NOVEMBER 28, 2023
Moving Pharma Freight Around the Globe: Interview with Janice Kwan @Cathay Cargo
In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of discussing the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical logistics with Janice Kwan, Partnership Director at Cathay Cargo. Here’s a glimpse into the insightful conversation:
Congratulations on the expansion of the Pharma Handling Centre in Hong Kong – doubling capacity! What can pharma shippers and forwarders expect to be different to other cargo hubs?
The Cathay Pharma service has been updated to now offer four industry standard transportation temperature ranges, including ERT (extended room temperature) for the first time in response to industry demand. What drove this decision, and how do these temperature capabilities affect day to day operations?
As Cathay Pacific’s Director Cargo Tom Owen described, by the end of 2023, Cathay will return to around 80% of pre-pandemic cargo capacity, while early reopening of the Chinese Mainland may also alleviate some of the global concerns around supply chains. What’s your advice for pharmaceutical shippers and forwarders as they navigate trade/air transport in the region?
Sustainability has become an incredibly important topic, including to the pharmaceutical industry. What initiatives and investments are Cathay making in these efforts?
Recently, Cathay Pharma brought on 2 new container suppliers, including Sonoco Thermosafe’s Pegasus ULD. That brought a total to 7 suppliers and Cathay describes it as the ‘widest packaging choice’. Could you elaborate on that? How do you see the Pegasus ULD filling customer needs?
Overall Cathay’s 2023 vision is “to become the world’s most customer-centric air cargo service provider”. How will you do this / what are the plans? (How will technology and digitalization play a role?)
About Janice Kwan
Cargo Customer Solutions Manager, Cathay Cargo
Janice Kwan has been with Cathay since 2021. With a background in freight forwarding, she now oversees Cathay Pharma and other temperature-sensitive solutions in Cathay Cargo.
About Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo is the air-freight business division of the Cathay Group, operating from its hub in Hong Kong. It is one of the leading air-cargo operators in the world and was named 2023 Cargo Airline of the Year in Air Transport World’s Airline Industry Achievement Awards. The airline provides services to more than 80 cargo destinations around the world, operating a dedicated freighter fleet of 14 Boeing 747-8F and six 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighter) aircraft, in addition to cargo space on Cathay Pacific’s large fleet of passenger aircraft. The Cargo division also includes Air Hong Kong, an express cargo carrier operating in partnership with DHL, and manages the state-of-the-art Cathay Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport. It is also the cargo general sales agent for the Cathay Group’s low-cost carrier HK Express. Cathay is a member of the Swire Group and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). For more information, please visit www.cathaycargo.com