Pharma logistics – the ability to transport specialised life-saving medicines and vaccines – has emerged as one of the key unsung heroes of mankind’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, and if there is any such future threat, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo is making sure it is fully equipped to be at the forefront to handle the situation.
Even in normal times, pharmaceuticals represent one of the world’s fastest-growing freight markets, but their transportation is critical and full of challenges. Pharmaceutical companies are always looking for logistic support that can deliver their products in controlled conditions that are more demanding, specific, and special than most other commodities.
The cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, Etihad Cargo, has been awarded the Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma Recertification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is one of only 37 airlines to hold IATA CEIV Pharma certification globally.
The recertification means that Etihad Cargo, and its dedicated pharmaceutical transportation product PharmaLife, is fully compliant with specific pharmaceutical regulations, including IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), Good Distribution Practices (GDP), a quality system for warehouses and distribution centres dedicated to medications and life sciences products.
Etihad Cargo achieved the recertification following an audit by independent validators that assessed the carrier’s capacity to control and enhance its processes. The checklist included a complete evaluation of Etihad Cargo’s Quality Management System that incorporates supplier management, training programmes, processes and procedures, audit programmes, and quality enhancement.
The company first achieved CEIV Pharma certification in 2019 along with its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airport Services Cargo. It is now the first airline in the Middle East and only the third globally to hold CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals certifications.
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “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.
“Etihad Cargo fully supports Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a hub for life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Achieving recertification and providing world-class pharmaceutical logistics solutions demonstrates our capabilities in seamlessly transporting life-saving medicines and the latest treatments around the world from the carrier’s Abu Dhabi hub.”
Etihad Cargo has significantly invested in PharmaLife since achieving IATA CEIV Pharma certification for the first time. In addition to launching dedicated thermal covers for PharmaLife products across its top pharma origin stations, it recently announced the upcoming launch of a new, state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-metre pharma facility at its Abu Dhabi hub. The new facility will double Etihad Cargo’s cool chain capacity to carry and accommodate an additional 50,000 tonnes.
Frederic Leger, IATA, Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services, added: “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.”
The company is committed to raising standards across the pharma supply chain. As a founding member of the HOPE Consortium, Etihad Cargo partnered with Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Brussels Airport Company and Pharma.Aero to launch Pharma Corridor 2.0 between Brussels and Abu Dhabi.
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