Etihad Cargo has extended its cold chain global business partnerships by joining two cross-industry associations, the Cool Chain Association (CCA) and Pharma.Aero.

The memberships of the two associations will enable the airline to actively participate in the development and enhancement of industry standards and processes.

Etihad Cargo was the first regional carrier and airport hub in the Middle East to be awarded the CEIV certification in pharmaceutical logistics. In December, the airline became only the second carrier in the world to obtain the CEIV certification in perishables logistics (fresh).

Extensive global logistics network

Etihad Cargo’s TempCheck and FreshForward products provide specially designed, temperature-controlled equipment to transport pharmaceuticals and perishable items.

Etihad Aviation Group’s head of cargo operations and delivery, Andre Blech, said: “Our memberships of the Cool Chain Association and Pharma.Aero are testament to the progress Etihad Cargo has made over the past 18 months as we continue to drive forward our ambition to provide reliable end-to-end air transportation for perishable and pharmaceutical shippers.”

Chairman of the Cool Chain Association and global product manager of Cargolux, Stavros Evangelakakis, said: “The CCA brings together industry leaders from across the cool chain to network, share insight and trial new ideas.”

“CCA members are focused on driving genuine change in the pharma and perishables cool chain with a focus on contributing to reducing waste and improving the lives of patients by ensuring transportation meets the requirements of the shipper, and Etihad will bring valuable insight and input from an airline perspective.”

Etihad Cargo’s network consists of 60 global operating stations. The network provides pharmaceutical and perishables logistics services and connections across more than 100 trade lanes listed as IATA CEIV certified.

Middle Eastern airlines topped the world cargo growth table for the first time in more than two years last summer.

For more information on Etihad Cargo, please visit etihadcargo.com.