As government’s globally race to find a COVID 19 vaccine Lufthansa Cargo has expanded its pharma capability in both Munich and Chicago.

The new Lufthansa Cargo Pharma Hub Munich at the city’s airport offers space for up to 96 pallets and loose cargo in two different temperature ranges (2 °C to 8 °C and 15°C to 25°C) and a freezer (down to -18°C) on almost 1,000 square meters. The carrier hopes to have the hub IATA CEIV certified in the autumn.

Harald Gloy, Lufthansa Cargo board member operations, said: “With the new Pharma-Hub at our hub in Munich, we have created a state-of-the-art infrastructure for temperature-sensitive freight that will guarantee our customers even higher transport quality for their pharma shipments in the future.

“Particularly in the context of the corona pandemic, the relevance of stable supply chains and fast transport of medicines or vaccines has once again been demonstrated.”

The Munich opening follows Lufthansa Cargo decision to open a pharma centre at Chicago at O’Hare Airport in June.

The 750sq m facility provides space on several levels for up to 54 pallets and 102 cool containers in two different temperature ranges.

Most of the pharmaceutical shipments carried by Lufthansa Cargo are handled at Frankfurt.