A Boeing 747-400F charter deployed to transport nearly 47 tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical cargo from Mumbai to Lagos.
In a powerful example of precision logistics under pressure, Scan Global Logistics has successfully executed a dedicated air charter operation to transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical cargo from Mumbai to Lagos, maintaining strict cold chain integrity throughout.
The shipment, consisting of 330 pallets and weighing 46,999.85 kg, contained essential medicines requiring controlled temperatures between 15–25°C. Prepared in India for humanitarian aid programmes, the cargo faced a significant logistical hurdle: relief cargo permits can take up to four weeks to secure, while the shipper urgently needed to clear warehouse space.
To overcome this, Scan Global Logistics implemented a proactive and highly coordinated solution. GDP-certified trucks were deployed to consolidate and move the cargo to Mumbai within just three days. Once there, the pharmaceuticals were stored in a secure, temperature-controlled, GDP-compliant facility near the airport, preserving product integrity during the permit waiting period.
The company’s readiness proved critical when approvals were granted.
“Once approval came through, we were ready. With capacity tight, we secured a full B747-400F charter (55 MT built across 39 ULDs) and uplifted the entire shipment in a single lot,” stated the Nordic based forwarder in a social media post.
By securing a full freighter charter and executing immediate uplift, the operation ensured seamless delivery without compromising compliance or quality. The use of a single-lot shipment also minimised handling risks, further safeguarding the sensitive cargo.
This operation underscores the growing importance of integrated logistics solutions in the pharmaceutical and humanitarian sectors. The ability to align regulatory navigation, temperature-controlled storage, and rapid air freight deployment is becoming essential in ensuring timely access to life-saving medicines.
As global supply chains continue to face pressure from regulatory, capacity, and infrastructure challenges, this successful execution highlights how agility and expertise can bridge critical gaps, delivering not just cargo, but impact where it matters most.