Forwarded message -From: Press Office - Brussels Airport Company 

The first test shipments of human cell and blood material representative of precision therapies have departed from Brussels Airport to Dallas.

Read the press release online Lees het persbericht in het Nederlands Consultez la version française Brussels Airport plays a pioneering role in the transport of innovative cancer treatments  The first test shipments of human cell and blood material representative of precision therapies, including innovative treatments for cancer and rare diseases, have departed from Brussels Airport to Dallas (US). The shipments are part of the Precision Therapy Logistics Gateway (PTLG) project. This project analyses how precision therapies can be transported safely and quickly worldwide and identifies risks within existing logistics processes. Following the test shipments, Brussels Airport and its project partners aim to become the first airport to develop an internationally recognised standard for the air transport of these treatments. Options for setting up a specialised logistics centre at the airport are also being explored.  Since November, 10 test shipments of cell and blood samples have been sent from Brussels Airport to BioLabs Pegasus Park, a biotech cluster in Dallas, USA. The test shipments were transported successfully. Another 50 shipments are scheduled in the coming weeks.  Precision therapies, including cell, gene and radioligand therapies, are personalised treatments for individual patients. As they are highly sensitive, they require fast, reliable transport under strictly controlled conditions, including temperature and lead time.  at.las, the Antwerp ecosystem for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) and the Science Park University of Antwerp in Niel are coordinating the test shipments. The Laboratory of Experimental Haematology at the University of Antwerp provides the research samples. This cell and blood material, sourced from healthy donors, is transported from the Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CCRG) of the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) to the airport. Upon return from Dallas, the test shipments arrive back at the CCRG.  Expertise in the transport of pharmaceutical goods  As Europe's preferred pharma hub, Brussels Airport has extensive expertise and facilities for the transport of time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical goods, with a total capacity of approximately 45,000 m² of temperature-controlled storage space in the cargo area.  Upon arrival at Brussels Airport, the test shipments go through customs control and are stored in a temperature-controlled zone while waiting for the flight. They are then transferred to the aircraft in refrigerated containers developed by Brussels Airport itself ten years ago, ensuring optimal conditions during transport.  In Dallas, the material is transported to a laboratory at BioLabs Pegasus Park, where it undergoes a visual inspection before being returned to Belgium. These are relatively small consignments transported as cargo on board of passenger flights. This logistics model ensures that patients do not need to travel themselves; instead, their cellular material does, which significantly increases treatment accessibility.  "With this project, we are strengthening our role as a pioneer in pharma logistics, not only in Europe but worldwide. The production and use of precision therapies in Belgium will increase significantly in the coming years. This calls for a logistics approach in which speed, accuracy and reliability are essential. Together with our partners, we are putting our expertise at the service of this important innovation to contribute to the healthcare of the future," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.  Development of a standardised protocol  Sensors are added to the shipments to monitor critical parameters such as lead times, temperature control and traceability throughout the logistics process. This enables the identification of potential risks and bottlenecks across the transport chain.  The results of the test project are expected in the first half of 2026. Based on these findings, the project partners, led by Air Cargo Belgium, will develop an internationally recognised standardised protocol for the logistics chain of precision therapies. Currently, no such protocol exists. During the test phase of the project, Brussels Airport is also investigating the need for a dedicated logistics centre within the cargo area to support the transport of precision therapies.  The power of collaboration  The test shipments are part of the pioneering PTLG project, which was launched in early 2025. The initiative is a collaboration between Brussels Airport, Pharma.Aero, Air Cargo Belgium and the Antwerp ATMP ecosystem at.las. This project is co-funded by the province of Antwerp and the province of Flemish Brabant, which support research into a standardised logistics chain for precision therapies.  About Brussels Airport    Brussels Airport is one of the most important airports in Europe. In 2025, Brussels Airport welcomed 24.4 million passengers and transported 787,000 tonnes of cargo through the airport. Brussels Airport caters for the specific needs of business travellers and holidaymakers alike, on both intra-European and long haul flights. In 2026, the airport offers direct connections between Belgium and 205 destinations worldwide, with flights operated by 83 airlines.    The airport also offers a leading cargo platform, specialised in the transport of pharmaceutical products, perishable goods, e-commerce and live animals. Brussels Airport is the most important pharmaceutical hub in Europe.  