Brussels Airport Trials Precision Therapy Shipments

Brussels Airport is playing a pioneering role in the logistics of next-generation medical treatments by handling the first test shipments of human cell and blood material used in precision therapies.

The consignments — part of the Precision Therapy Logistics Gateway (PTLG) project — were transported from Brussels to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to analyse how highly sensitive materials for personalised treatments, including those for cancer and rare diseases, can be transported safely and efficiently by air.

Since November 2025, ten test shipments have flown via passenger aircraft with temperature-controlled handling and specialised refrigerated containers developed by the airport. Another 50 shipments are scheduled in the coming weeks to map risks and opportunities within the existing logistics chain.

Precision therapies such as cell, gene and radioligand treatments require strict control over temperature, timing and traceability during transport. The PTLG project brings together partners including Pharma.Aero, Air Cargo Belgium, the Antwerp Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products ecosystem (at.las) and researchers from the University of Antwerp to identify bottlenecks and best practices.

With extensive cold-chain expertise and approximately 45,000 m² of temperature-controlled cargo facilities, Brussels Airport aims to become the first airport to develop an internationally recognised standard for air transport of precision therapies.

Sensors attached to shipments monitor key factors such as lead times and temperature stability, enabling detailed analysis of the logistics process. Results from the test phase are expected in the first half of 2026, after which partners plan to work toward a standardised global protocol and explore the potential for a dedicated logistics centre at the airport.

Brussels Airport says the project underscores its leadership in pharmaceutical air cargo and could significantly enhance access to cutting-edge treatments by ensuring faster, more reliable transport of sensitive biological materials.