Dual Temperature Acceptance
Relevance
The pharmaceutical industry increasingly relies on passive packaging solutions that allow vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products to be transported under ambient (15–25°C) conditions for a limited period, while still requiring 2–8°C cold chain handling upon arrival. Despite being an established and validated practice, current IATA Air Waybill (AWB) regulations do not support dual temperature declarations, creating operational inefficiencies, elevated risk, and unnecessary complexity across the air cargo supply chain.
Goal
By initiating this project, Pharma.Aero aims to develop an industry-endorsed position advocating for the formal recognition of dual temperature acceptance on the IATA AWB. This initiative seeks to improve shipment reliability, reduce risk, and expand access to critical pharmaceutical products, by defining clear handling rules, responsibilities, and standardised AWB specifications.
The outcome will be an industry opinion paper, supported by pharmaceutical manufacturers, to serve as the basis for IATA engagement and the adaptation of AWB standards to reflect real-world pharmaceutical shipping practices.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Evidence, Gap & Compliance Baseline Analysis (WP1)
Establish the factual, quantitative and qualitative evidence base and define the current regulatory and operational reality
Dual-Temperature Operating & Compliance Model Design (WP2)
Define a standardised, defensible dual-temperature operating and compliance model, translating WP1 findings into a structured, regulator-acceptable operational framework for airlines and pharma.
Market Validation & AWB Solution Design (WP3)
Use collected data and process requirements, and translate the needs into a practical AWB solution, including the required documentation handling and operational processes.
Industry Positioning, Endorsement (WP4)
Turn the work into a formally endorsed industry proposal suitable for IATA and regulators.
Project Timeline
February 2026
Evidence, Gap & Compliance Baseline Analysis
March 2026
Dual-Temperature Operating & Compliance Model Design
March & April
April 2026
Market Validation & AWB Solution Design
Industry Positioning & Endorsement
Industry Opinion Paper Publication
