On 20 April, Brussels Airport signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Airlines and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the state authority responsible for stimulating and supporting the development and expansion of Virginia’s economy. The MoU aims to set up a dedicated pharmaceutical corridor between Brussels Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, creating aligned processes and a standardised flow between both airports. This partnership confirms Brussels Airport’s leading role as Europe’s preferred pharma hub and further strengthens its position as a trusted partner in building efficient and reliable pharma supply chains between Europe and the rest of the world.
Belgium is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of pharmaceutical products and is home to a dense network of leading life sciences companies. Within this ecosystem, Brussels Airport plays a key role as a pharma hub, building on years of pioneering expertise in pharma logistics. In 2014, Brussels Airport became the first airport globally where the entire cargo community achieved CEIV Pharma certification. Today, the airport offers the largest surface of temperature-controlled storage capacity in Europe.
Meanwhile, Virginia’s pharmaceutical sector is expanding, creating new opportunities for transatlantic air cargo flows. Recent investments by major biopharmaceutical companies highlight the region’s emergence as a key manufacturing hub in the United States.
Building on Brussels Airport’s expertise as a preferred European pharma hub and Virginia’s growing role as a strategic gateway for pharmaceutical trade in the US, an MoU was signed between Brussels Airport, VEDP, and United Airlines to enhance the collaboration.
“Strong partnerships and a well-aligned community are essential for our cargo operations. With this memorandum we are creating a reliable corridor for pharmaceutical air cargo with Washington Dulles International Airport. This collaboration recognises Brussels Airport’s expertise in pharma logistics and the strength of our ecosystem. By sharing best practices and exchanging knowledge, we can work more efficiently and continue to strengthen transatlantic pharma supply chains,” says Arnaud Feist, CEO, Brussels Airport.
Standardised processes between airports for optimal supply chains
The agreement aims to create a standardised and optimised air cargo corridor for pharmaceutical and life science products between Brussels Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, leveraging Brussels Airport’s extensive expertise and advanced infrastructure. Within this framework, United Airlines will serve as the primary carrier on this route, currently operating a daily flight, mainly carrying pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
With further investments from pharmaceutical companies in Virginia in the coming years, strengthening the connection between the Belgian and Virginian life sciences ecosystems becomes increasingly valuable. Enhancing this link will allow both regions to reinforce each other, while supporting efficient and reliable air cargo flows, and fostering deeper transatlantic collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry.
“International connectivity is essential to supporting the growth of Virginia’s advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. This partnership underscores the value of long-term collaboration in building resilient supply chains and expanding Virginia’s reach across Europe and beyond,” says Jason El Koubi, VEDP President and CEO.
“Cargo is considered an important part of United’s revenue and profitability. We are a passenger airline, and that’s the main reason for the destinations we serve, but the opportunity we have to put cargo on our aircraft contributes to the profitability and success of our network,” says Chris Busch, Vice President United Cargo Americas.
