Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has cemented its position as a leading international air cargo carrier after becoming only the second carrier to be awarded IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) in Abu Dhabi.
The new award elevates Etihad Cargo as the first Middle East airline to hold both of IATA’s CEIV Fresh and CEIV Pharma certifications, and one of the two carriers globally to claim this dual honour. The carrier’s dedicated FreshForward product today receives a significant validation for its end-to-end temperature-controlled solution for fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat and flowers across its global network.
To secure the twin certifications within a remarkable frame of one calendar year, Etihad Cargo was required to meet global IATA standards, International requirements and best practices, as well as pass stringent food safety management protocols within Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology.
Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Managing Director Cargo and Logistics at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Acquiring our second CEIV certification in a single year is a significant achievement for Etihad Cargo and underlines the product-specific quality of service we deliver across our global network. In-line with our commitment to offer a diverse portfolio of industry-leading products to Etihad Cargo’s global customers, FreshForward is destined for further investment and growth.”
Frederic Leger, Director, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security Products, IATA, added: “Perishable goods is a growing market for air cargo. Ensuring that these delicate and short shelf-life products reach the customer unspoiled with minimal loss is essential. I want to congratulate both Etihad Cargo and Etihad Airport Services (EAS) in achieving the Center of Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) certification. CEIV Fresh certification provides stakeholders throughout the air cargo supply chain with the assurance that certified companies are operating to the highest quality and standards in the transport of perishable products.”
In addition to covering Etihad Cargo’s airline operations, the CEIV’s Fresh Certification also comprises cargo handling and warehousing at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). With a multi-phased cargo infrastructure development strategy in place, including an expanded fresh facility, Etihad Cargo is committed to developing a Cool Chain Centre of Excellence at its state-of-the-art UAE hub.
-ENDS-
Notes for Editors:
· IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 290 airlines comprising 82% of global air traffic.
· The IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) programs are standardized global certification programs that support excellence in the transport and handling of special cargo products across the world. CEIV Fresh follows on from CEIV Pharma for the transport of temperature sensitive healthcare shipments and CEIV Live Animals for the transport of live animals. · You can find more information on CEIV Fresh at www.iata.org/ceiv-fresh
About Etihad Cargo:
Etihad Cargo is the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group. Since its establishment in 2004, Etihad Cargo has grown rapidly to become one of the leading air cargo carriers in the world, offering customers a range of cargo products and services to five major continents. Our hub in Abu Dhabi is
strategically located at the centre of the worlds’ busiest trade lanes, providing an integral link between Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and Africa.
With a modern fleet of 102 passenger aircraft including Boeing 787, 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft serving 83 destinations across the world, Etihad Cargo also operates a fleet of five Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, providing the perfect compliment to the passenger bellyhold cargo capacity, as well as an extensive road feeder trucking network linking major air gateways in North America, Europe, GCC, Asia and Australia. Through our market leading online booking portal at www.etihadcargo.com, customers can instantly book their cargo and follow the status of their shipments using our advanced track and trace capability.
In addition to general cargo, Etihad Cargo offers a wide range of specialty products including live animals, dangerous good, valuables and vulnerables, personal effects, as well as our market leading cold chain products (the latter holding IATA’s stringent Center of Excellence for Independent Validators certifications for both Pharmaceutical Logistics as well as Perishables Logistics). For more info please visit www.etihadcargo.com
