Pharmaceutical logistics are an essential link in the healthcare ecosystem. They must not only ensure that medicines and medical devices arrive on time, but also that they do so in optimal conditions, with full traceability and under strict temperature, safety and regulatory compliance controls. In this highly regulated and demanding environment, innovation becomes a key tool for improving efficiency, reducing response times and expanding geographic coverage.

The logistics cycle in the pharmaceutical industry is made up of different stages. During storage, the products are kept in temperature and humidity-controlled facilities, classified according to their level of sensitivity. These facilities, such as those authorized by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products under customs control or surveillance, comply with strict protocols to guarantee the integrity of the products.

During distribution, inventories are managed, orders are prepared and batches, expiration dates and storage conditions are monitored. This phase includes complementary services such as packaging recovery, returns management or controlled destruction of expired or damaged products. During transport, the products are moved in specially adapted, approved and equipped vehicles to maintain the cold chain, even in the case of potentially hazardous materials. This is where logistical innovation becomes especially relevant to respond to urgent needs or to reach areas that are difficult to access.

Drones: a new logistics resource in the pharmaceutical sector

Over the past few years, logistics drones have been incorporated as a strategic tool in the transportation of pharmaceuticals. These aircraft make it possible to deliver medicines, vaccines and other health products quickly and safely, especially in remote areas such as high mountainous areas, islands, rural environments with poor road connections or regions affected by natural disasters. What are the advantages of using drones in pharmaceutical logistics?

• Reduced delivery times: drones can make direct flights, without depending on road conditions or congested routes. For example, an urgent medication that must cross a mountainous region can arrive in 15 minutes by air, compared to 90 minutes by road.
• Accessibility in remote areas: they make it possible to reach places that are difficult to access. This is vital in situations where the availability of medication can mean the difference between life and death, as in the case of vaccines, antidotes or oncology treatments.
• Operational efficiency and cost savings: although drones require an initial investment, they can reduce logistics costs in places where the use of a conventional vehicle is not cost-effective.
• Environmental sustainability: by running on electric batteries, drones reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics chain. This helps pharmaceutical companies become more sustainable.
• Enhanced security and control: drones can incorporate sensors for temperature control, GPS location and recording of environmental conditions.

The use of drones for commercial transportation is subject to strict regulations. In Spain, the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) applies Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which establishes different flight categories according to risk level. The transportation of pharmaceutical products, because it involves sensitive goods, is included in this specific category, which requires risk assessment, operational authorization and compliance with technical requirements.

At the European level, EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) is working to standardize the regulatory framework in all member countries, making it easier for logistics companies to operate drones internationally under common standards. This development is essential to ensure interoperability and cross-border regulatory compliance.

At Airpharm we specialize in pharmaceutical logistics. We have years of experience working with national and international health organizations, and we guarantee compliance with all cold chain protocols, traceability, health regulations and transport safety.

We offer customized solutions for each customer, whether it is a laboratory, a wholesale distributor or a pharmacy network. From inventory control to the last mile, we respond with agility, accuracy and reliability. Do you want to transform your pharmaceutical logistics with safe and efficient solutions? Contact Airpharm and our team will be happy to provide you with personalized advice.