On 31 December 2025 a devastating fire broke out at a bar in Crans-Montana in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The tragic incident resulted in over 40 deaths and 100 injured, prompting national mourning and investigations into the incident.
Air Partner Cargo was contacted by an organisation supporting the recovery and medical response effort, with an urgent requirement to transport critical medical supplies to assist in the treatment of injured individuals. The shipment included human tissue required to enable life-saving skin graft procedures.
Given the extreme time sensitivity of the request, Air Partner Cargo immediately arranged a Next Flight Out (NFO) solution, transporting the cargo on the same day from London Heathrow to Zurich onboard a Swiss International Air Lines flight. The team managed all necessary export and import customs clearance to ensure seamless entry into Switzerland.
The shipment was collected at 12:15, pre-screened by the Air Partner Cargo team and then screened upon arrival at Heathrow at 15:00, and transferred to Swiss International Air Lines’ loading area. Air Partner Cargo worked closely with airline and ground handling teams to prioritise and secure the cargo onboard the aircraft. The flight departed as scheduled, landing in Zurich at 19:50, where onward trucking was arranged to the final destination, approximately a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Due to its nature, the cargo was transported using dry ice and classified as dangerous goods. The shipment consisted of four boxes weighing a total of 60kg. Air Partner Cargo’s fully IATA dangerous goods-trained team ensured full compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements throughout the operation.
Through rapid decision-making, close coordination with airline and ground-handling partners, and expert handling of sensitive dangerous goods, Air Partner Cargo played a critical role in supporting the emergency medical response to this tragic event. Our team’s ability to mobilise immediately, manage complex regulatory requirements, and deliver life-saving materials within hours underscores our commitment to supporting humanitarian and critical missions when time matters. In moments of crisis, Air Partner Cargo stands ready to deliver dependable, compassionate logistics solutions that make a tangible difference.
