American Airlines Cargo targets pharma certification
20 / 09 / 2016
American Airlines Cargo is hoping to become the latest airline – and the first US carrier − to achieve IATA’s pharmaceutical transportation certification in response to growing demand in the sector and stricter regulations.
Initial stations that will aim to complete the Center for Excellence and Independent Validators (CEIV) certification include American’s home base and key hub Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW), and Miami International (MIA).
The airline will also certify Philadelphia International (PHL) in support of its dedicated, 25,000 square-foot pharmaceutical and healthcare handling facility that opened in 2015.
American said demand for temperature management services continues to grow at a rapid pace due to market growth, necessary product requirements and stringent global regulations.
“With the increase in regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical logistics comes the industry-wide need to ensure quality handing from all stakeholders,” it said.
“We’re extremely proud of our temperature-control network,” said Tom Grubb, American’s manager of cold chain strategy for its cargo division.
“Our focus is on moving pharmaceuticals safely and efficiently across the globe, and being the first US carrier to promote this certification will help show our partners and customers how confident we are in our abilities to offer the best cold-chain service possible.”
The IATA certification impartially validates the capabilities associated with the proper transportation of delicate, temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments.
“In addition to the facilitation of critical training for warehouse handling staff on regulations and best practices, the certification includes the assessment and verification of properly-equipped facilities, processes and operational effectiveness for the correct handling of these sensitive products—all efforts American has focused heavily on over the recent years,” the airline said.
Earlier this month, Lufthansa Cargo became the sixth carrier to achieve the certificate, joining Finnair, CAL, Air France KLM, Cargolux and Turkish Cargo.
