OCTOBER 9, 2024

Sonoco ThermoSafe and Saudia Cargo Join Forces in a Global Master Lease Agreement to Elevate Pharma Shipping Solutions

Saudia Cargo, the leading air cargo carrier in Saudi Arabia, has embarked on a strategic global partnership with Sonoco ThermoSafe, a global leader in temperature-controlled packaging solutions. This collaboration marks the introduction of Sonoco ThermoSafe’s innovative Pegasus ULD® shipping container into Saudia Cargo’s pharmaceutical logistics operations.

The Pegasus ULD® represents a significant advancement in pharmaceutical logistics, offering up to 300 hours of consistent temperature control to ensure the integrity of sensitive pharmaceutical products during transit. With its design also focused on sustainability, the container is composed of materials that are 90% recyclable, aligning with both companies’ commitment to environmentally responsible practices in global distribution.

Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo, said: “Our strategic partnership with Sonoco ThermoSafe is a significant investment in elevating our Specialized Pharma service to world-class standards. By integrating the Pegasus ULD® into our operations, we’re not only enhancing our ability to handle high-value, temperature-sensitive shipments but also reinforcing our commitment to reliability and innovation. With the support of our GDP-trained staff and 24/7 temperature control, our Specialized Pharma service ensures that critical shipments are handled safely and efficiently. This collaboration underscores our leadership in global logistics, offering Sonoco ThermoSafe the opportunity to showcase their products through our extensive network. Together, we are setting a new standard for pharmaceutical logistics, ensuring that these vital shipments receive the highest levels of care and precision.”

Bourji Mourad, Director of Global Leasing and Market Development for Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Bulk Rental Group, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Saudia Cargo to add to their temperature-controlled product solutions, a cost-effective alternative to active containers. Combined with Saudia Cargo’s Pharma Handling Quality System, customers will feel assured their time & temperature sensitive shipments will arrive as promised when using our new temperature-controlled advanced passive container.”

Equipped with advanced tracking technology, the Pegasus ULD® offers real-time visibility into the location of shipments, temperatures, door opening and more, enhancing security and transparency throughout the supply chain. This strategic partnership between Saudia Cargo and Sonoco ThermoSafe sets a new standard for the safe, sustainable, and efficient transport of critical healthcare shipments globally, reflecting the joint commitment of both companies to excellence in logistics and raising the benchmark for handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

About Sonoco ThermoSafe
Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest global providers of temperature assurance packaging for the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. Sonoco ThermoSafe shipping solutions mitigate risk for customers and ensure product efficacy throughout the extremes of a supply chain. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Sonoco ThermoSafe has a vast product offering featuring industry-leading technology that encompasses refrigerated, frozen or controlled room temperature applications. In addition, Sonoco ThermoSafe’s ISC Labs^® deliver individualized design and testing services and innovative packaging solutions along with qualification and validation services to meet all regulatory requirements. More information can be found at www.thermosafe.com.

About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE:SON) is a global provider of consumer, industrial, healthcare and protective packaging. With net sales of approximately $6.8 billion in 2023, the Company has approximately 22,000 employees working in more than 300 operations in 32 countries serving some of the world’s best-known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products, services and programs for our customers, employees and communities that support our corporate purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life. The Company ranked first in the Packaging sector on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2022 as well as being included in Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the fourth-consecutive year. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

About Saudia Cargo

Saudia Cargo stands as a leading national cargo carrier, headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the strategic advantage of the country’s location, it serves as a highly efficient aerial bridge connecting the East and the West, seamlessly bridging continents. Our extensive reach encompasses approximately 100 airport destinations and 250 customer destinations across four continents, establishing us as a pivotal player in the global air cargo industry.

With a legacy spanning over seven decades and a commitment to a ‘human-first’ approach, Saudia Cargo has consistently upheld its esteemed reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic cargo carriers. This reputation is underpinned by a rich history of innovation and resilience.

Our robust alliance with SkyTeam Cargo, the world’s largest consortium of air cargo carriers, connects us to an impressive network of 150 freighter destinations in addition to nearly 800 passenger destinations worldwide.

Saudia Cargo’s access to a modern fleet of Boeing freighter aircraft expedites the transportation of diverse cargo types, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, high-value shipments, hazardous materials, and perishables. The company’s enduring dedication to humanity, reliability, and agility has been instrumental in driving its remarkable growth trajectory, which continues to expand significantly.

For further information, please visit saudiacargo.com.