THE air cargo division of Swiss International Airlines, Zurich-based carrier Swiss WorldCargo, has obtained the stamp of approval that all segments of its supply chain network operating in more than 84 countries meet the strict temperature-control standards set by IATA by gaining its CEIV-Pharma certification
THE air cargo division of Swiss International Airlines, Zurich-based carrier Swiss WorldCargo, has obtained the stamp of approval that all segments of its supply chain network operating in more than 84 countries meet the strict temperature-control standards set by IATA by gaining its CEIV-Pharma certification. The carrier, while small, has carved out a niche in the sector of transporting pharmaceuticals internationally out of Western Europe. In 2016, it introduced 'quality corridors' - or dedicated pharma traffic lanes - in partnership with cargo handler Cargologic, and food and gateways services provider Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd (SATS). The consortium launched the service with a Singapore-Zurich route, reports New York's Air Cargo World.
Swiss WorldCargo is also recognised as compliant with the Good Distribution Practices (GDP) standards by government authority Swissmedic - which issues GDP certificates to Switzerland-based companies. The merits of IATA's pharma certificate have often been compared to the GDP's standards.
There are major players on both sides of the fence - GDP-compliant companies including Panalpina, dnata, Cargolux Airlines and Emirates SkyCargo - along with Delta Cargo, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways and Hactl, which hold CEIV-pharma certifications. While many pharma-centric companies opt for one or the other, some diversify their portfolios with a combination of the two frameworks, like Swiss WorldCargo.
Looking forward, the company said it will continue to develop its 'pharma road map to improve its footprint in the important and growing segment of pharmaceuticals and life sciences'.
