This one is for all you freight fans out there. Following its recent success in achieving IATA CEIV certificates for its pharmaceutical and fresh produce offering, Etihad’s logistics division, Etihad Cargo, has announced it will be extending its cold chain (temperature-controlled supply network) business partnerships by joining the Cool Chain Association and Pharma.Aero.

The news comes less than a year after Etihad Cargo became the first Middle Eastern carrier and airport 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) — just two weeks ago.

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.”

“Valuable insight”

The Cool Chain Association will provide Etihad Cargo with a 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.”

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”.