Enlarged Pharma.Aero Advisory Board, with two dedicated seats for pharmaceutical manufacturers for 2024
In a significant move aimed at enhancing industry representation and fostering collaboration, Pharma.Aero expands the Advisory Board, now comprising six members, with the addition of a dedicated seat for an extra pharmaceutical manufacturer. Novartis and Pfizer are now represented in the Advisory Board, alongside the four members representing segments of the supply chain.
Life Science Manufacturers – Novartis, represented by Dr Roland Yap, Head of Policy, Partnerships & Healthcare Systems (Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa), and Pfizer, represented by Yana Vandyck, IO LDO Logistics Coordinator
Airports – Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) represented by Milton De La Paz, Vice President Airline Relations and Cargo Business Development
Airlines – Qatar Airways represented by Rashmi Karnad, Manager, Climate Control Product Pharma
Freight Forwarders – Expeditors represented by Andy Faes, Regional Manager Healthcare Vertical Europe
Ground Handlers – Swissport represented by Andreas Behnke, CEO and Station Manager Basel
Dr Roland Yap, representing Novartis, is the latest addition to Pharma.Aero’s Advisory Board. Dr Yap, Head of Policy, Partnerships & Healthcare Systems (Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa), said: “As multiple industry sectors navigate their pathways to address the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0 which are increasingly fueled by generative & artificial intelligence, machines learning, big data, analytics & insights etc., my vision is how we can play a strategic and enabling role to shape and build seamless business continuity, capacities and capabilities to strengthen global supply chain & logistics with key strategic partners. AS ONE, we can empower forward-looking MNCs and SMEs to be resourced for tomorrow’s growth. Through meaningful and sustainable partnerships and alliances, Pharma.Aero can engage with governments, businesses, industry trade associations and the enlarged ecosystem to play a critical role in shaping policies, partnerships, and related infrastructure systems to strengthen access and speed to better serve our respective key stakeholders.”
Yana Vandyck, IO LDO Logistics Coordinator at Pfizer: “I’m excited to share that I’ve been re-elected to the Pharma.Aero Advisory Board for another year. It’s a great opportunity to keep working on making sure pharmaceuticals get where they need to be, safely and efficiently. I believe in teamwork, and that’s why I love Pharma.Aero’s focus on bringing everyone in the industry together to share ideas. In my role, I’ll keep pushing for standards that make our supply chain reliable. As part of the Advisory Board, I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves with my fellow members to shape the future of how we move pharmaceuticals around the world.”
Rashmi Karnad, Manager Climate Control Product – Pharma, Global Head Office Qatar Airways: “I am delighted to represent Qatar Airways Cargo once again as an airline representative on Pharma.Aero’s advisory board. Our association with Pharma.Aero has provided us with an opportunity to learn more, collaborate better with peers and contribute to meaningful projects throughout the year. Participation in select industry events along with Pharma.Aero has also been a key highlight as a member. Pharma.Aero has been a catalyst in engaging members with innovative activities such as regular member dialogues, Pharmacchiato sessions and the much awaited Masterclass, making it a leading association of a like-minded and enthusiastic member congregation. Looking forward to serve another year as an Advisory Board member.”
Andy Faes, Regional Manager Healthcare Vertical Europe at Expeditors: “Having been involved with Pharma.Aero since the start I am honoured to have been re-elected to the Advisory board as I truly believe we make a difference. With over 25 years of experience (of which 10 with Expeditors) in the field of Healthcare Logistics I want to be as effective as I can in consulting the industry on the true challenges on the ground and offering tangible solutions in a professional manner. With Pharma.Aero we have found that soft spot. Through its various projects and event participations I believe Pharma.Aero contributes to the backbone of standardization of temperature control and visibility in a GDP-validated environment through a community approach. This is the best road to the integrity of healthcare products for the patients at the end of the supply chain. Proud to be part of that!”
Andreas Behnke, CEO & Station Manager Swissport Basel: “I’m very honored by the trust shown by the Pharma.Aero community in this re-election. As a representative of a key player in air cargo logistics, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue sharing Swissport’s expertise. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting the Pharma.Aero community, emphasizing the enhancement of safety and the preservation of a consistent standard of quality and reliability across all airport links.”
In 2021, Pharma.Aero has established the Advisory Board consisting of four industry experts among its Full Members, each representing a different segment of the air cargo supply chain: Airlines, Airports, Freight Forwarders and Ground Handlers. In 2023, the AB expanded to include representatives of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, with Pfizer getting on board first. In November, Novartis joined the Life Science Advisory Manufacturers Platform and was elected to the Advisory Board.