AMERICAN AIRLINES CARGO EXPANDS COLD CHAIN FOR CRITICAL SHIPMENTS

American Airlines Cargo has announced significant enhancements to its ExpediteTC° product, a comprehensive cold-chain solution designed to meet the growing global demand for safe, reliable transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, biologics and life sciences shipments. 

 

This month, American Airlines Cargo enhanced the capabilities of its ExpediteTC° control tower by extending 24/7 live tracking and monitoring to include shipments transported in active temperature-controlled units.

 

The cargo carrier said this expansion ensures that the most sensitive cargo receives continuous oversight throughout its journey.

 

In the event of irregular flight operations or other disruptions, the control tower proactively intervenes to uphold the delivery commitment made at the time of booking, ensuring shipments arrive on time and in optimal condition. 

 

Additionally, both new and existing team members are engaged in enhanced ExpediteTC° training, equipping them to support customers with the highest level of service and expertise. 

 

On July 1, 2025, American Airlines Cargo also introduced online booking for ExpediteTC°℠ passive shipments cooled by dry ice or gel packs through its website. The enhancement offers customers an improved customer experience through self-service and reflects the continued commitment to digital innovation. 

 

"Our customers trust us with shipments that change lives," said Greg Schwendinger, president of American Airlines Cargo. "ExpediteTC° reflects our commitment to delivering these vital products with precision and care. We've invested in infrastructure, technology and partnerships to ensure the highest standards of cold-chain logistics."

 

American Airlines Cargo operates a 25,000-square-foot life sciences facility at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), designed to support temperature-sensitive shipments. The CEIV-certified site includes Controlled Room Temperature areas (+15°C to +25°C), refrigerated zones (+2°C to +8°C), and deep-freeze storage (-10°C to -20°C). It also houses an Active Container Management area with charging stations for over 30 RKN units, along with monitoring systems accurate to 0.25°C and backup power to maintain continuous operations.

 

Beyond PHL, American Airlines Cargo extends its temperature-controlled capabilities to several other CEIV-certified hubs, including Miami International Airport (MIA), Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), reinforcing its commitment to safe and reliable life sciences transportation across its network.

 

American Airlines Cargo trains teams worldwide to manage life sciences shipments, with a focus on key trade lanes supported by a network of 30 CEIV- or GDP-certified stations. This infrastructure helps maintain consistent handling standards across its global operations.

 

"Our goal is to be the most trusted airline in life sciences transportation," said Eric Mathieu, head of American Airlines Cargo Customer Experience. "ExpediteTC° is built on collaboration, innovation and a relentless focus on quality. We’re proud to offer solutions that meet the highest industry standards and exceed customer expectations."

 

American Airlines Cargo supports the transport of temperature-sensitive shipments—including vaccines, gene therapies, and biologics—through a mix of active and passive cold-chain solutions. Its network covers over 150 cities across 46 countries, backed by CEIV- and GDP-certified facilities and trained teams focused on maintaining shipment integrity.