Inside DSV's Luxembourg-Indianapolis Pharma Cold Chain Route

DSV has opened a direct air route connecting Luxembourg with Indianapolis in the US for moving temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. The service removes the need for active containers in cold chain transport.

The route connects two key pharmaceutical logistics centres. Indianapolis is expanding as a life sciences location in the US.

Air freight connection details

DSV launched the service through Indianapolis International Airport as part of its Air ThermoDirect solution. The offering targets pharmaceutical supply chains requiring cold chain connectivity in the US.

According to DSV, Air ThermoDirect helps pharmaceutical companies maintain product integrity while reducing total cost, emissions and operational uncertainty. The service minimises time products spend in uncontrolled environments and eliminates active container complexity.

The Luxembourg-Indianapolis connection links two nodes in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. Kenneth Källström, Executive Vice President, Global Head, Healthcare at DSV, says: "The DSV Indianapolis operations will play a pivotal role in the global Air ThermoDirect healthcare network, enhancing end-to-end visibility and control across pharma manufacturing regions in the US, Europe, the Americas and APAC.

"By strengthening these critical supply chain connections, this hub will help ensure that life-saving therapies move with greater speed, reliability and integrity – ultimately delivering better outcomes for patients worldwide."

Procurement implications for buyers

The service could reduce environmental impact through optimised handling and thermal solutions. This could mean fewer variables in supplier selection and contract negotiation.

The Indianapolis-Luxembourg route, named Indy Wings, connects two pharmaceutical gateways. The Midwestern US has seen healthcare investment and pharmaceutical demand growth.

Stephanie Penarete, Vice President Air Product Americas at DSV, says: "Indy Wings reflects our strategy to bring the critical points of the supply chain under full accountability, ensuring reliability, integrity and performance where it matters most.

"With Indy Wings, we continue linking key pharmaceutical hubs with greater precision, resilience and excellence."

The route could offer reduced reliance on multiple logistics providers. This could simplify contract management and risk assessment procedures.

Cold chain service portfolio

DSV operates healthcare logistics solutions across a global network. The company transports sensitive products using active containers and passive packaging to maintain required temperatures.

The provider offers risk assessments and risk mitigation for transport lanes. This gives procurement teams control throughout the cold chain.

DSV manages temperature-controlled cargo through air, sea or road freight services. Customers receive real-time monitoring information including temperature, humidity and other parameters.

The monitoring platform sends notifications for temperature changes during transport. The system can connect to CCTV monitoring systems.

According to DSV, cold chain logistics represents 5% of its volume. The company handles biological specimens, blood plasma, vaccines, animal tissues and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.

DSV operates its own charter network, warehouses, ocean and road transport providers. This vertical integration could reduce dependence on third party logistics providers.

This could mean fewer handover points where product integrity risks occur. The structure creates a more secure pharmaceutical cold chain with simplified vendor management.

The company maintains control over multiple transport modes. This could offer single-source accountability for temperature-controlled shipments.