Baku-based Silk Way West Airlines has been awarded Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification. To further improve the company’s capacity in reliably handling time and temperature-sensitive cargo, the carrier has successfully completed an in-depth GDP audit by Global Cold Chain Consultants, described as “a trusted external party with a strong track record in the pharmaceutical industry”.

This is a critical step in strengthening and expanding the airline’s offering to the pharmaceutical sector. Being GDP-certified, Silk Way West Airlines now intends to extend its product line in the transportation of medical goods and pharmaceutical logistics services.

Silk Way West Airlines’ internal procedures have been upgraded in accordance with GDP principles and the company’s entire staff has been appropriately trained. Moreover, the carrier conducted a thermal mapping of its fleet and the extensive temperature-controlled storage facilities at its main hub in Baku to ensure the integrity of these processes. As a result, staff, equipment, and facilities are all aligned to deliver superior performance.

Commenting on the company’s achievement, Silk Way West Airlines president and CEO Wolfgang Meier said: “Obtaining the GDP certification proves our readiness in taking a leading role in global distribution of medical supplies.”

According to Silk Way West Airlines’ VP for global cargo logistics & standards, Aydin Huseynov, GDP certification is an important step in upgrading the airline’s carriage capabilities for all pharmaceutical products, as well as ensuring that the required storage services are in place.

“We believe that these efforts focused on ensuring the highest standards in logistics will take the company to the next level in management of time and temperature-sensitive goods,” remarked Huseynov.

Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is a standard based on principles adopted by the European Union and recommended by the World Health Organisation. In line with these requirements, medicines are to be obtained from a licensed supply chain and stored, transported and handled under suitable conditions.

Last year, at the height of the pandemic, the airline announced that, despite the impact of coronavirus on the air cargo industry, it would maintain both its scheduled and charter flights to China, amounting to more than 20 flights a week.