The 2% Problem and Air Cargo's Untapped Power

This episode explores one of the most pressing and overlooked challenges in global health logistics: the fact that only 2% of the world’s air cargo capacity serves Sub-Saharan Africa, a region home to 1.6 billion people.

Pharma.Aero Secretary General Frank Van Gelder sits down with Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, The International Air Cargo Association, and discusses how the lack of cargo capacity directly affects access to essential medicines, vaccines, and economic opportunities. Hughes reflects on the pandemic’s stark lessons, where grounded aircraft and diverted capacity limited vaccine availability and, in some cases, cost lives.

Together, they examine how agriculture, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and logistics remain siloed, despite being deeply interconnected. They discuss the rise of counterfeit medicines, shifting trade flows, and the structural barriers that prevent safe, high-value cargo from reaching the people who need it most.

The episode also points forward: why cross-industry action is essential, why global institutions must engage, and how air cargo holds untapped power to improve lives—if capacity, collaboration, and investment are realigned towards health equity and sustainable development.

A data-driven conversation that broadens the lens on air cargo’s role—from commerce facilitator to lifeline for millions.