Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo has expanded its temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics offering with the addition of the SkyCell 6500X, a high-capacity container designed to protect large-volume shipments of temperature-sensitive medicines.
The new container can accommodate up to five EU pallets or four US pallets in a single unit, making it suitable for larger pharmaceutical consignments that require strict temperature control throughout transportation. It supports temperature ranges of +2°C to +8°C and +15°C to +25°C.
A key feature of the SkyCell 6500X is its autonomous operating capability. The unit can maintain temperature for up to 300 hours at 20°C, reducing dependence on external power infrastructure during airport handling, tarmac exposure and other stages of the logistics journey.
The container is designed to operate across challenging environmental conditions and can protect pharmaceutical cargo in external temperatures ranging from approximately -30°C to +60°C. It also has a maximum payload capacity of 2,500 kg, providing additional flexibility for high-volume shipments.
The move strengthens Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo’s focus on pharmaceutical and other specialised cargo. The carrier transported around 917,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025 and operates cargo hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, supported by both passenger aircraft belly capacity and dedicated freighters.
The SkyCell 6500X also complements the carrier’s existing relationship with SkyCell. Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo previously selected SkyCell as its preferred partner for ULD tracking and visibility, using SkyMind technology to improve monitoring and management of its cargo equipment.
With pharmaceutical supply chains becoming increasingly global and temperature-sensitive products requiring reliable protection across long and complex routes, the addition of the 6500X is expected to provide greater capacity and flexibility for large pharma shipments.
The enhanced solution will help Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo meet growing demand for secure, temperature-controlled airfreight while supporting the pharmaceutical industry’s need for reliable cold-chain transportation.