply chains.
The flagship Brussels‑Cincinnati route exemplifies DHL’s tactical focus on high‑value pharma corridors. By linking the U.S. Midwest—home to major pharmaceutical manufacturers—with Europe’s leading life‑sciences ecosystem, DHL offers a direct, congestion‑free pathway for biologics and time‑critical therapies. The dedicated Boeing 777 freighter ensures predictable capacity, while the 45,000 sq m pharma‑only zone at BRUcargo provides controlled handling environments. Together, these assets meet stringent GDP standards and reduce reliance on third‑party carriers, mitigating risks from geopolitical tensions and capacity shortages.
Strategically, the €2 bn health‑logistics investment positions DHL as a go‑to partner for pharma firms seeking resilience and cost efficiency. Expanding into markets such as India, Singapore and Brazil aligns with the geographic migration of clinical trials and manufacturing hubs, ensuring DHL can support end‑to‑end distribution as the industry globalizes. For patients, the net effect is faster, more reliable access to cutting‑edge therapies, while companies benefit from lower packaging costs and streamlined compliance reporting. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, DHL’s cold‑chain expansion could set a new benchmark for logistics excellence in the life‑sciences arena.
DHL expands airfreight cold chain network
DHL Group aims to strengthen its life sciences & healthcare (LSH) logistics capabilities with an expanded dedicated airfreight cold chain network.
The global network gives customers full end‑to‑end visibility for highly sensitive healthcare products, including temperature‑sensitive medicines, vaccines, pharmaceutical products and cell & gene therapies, said DHL.
The expansion adds capacity for temperature‑sensitive pharmaceutical and medical shipments and connects key markets through more than 30 GDP‑compliant aviation hubs and gateways, said DHL.
Part of DHL’s €2 bn strategic investment in DHL Health Logistics, the network will first connect major DHL hubs, including Brussels (BRU) – Cincinnati (CVG), with additional routes in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America to follow.
The BRU‑CVG corridor connects the US Midwest, home to leading pharma companies, directly to one of Europe’s most advanced life sciences ecosystems.
By avoiding coastal congestion, the lane provides a seamless, temperature‑controlled pathway for high‑value biologics and time‑critical cell and gene therapies, explained DHL.
At the Brussels end, the route is supported by 45,000 sq m of pharma‑only zones at BRUcargo.
Countries prioritised for further expansion of the airfreight cold chain network include India, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, the US, Germany, and Ireland. These routes are designed to meet strict regulatory requirements and maintain product quality throughout the supply chain.
To support the expanded network, DHL has introduced a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter operating between BRU and CVG.
The aircraft features the new “DHL Health Logistics” livery and its dedicated routing provides consistent, controllable capacity on one of the most critical pharma lanes.
DHL aims to improve product integrity and temperature control, while reducing heavy, costly packaging and refrigerated air‑freight containers.
Additionally, the company said, reducing reliance on third‑party carriers and commercial airlines will help increase supply chain resilience amid geopolitical tensions, capacity shortages, and growing regulatory complexity.
“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,” said Oscar de Bok, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight.
“At the same time, they’re looking for ways to simplify supply chains and reduce costs. Our expanded network brings together DHL Aviation’s global air connectivity, our GDP‑compliant station network, and our major investments in modern, temperature‑controlled facilities.
“The result is a more resilient, more efficient logistics backbone for customers who depend on flawless quality to deliver critical therapies to patients.”
0
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...