Etihad Cargo Launches Pharma Champions to Enhance Pharmaceutical Transport

Etihad Cargo has launched Pharma Champions, a development programme to enhance pharmaceutical transportation expertise and customer service.

Developed as a strategic initiative, Pharma Champions is aligned with Etihad Cargo's long-term plans and the implementation of the carrier's cool chain masterplan, which was launched in 2020.

In recent years, Etihad Cargo has made significant improvements to its cool chain products offering, including network, operations and processes.

The carrier has implemented a rigorous quality programme emphasising training and development, continuous improvement and adherence to high standards across the organisation.

Demonstrating this commitment to quality, the carrier achieved IATA CEIV Pharma recertification in 2022 and is one of only 44 airlines to hold the certification globally.

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Pharma Champions was developed in full compliance with IATA CEIV Pharma guidelines and enhances Etihad Cargo's capabilities to deliver consistent standards while transporting this critical cargo via the carrier's PharmaLife product.

In the last 12 months, Etihad Cargo has recorded a 49 per cent increase in pharmaceutical and life sciences products tonnage compared to the previous year.

To strengthen connections between Abu Dhabi and the rest of the world, Etihad Cargo has developed over 1,330 IATA CEIV Pharma and GDP-certified trade lanes, ensuring product integrity during transportation.

The Pharma Champions program comprises online and onsite training, a visit to Etihad Cargo's dedicated pharmaceutical hub and the development of a dedicated PharmaLife action plan, giving participants the tools to add additional value to current partnerships.

Tim Isik, Vice President Commercial at Etihad Cargo said: "Etihad Cargo has developed and launched Pharma Champions to enhance the carrier's capabilities in transporting high-value, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals across its global network.

"These Pharma Champions are an integral part of Etihad Cargo's cool chain strategy and operations for the coming years and will act as focal contact points in the carrier's key PharmaLife markets."

The carrier has invested in infrastructure to support Abu Dhabi's vision to become a global pharmaceutical and life sciences hub, including the commissioning of a state-of-the-art 3,300-square-metre cool chain facility at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Established in partnership with Etihad Airport Services Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports, the new facility will double Etihad Cargo's cool chain capacity to carry and accommodate an additional 50,000 tonnes of cool chain commodities.

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