Menzies Aviation has received certification from IATA to handle time and temperature sensitive pharma products at Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

The Centre of Excellence of Independent Validators for Pharmaceutical Logistics accreditation (CEIV Pharma), which is recognised by IATA, now formally endorses Menzies’ ability to handle high-value, time sensitive and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals transported into and out of LHR and BUD.

Menzies’s executive vice president of global cargo services Robert Fordree said: “The CEIV Pharma accreditation is recognised by all of our customers and the latest certifications represent the strengthening of our supply chain in Europe, providing confidence to manufacturers, freight forwarders and carriers that products handled by our teams at Heathrow and Budapest will be appropriately handled in line with the regulations.

“At Menzies we pride ourselves on having the highest standards of safety and security, and these accreditations demonstrate our commitment to constantly enhancing and adapting our operations based on industry requirements.”

Menzies’ cargo team at Heathrow Airport, which operates with over 230 employees, provides cargo services to airlines including Qatar Airways, Air India, Egyptair, MEA, Kuwait Airways and TAP Air Portugal, handling  100,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum, on average.

Following the certification, the company expects to see a significant increase in pharma volumes through its 10,000 square metre warehouse facility at LHR.