For Jordan Kohlbeck, pharmaceutical logistics is about far more than transporting products from point A to point B, it’s about safeguarding life-saving medicines. As Head of Pharmaceuticals at IAG Cargo, he leads efforts to uphold the highest standards in temperature-controlled transport, knowing that even a slight fluctuation can compromise a shipment. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously, driven by the knowledge that real people depend on these critical deliveries.
Jordan began his career at IAG Cargo as a Constant Climate Sales Manager and later played a pivotal role in the Transformation team. Now, as our Head of Pharmaceuticals, he shares his insights into the vital role air cargo plays in supporting global healthcare.
Leading the charge in pharmaceutical logistics
Among Jordan’s core responsibilities is overseeing Constant Climate, IAG Cargo’s specialised product dedicated to pharmaceutical transportation. With over 100 Constant Climate stations worldwide, maintaining stringent quality and compliance standards is a top priority. Jordan also manages our leasing portfolio, offering customers the option to rent temperature-controlled storage units.
Our expertise extends well beyond the UK, with a dedicated global Constant Climate team supporting the pharmaceutical needs of customers worldwide. A key addition to the team is Eunyoung Kim, our newly appointed Constant Climate Specialist Sales Manager for the APAC region. Based in Singapore, Eunyoung brings over 17 years of experience in the air cargo industry and is focused on strengthening our Constant Climate offering across APAC.
Jordan and his team operate in an industry that is experiencing rapid expansion, fuelled by increasing demand for innovative treatments and breakthroughs in research and development. As the industry expands, so too does the need for safe, efficient, and precise temperature-controlled transportation, a need that IAG Cargo is proudly positioned to meet.
This surge is reflected in our Constant Climate product performance, which saw a 22% increase in tonnage in 2024 compared to the previous year. The momentum has continued into this year, with Constant Climate volumes up 17% in Q1 2025 versus Q1 2024. This sharp rise in demand highlights the growing reliance on temperature-controlled air freight and reinforces IAG Cargo’s leadership in pharmaceutical logistics.
Aligning our service with customer demand
At IAG Cargo, we maintain a competitive edge in pharmaceutical logistics through our expansive global network, our extensive Constant Climate station portfolio, and our capacity to serve six continents with over 600 wide-body flights each week. But it’s not just about what we do, it’s how we do it. We operate under Good Distribution Practice (GDP) principles, ensuring every pharmaceutical shipment is handled with the utmost care.
One of our key infrastructure highlights is New Premia at London Heathrow. Opened in 2023, this 10,470-square-metre, state-of-the-art facility doubled our cold chain capacity. Equipped with advanced screening capabilities, temperature-controlled zones, and highly trained staff, New Premia ensures pharmaceutical consignments remain in optimal condition throughout their journey.
As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, staying ahead means being agile and proactive. Jordan and his team closely monitor market trends and customer feedback to ensure we meet emerging demands. Markets like India and Ireland are becoming increasingly significant in pharmaceutical production. To support exporters in these regions, we’re focused on deepening customer partnerships and enhancing our product offering.
Reliability is non-negotiable, especially when the cargo includes life-saving drugs. Our customers need to trust that their shipments will arrive in perfect condition, every time.
Navigating complexity with confidence and care
Despite significant advancements, pharmaceutical logistics remains a complex field. Regulatory challenges, infrastructure limitations, and geopolitical factors all require daily navigation. IAG Cargo mitigates these risks through rigorous risk assessment, global compliance adherence, and continuous investment in advanced technologies.
We’ve implemented cutting-edge warehouse management technology, including semi-automated systems that boost operational resilience. Ongoing staff training programmes ensure that our teams stay informed and ready to deliver excellence.
Shaping the future of pharmaceutical logistics
Looking ahead, Jordan envisions the continued expansion of our pharmaceutical air cargo network, with a focus on enhancing visibility, strengthening supplier partnerships, and leveraging technology to maintain IAG Cargo’s leadership in the market. With demand for pharmaceutical logistics on the rise, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering excellence and ensuring critical medications reach their destinations safely and efficiently.
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