New life sciences air corridor to link Wilmington and Ireland
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new international air corridor will soon connect Wilmington International Airport with Shannon Airport in Ireland, creating a dedicated route for life sciences materials such as medicines, pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical devices.
Frontier Scientific Solutions announced the launch of its temperature-controlled air service between the two airports, calling it the first fully dedicated life sciences air corridor of its kind. The route will use wide-body Boeing 767 freighters equipped with real-time temperature monitoring and quality controls to protect sensitive medical shipments.
Flights will run three days a week in each direction.
The company says the service aims to reduce shipping time and risk by eliminating multiple stops and transfers typically required for pharmaceutical freight.
The project is expected to create about 350 jobs over the next three to five years in Wilmington and Shannon, including positions in operations, compliance, and engineering.
Local leaders say the partnership strengthens both regions’ roles in the global pharmaceutical industry. Wilmington’s access to the Port of Wilmington and major interstate routes, combined with its Foreign Trade Zone status, make it a strategic hub for life sciences logistics.
