GRU Airport, Sao Paolo’s International Airport, becomes a Strategic Airport Member of Pharma.Aero, and a regional representative of the global cross-industry network of LifeScience and MedTech air cargo industry stakeholders. Brazil’s leading airport, GRU Cargo Complex is the largest airport logistics complex in Latin America, and Brazilia’s number one pharma hub with the largest airport cold storage facilities in the region.
Trevor Caswell, Chairman of Pharma.Aero, welcomes GRU Airport’s decision to upgrade its role in the organization: “We are thrilled to have GRU Airport as our newest Strategic Member for the Eastern South American region. GRU Airport is the largest pharma hub in Brazil, and we are excited to have such a strategic airport, with such a robust pharma logistics program joining our membership. This recent addition will continue to strengthen our global cross-industry partners in South America, where pharmaceutical logistics plays an integral role in the air cargo market”, added Caswell.
GRU Airport has been a Pharma.Aero Full Member since October 2020 and decided now to become a Strategic Member and take part in the decision-making process of the organization.
“After 2 years as Full Member and several investments made to improve our pharma infrastructure and operations we are pleased to be announced as a Strategic Airport Member representing South America along with LACC and assuming higher responsibilities to develop the Pharma sector”, said Hugo Repolho, Commercial Cargo Manager of GRU Airport. “The Pharma segment has been at the core of GRU Airport’s activity over the years and is growing more and more with better infrastructure, improved operation, and certifications. This opportunity will allow us to work closely with key pharma logistic players and develop projects that for sure will modernize the sector and optimize cargo flows”, added Repolho.
As a Strategic Member, GRU Airport becomes a voting member of the General Assembly and can run for a position on the Board of Directors. Also, as a Strategic Member of Pharma.Aero, GRU Airport represents an important pharma community and can organize Pharma.Aero regional events to enhance collaboration among all supply chain stakeholders and bring more potential pharmaceutical manufacturers into the organization.
GRU Airport is located in the Metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil’s largest industrial and commercial centre, in the city of Guarulhos (3 million inhabitants). The municipality has an impressive industrial park, with the largest warehouse area in Brazil, and a privileged location for multimodal logistics solutions.
GRU Airport’s Cargo Complex is the largest of its kind in Latin America and plays a central role in Brazilian logistics. The airport cargo facilities sum 145.000 m² of warehouse areas (99.000 m² of which are directly operated by GRU) handling products from various industries including pharmaceutical, electronics, textile, food & beverage, automotive and machinery parts and perishables.
The pharma industry is the strongest segment at GRU processing over 60% of the Brazilian market, supported by a 24/7 dedicated staff, 30.000 m3 temperature-controlled areas and 24 cold chambers ranging from -18º to 25º. In the last 2 years, GRU played a central role in vaccine logistics.
The airport operates on average more than 700 daily flights connecting 54 international city destinations, 30 countries, and a total of 55 domestic destinations including all capitals and major Brazilian cities. Furthermore, the location in Guarulhos gives easy access to the major highways which connect the airport to the rest of the country. The offer of daily regular flights (domestic and international) also ensures greater capacity and efficiency in freight transportation.