With its SHIFT 2027 strategy Brussels Airport Company intends to strengthen its position as a major European hub, accelerate its ambitious sustainability goals, e.g. through the European Green Deal project Stargate, and continue to diversify its activities by focusing on innovation and cooperation. Brussels Airport is the second most important economic growth pool in Belgium, good for 64,000 direct and indirect jobs and is owned and operated by Brussels Airport Company. The shareholders are a consortium between PMV and private investors (75%) and FPIM/SFPI (25%). Follow Brussels Airport on Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.   About at.las   at.las (Leveraging Affordable Solutions for Advanced Therapies) is a young ecosystem relevant to anyone involved in or passionate about advanced therapies, such as cell and gene therapy. Started by and for researcher-entrepreneurs, at.las shares hands-on experience of the challenges in developing and marketing advanced therapies (ATMPs). The ecosystem stimulates innovation by sharing knowledge, exchanging experience and connecting the right people - with the aim of making new treatments available more quickly and affordably to patients for whom there is currently no cure. More than 1,000 clinical trials of ATMPs are currently underway worldwide, but the number of therapies available to patients remains limited. at.las believes that collaboration and teamwork are key to changing this faster. To bridge the gap between ATMP researchers and developers on the one hand and logistics service providers on the other, at.las established the ATMP Logistics Excellence Centre.   at.las is located at the Science Park University of Antwerp, which is owned and developed by POM Antwerp. Follow at.las and the ATMP Logistics Excellence Centre on LinkedIn.  About Pharma.Aero   Pharma.Aero promotes the development of pioneering international projects, providing insights and responding to new trends. Together with other manufacturers, it drives the changes needed for tomorrow's logistics strategies within the Life Sciences and MedTech sectors.  Founded at Brussels Airport, Pharma.Aero has become a global reference in pharmaceutical logistics. Today, the network brings together more than 100 international companies, 25% of which operate within the pharmaceutical sector. As early as 2021, Pharma.Aero launched a project that highlighted the need for deeper analysis and research with regard to precision therapies and their logistical challenges.  Pharma.Aero is also co-founder and organiser of the annual International Pharma Logistics Masterclass (PLMC), a unique programme that brings together industry executives, experts, policymakers and international academics for knowledge exchange of exceptional value. In addition, Pharma.Aero, in collaboration with two leading universities, is developing the Pharma Logistics Winter University (PLWU), a basic pharmalogistics training course focused on knowledge building.  Pharma.Aero cooperates on an ongoing basis with pharmaceutical companies, logistics stakeholders, international partner associations, research institutions and governments. This structural cooperation is the basis for developing sustainable, forward-looking solutions and strengthening the sector on a global scale.  Follow Pharma.Aero on www.pharma.Aero and on LinkedIn;  About Smart Hub Flemish Brabant  Smart Hub Flemish Brabant is a joint initiative of the province of Flemish Brabant, KU Leuven, VUB, POM Flemish Brabant and Voka Flemish Brabant. Based on this cooperation, work is being done to strengthen the region's economic resilience, innovative strength and international positioning.  The mission of Smart Hub Flemish Brabant is to stimulate innovation, promote sustainable cooperation between knowledge institutions and companies and create an attractive climate for domestic and foreign investment. By connecting expertise, infrastructure and networks, Smart Hub acts as a catalyst for growth and innovation.  The operation focuses on five innovative sectors essential for the future of Flemish Brabant: logistics, health, food, cleantech and creativity. In these areas, Smart Hub builds on existing strengths and supports the development and scale-up of innovative ideas and ventures.  About Air Cargo Belgium   Air Cargo Belgium (ACB) is the industry organization representing the interests of the air cargo community at Brussels Airport. The organization unites all key players within the cargo ecosystem, including airlines, ground handlers, forwarders, logistical service providers, government agencies, and knowledge institutions.  ACB's clear ambition is to position Brussels Airport as the most competitive, sustainable, and innovative cargo hub in Europe. The organization serves as a neutral platform for consultation and cooperation, stimulates knowledge sharing, and works actively on structural improvements in terms of quality, safety, digitalization, and sustainability within the air cargo chain.  A significant focus is placed on niche products, such as pharmaceutical products including temperature-controlled cargo and advanced therapies, as well as e-commerce and perishable goods. Through targeted initiatives, projects, and working groups, Air Cargo Belgium brings together public and private stakeholders to tackle joint challenges and realize concrete, industry wide solutions.  Through sector wide collaboration and a strong dialogue with policymakers, Air Cargo Belgium contributes to the further anchoring of air cargo as a strategic economic pillar for Belgium and the wider region around Brussels Airport.  Contact us via media@brusselsairport.be +32 (0)2 753 53 53 Visit our pressroom

Brussels Airport Company · Luchthaven Brussel Nationaal · Zaventem 1930 · Belgium