Sao Paolo’s GRU Airport becomes strategic member of Pharma.Aero

Sao Paolo’s GRU Airport in Brazil has becomes a strategic airport member of Pharma.Aero, representing the East South America region.

The GRU Cargo Complex is the largest airport logistics facility in Latin America, and Brazilia’s number one pharma hub with the largest airport cold storage facilities in the region.

The airport cargo facilities total 145,000 sq m of warehousing, of which 99,000 sq m are directly operated by GRU.

The airport’s cargo compiles and handles products from various industries, including pharmaceutical, electronics, textile, food and beverage, automotive and machinery parts, and perishables.

The pharma industry is the strongest segment at GRU, processing over 60% of the Brazilian market, supported by 30,000 cu m of temperature-controlled areas and 24 cold chambers ranging from -18ºC to 25ºC. In the last two years, GRU played a central role in vaccine logistics.

Pharma.Aero is an international cross-industry collaboration platform for LifeScience and MedTech shippers, IATA CEIV certified cargo communities, airport operators and other air cargo industry stakeholders.

Trevor Caswell, chairman of Pharma.Aero, said: “We are thrilled to have GRU Airport as our newest Strategic Member for the Eastern South American region. GRU Airport is the largest pharma hub in Brazil, and we are excited to have such a strategic airport, with such a robust pharma logistics program join our membership.

“This recent addition will continue to strengthen our global cross industry partners in South America, where pharmaceutical logistics plays an integral role in the air cargo market.”

GRU Airport has been a Pharma.Aero full member since October 2020 and has now decided to become a strategic member and to take part in the decision-making process of the organisation.

GRU Airport commercial cargo manager Hugo Repolho said: “After two years as a full member and several investments made to improve our pharma infrastructure and operations we are pleased to be announced as a strategic airport member representing South America along with LACC and assuming higher responsibilities to develop the Pharma sector.”

Latin America Cargo City (LACC), is a multimodal Airport Free Zone in Montevideo (Uruguay).

Added Repolho: “The Pharma segment has been at the core of GRU Airport’s activity over the years and is growing more and more with better infrastructure, improved operation, and certifications. This opportunity will allow us to work closely with key pharma logistic players and develop projects that for sure will modernize the sector and optimize cargo flows.”

As a strategic member, GRU Airport becomes a voting member of the general assembly and can run for a position in the board of directors.