Air Canada Cargo has started freighter operations to Basel, Switzerland.

This new service will offer a link to one of Europe's premier pharmaceutical hubs and the carrier's network through its Toronto global hub and have a stop in Halifax.

"We are excited to be returning to Basel, this time with our freighters, to serve a key market in Europe for pharmaceuticals," said Matthieu Casey, managing director, of commercial at Air Canada Cargo.

"The capability of our freighters, combined with our temperature-controlled containers and cool chain facility at our Toronto global hub position us to serve this critical market with reliable, year-round service, and ensure these important shipments can move safely and in a timely manner throughout our global network," he added.

Air Canada Cargo's Basel service is the latest addition to its worldwide freighter network, following recently launched freighter services to Liege, Belgium; Dallas, Atlanta and Bogota.