DHL Group expands its airfreight cold chain network for pharmaceutical and medical shipments.

Logistics for medical goods and pharmaceuticals is reaching a new level of precision. In 2026, global leader DHL Group announced a large-scale expansion of its Airfreight Cold Chain Network. This is not just a fleet upgrade, but the creation of a global temperature-controlled ecosystem covering key markets in Europe and the United States. For Ukrainian exporters and importers, this means access to the highest safety standards that were previously available only to large corporations.

According to the official press release by DHL Group, these investments aim to make global supply chains more resilient to modern healthcare challenges.

Evolution of Control: From Passive Cooling to Digital Monitoring

Historically, pharmaceutical transportation relied on passive methods such as thermal boxes and dry ice. However, the rapid growth of the biopharmaceutical and gene therapy markets has made traditional methods insufficient to guarantee safety. Even a 1-2 degree temperature fluctuation can render a product not only ineffective but potentially dangerous for patients.

Starting February 2026, DHL is implementing a comprehensive digital monitoring system for the cold chain. Each medical shipment is now integrated into a real-time tracking system, enabling condition monitoring at every stage – from the runway in Brussels to a warehouse in Ukraine.

Key Changes Coming into Effect

• Dedicated Life Science air corridors. A regular direct flight between Brussels (BRU) and Cincinnati (CVG) operated by a Boeing 777 freighter has been launched. This significantly reduces transit exposure time.
• GDP-certified hubs. More than 30 major logistics hubs worldwide have obtained Good Distribution Practice certification, ensuring uninterrupted temperature control even during loading operations.
• Digital IoT sensors. Each pallet is equipped with devices transmitting temperature and humidity data to the ACE system in real time. If deviations occur, the system automatically adjusts container conditions.
• Specialized fleet. Aircraft equipped with active climate control systems allow the transportation of even the most temperature-sensitive innovative medicines.

Comparison Table: Changes in Medical Logistics

A Survival Strategy for Pharmaceutical Businesses

If you export medicines, dietary supplements, or medical equipment to the US or EU, these infrastructure upgrades directly affect your contracts. International partners increasingly require full digital temperature history validation.

Our recommendations for stable operations:

• Adapt your packaging. Ensure your boxes are compatible with active monitoring sensors.
• Plan the last mile. In Ukraine, it is essential to have a partner capable of receiving shipments without breaking the cold chain.
• Work with certified operators. Your logistics partner should be part of a global GDP-compliant network.

At GlobalPost, we understand that these requirements may seem complex for Ukrainian manufacturers. However, we have already aligned our processes to ensure your medical shipments cross the ocean seamlessly. We handle temperature log verification and customs support.

For business clients, we offer tailored solutions. You can request a detailed delivery cost calculation for your business, allowing us to account for all regulatory updates and logistics capabilities.

Conclusion: Logistics as a Guarantee of Quality

The expansion of DHL’s cold chain network marks a shift from simple transportation to active product quality management in transit. For Ukrainian businesses, this is an opportunity to enter the US and European markets with products that meet the highest standards. Speed and digital transparency are becoming the main competitive advantages today. GlobalPost.ua continues to provide a reliable connection between Ukrainian companies and the world, turning logistics challenges into your opportunities.