Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has announced an extension of its cold chain global business partnerships by joining the exclusive Cool Chain Association as well as Pharma.Aero.

This latest development follows on the back of its recent successes in obtaining IATA CEIV certifications for both its pharma and fresh products, said a statement from the company.

The affiliation with the two cross-industry associations, which includes pharma shippers, CEIV certified cargo communities, airport operators and other air cargo industry stakeholders, provides the UAE-based carrier with active participation in the development and enhancement of industry standards and processes.

The news comes less than a year after Etihad Cargo became the first regional carrier and airport Hub in the Middle East to be awarded CEIV certification in Pharmaceutical Logistics, and only the second carrier in the world to obtain the CEIV certification in Perishables Logistics (Fresh) two weeks ago.

Its dedicated TempCheck and FreshForward products provide specially designed, temperature-controlled equipment to transport pharmaceuticals and perishable items in the quickest possible time, adhering to the highest compliance guidelines.

Andre Blech, head of cargo operations and delivery at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Our memberships of the Cool Chain Association and Pharma.Aero are testament to the progress Etihad Cargo has made over the past 18 months as we continue to drive forward our ambition to provide reliable end-to-end air transportation for perishable and pharmaceutical shippers.”

The Cool Chain Association will provide Etihad Cargo with a strategic conduit for knowledge exchange and technological ideas, in addition to a tailored platform to expand its current government, industry and supply chain partnerships on a global level.

Stavros Evangelakakis, chairman of the Cool Chain Association and global product manager, Cargolux, said: “The CCA brings together industry leaders from across the cool chain to network, share insight, and trial new ideas.”

“CCA members are focused on driving genuine change in the pharma and perishables cool chain with a focus on contributing to reducing waste and improving the lives of patients by ensuring transportation meets the requirements of the shipper, and Etihad will bring valuable insight and input from an airline perspective. We look forward to their contribution,” Evangelakakis added.

Etihad Cargo’s Pharma.Aero membership carries active participation at IATA LAPB meetings and regulation updates, ensuring its seat at the centre of industry-wide decision-making processes.

Nathan De Valck, chairman of Pharma.Aero, said: “We welcome Etihad Cargo into the Pharma.Aero membership and look forward to their active contribution in our project groups to further improve pharma handling processes in collaboration with the pharmaceutical manufacturers.”

“As the first Middle East carrier to join Pharma.Aero, Etihad Cargo marks the expansion of our global membership into that region,” he added.

Etihad Cargo’s network, consisting of 60 global operating stations, provides pharmaceutical and perishables logistics services and seamless connections across more than 100 trade lanes listed as IATA CEIV certified. – TradeArabia News Service