dnata’s cargo operations awarded IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certification at its Dubai hub

The CEIV Pharma was created by IATA to provide a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification that focuses on airfreight and temporary storage.

The stringent standards set by CEIV and the rigorous assessments conducted either meet or exceed many of the current worldwide regulations.

dnata’s two-year preparation for certification included working closely with Dubai Airports to implement facility changes and upgrades to align with CEIV requirements. The company was assessed on its cool chain processes and facilities. These were validated to comply with all applicable standards, guidelines and regulations, including EU, World Health Organization (WHO), United States Phamacopeia (USP) and IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR).

“At dnata, we’ve continuously focussed on providing our customers with enhancements in the safety and security of their pharma shipments. This CEIV certification is a demonstration of that commitment,” said Bernd Struck, Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo & DWC Airline Services, dnata.

“We use the latest technology, best practices and certified warehouses to ensure that every pharma and vaccine shipment that reaches the patient is handled in compliance with international certified standards.”

Every year, billions of dollars’ worth of pharma products are lost as a result of temperature changes, with a high percentage of this occurring at airports. Certifications, such as the CEIV Pharma and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Guidelines, help to eliminate spoilage of highly perishable pharma cargo, and optimize the air cargo supply chain with standardization, accountability transparency, reliability and predictability.

dnata serves close to 200 airline customers with their cargo handling needs in 41 airports around the world. It has specialized pharma-handling facilities and equipment in Amsterdam, Dallas, Dubai, Houston, Singapore and the UK. These include dedicated areas for pharma-only cargo, custom built storage systems for holding chemicals used for sanitization purposes and continuous temperature monitoring systems.

The company was named “Most Reliable Cargo handling Company” at the Logistics, Warehouse & Supply Chain Awards 2017.

About dnata
dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 129 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 84 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 400 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,700 flights, carries over 7,700 tonnes of cargo, assists over 235,000 passengers, books over 19,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

About CEIV Pharma

The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) was created by IATA (International Air Transport Association), to provide for a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification that focuses on airfreight and temporary storage. By establishing a common baseline from existing regulations and standards, this certification ensures international and national compliance to safeguard product integrity while addressing specific air cargo needs. To date, over 200 assessments have been conducted, over 160 companies have been certified at different locations around the globe, with more than 70 on-going certifications.