Etihad Cargo has been awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma recertification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Etihad Cargo achieved IATA CEIV Pharma recertification following an audit by independent validators that assessed the carrier’s capacity to control and enhance its processes.

The audit focused on the carrier’s quality management system that incorporates supplier management, training programmes, processes and procedures, audit programmes, and quality enhancement, among others.

Etihad Cargo’s dedicated pharmaceutical transportation product PharmaLife is in full compliance with specific regulations, including IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP), a quality system for warehouses and distribution centres dedicated to medications and life sciences products.

The UAE’s national carrier first achieved IATA CEIV Pharma certification in 2019 in conjunction with its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airport Services Cargo.

The airline went on to become the first airline in the Middle East and only the third globally to hold the following certifications from IATA: CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh and CEIV Live Animals. The carrier is one of only 37 airlines to hold IATA CEIV Pharma certification globally.

Etihad Cargo recently announced the upcoming launch of a state-of-the-art, 3,000-sqm pharma facility at its Abu Dhabi hub, which is expected to double its capacity to carry and accommodate an additional 50,000 tonnes of cool chain commodities, including pharmaceuticals and life sciences products.