In forming the alliance the two airports, along with future members, hope to more efficiently collaborate on efforts to enhance the handling and transportation of time- and temperature-sensitive cargo.
The long term aim of the alliance is to establish a network of IATA-certified airports dedicated to enhancing the whole pharma cargo industry, the value of which is expected to increase by US$300bn to US$400bn by 2019. This is to be achieved through sharing industry knowledge and expertise; supporting implementation of best practices; the possibility of developing new infrastructure and equipment for handling pharma products; joint route development and hosting industry meetings and workshops.
The agreement will undoubtedly serve to boost the already flourishing business for both Miami International and Brussels airport cargo hubs, the first two airports in the world to be labelled as pharmaceuticals hubs by IATA, having achieved the organisation’s internationally recognised CEIV validation.
Emilio Gonzales, Director of Miami-Dade Aviation Department, commented on the signing of the agreement, saying: “We are proud to form this ground-breaking air cargo alliance with Brussels Airport. As the busiest US airport for temperature-controlled products, MIA has been on the cutting edge of this growth market, and we look forward to collaborating with our colleagues in Brussels to expand both of our pharma trade networks.”
