Etihad Cargo receives CEIV Pharma recertification

Etihad Cargo has received the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma recertification from IATA.

The carrier says it is one of only 37 airlines to hold IATA CEIV Pharma certification globally. Etihad Cargo first achieved IATA CEIV Pharma certification in 2019 in conjunction with its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airport Services Cargo.

The recertification was achieved following an audit by independent validators that assessed the carrier’s capacity to control and enhance its processes through a checklist that focused on Etihad Cargo’s Quality Management System that incorporates areas such as supplier management, training programmes, processes and procedures, audit programmes and quality enhancement.

Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group commented: “Etihad Cargo is proud to achieve IATA CEIV Pharma recertification following an extensive audit. This industry-wide standard ensures Etihad Cargo’s operations and staff comply with all applicable standards, regulations and guidelines expected from pharmaceutical manufacturers. The benefits of CEIV Pharma certification extend to Etihad Cargo’s customers, who can be assured the carrier’s dedicated pharma cargo management constantly monitor and analyse the quality and safety of Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife product performance.

“Etihad Cargo fully supports Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a life sciences and pharmaceutical hub. Achieving recertification and providing world-class pharmaceutical logistics solutions demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in seamlessly transporting life-saving medicines and the latest treatments around the world from the carrier’s Abu Dhabi hub.”

Frederic Leger, IATA, Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services, said: “Organisations holding CEIV certification and their customers recognise that CEIV Pharma certification is a key differentiator, highlighting the additional efforts taken to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience. We congratulate Etihad Cargo on achieving CEIV Pharma recertification. Pharmaceuticals represent one of the world’s fastest-growing freight markets, their transportation is critical but challenging.

“Shippers such as pharmaceutical companies welcome such certification as it gives them confidence in air transport. Etihad Cargo’s efforts in achieving recertification support the vision of having a global standard for the safe transportation of pharmaceuticals.”

According to Etihad Cargo, the airline has invested in its PharmaLife product significantly since achieving IATA CEIV Pharma certification for pharmaceutical logistics in 2019. It has launched dedicated thermal covers for its PharmaLife products across its top pharma origin stations and recently announced the upcoming launch of a new, state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-metre pharma facility at its Abu Dhabi hub.