Etihad Cargo has launched a Pharma Champions development programme to enhance its transportation expertise and customer service in the sector. It is part of the carrier’s cool chain masterplan, which was launched in 2020 to establish Abu Dhabi as a global pharmaceutical and life sciences hub.
Etihad Cargo has in recent years implemented a rigorous quality programme, emphasising training and development, continuous improvement and adherence to high standards across the organisation. It achieved IATA CEIV Pharma recertification in 2022 and is one of only 44 airlines to hold the certification globally.
Pharma Champions has been developed in line with IATA CEIV Pharma guidelines and enhances Etihad Cargo’s capabilities to deliver consistent standards while transporting critical cargo via its PharmaLife product.
In the last 12 months, Etihad Cargo has recorded a 49% increase in pharmaceutical and life sciences products tonnage compared to the previous year and has developed over 1,330 IATA CEIV Pharma and GDP-certified trade lanes.
Vice president commercial, Tim Isik, explained: “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. This will enable Etihad Cargo to enhance regional knowledge hubs, mitigating the challenges of operating across multiple time zones and ensuring the carrier can respond to customer enquiries more quickly and efficiently.”
Pharma Champions complements other features launched in recent months, such as dedicated thermal blankets. The carrier has also invested in infrastructure to support Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global pharmaceutical and life sciences hub, including the commissioning of a 3,300sq m cool chain facility at Abu Dhabi Airport, in partnership with Etihad Airport Services Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports. This will double Etihad Cargo’s cool chain capacity, adding 50,000 tonnes of capacity.