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Pharma Logistics Masterclass Recognized in Tokyo as Momentum Builds for 5th Edition in Japan

Project Sunrays: Bringing speed, reliability and visibility in the air transportation of Covid-19 vaccines to the world

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to global pharmaceutical supply chains due to airfreight capacity challenges arising from global lockdowns and passenger flights suspension. Pharma shippers have to immediately rethink their supply chain strategies to ensure timely and effective distribution for their products. As pharmaceutical manufacturers race to develop Covid-19 vaccines, they realise the massive logistical challenges ahead of them when the life-saving vaccines would need to be manufactured and distributed to almost 8 billion people worldwide with agility, quality and reliability.

In view of the above, Pharma.Aero and TIACA are teaming up in a joint project – Project Sunrays – to shine a light on and establish useful guidelines to ensure the proper and safe handling, storage, and transport of the highly expected volume of COVID-19 vaccines. This is in support of our airfreight industry to get ready for this unprecedent challenge and collectively fight against the global pandemic.  The name of the project – Project Sunrays – was chosen not only for its positive connotation, but it also implies speed, reliability and visibility in the air transportation of the vaccines to the world.

PLMC 2025 speakers at Belexpo June 2025

The 2025 edition of the Pharma Logisticst Masterclass marks a strategic collaboration between Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp, Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo, and NX GROUP (Nippon Express Group).On Thursday, June 19th, several of our upcoming speakers offered a powerful preview of what to expect this September at the Masterclass durin a panel session hosted by the Belexpo – the Belgian Pavilion at World Expo in Osaka. Entitled “Global Health, Local Strengths – Connecting Centers of Excellence in R&D and Pharma Logistics”, the session focused on how cutting-edge logistics, academic research, and real-world innovation are shaping the future of global health. Highlights included contributions from:

  • Prof. Wouter Dewulf – Academic Director, Centre for Maritime & Air Transport Management, University of Antwerp & Antwerp Management School

  • Prof. Roel Gevaers – University of Antwerp & Antwerp Management School

  • Prof. Shinya Hanaoka – School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology

  • Prof. Pierre Van Damme – Director, Vaccinopolis & Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp

  • Frank Van Gelder – Secretary General, Pharma.Aero

This growing momentum reflects the Masterclass’s role as a global hub for bridging academia and industry in pharma logistics.

The Pharma Logistics Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, explore the latest in supply chain innovation, and network with peers from around the world. The 2025 edition marks a strategic collaboration between Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp, Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo, and NX GROUP (Nippon Express Group).

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