Etihad Cargo announces expanded cool chain partnerships

Etihad Cargo, the airfreight division of Etihad Aviation Group, has expanded its cold chain partnerships by becoming a member of the Cool Chain Association (CCA) and the Pharma.Aero network.

The announcement comes less than a year after Etihad Cargo became the first carrier in the Middle East region to receive CEIV certification for its pharma handling facilities and procedures.

Andre Blech, head of cargo operations and delivery at Etihad Aviation Group, explained: “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.”

Stavros Evangelakakis, chairman of the CCA and global product manager at Cargolux, commented: “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”.

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Etihad Cargo representatives will be able to attend and participate in IATA LAPB (Live Animals and Perishables Board) meetings as part of its Pharma.Aero membership.

Nathan De Valck, chairman of Pharma.Aero, added: “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”.

Etihad Airways has also committed to a minimum target of zero net carbon emissions by 2050, and also halving its 2019 net emission levels by 2035.

Group chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas, explained: “The global focus on the environment and the urgency of reducing carbon emissions has never been greater. Etihad Aviation Group, together with its partners, is taking an active role in reducing the impact of aviation on the environment through initiatives ranging from optimised fuel management to sustainable financing practices”.