Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has been awarded IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) by the airline trade association.
It is the first Middle East airline to hold both IATA’s CEIV Fresh and CEIV Pharma certifications, and one of only two carriers around the world to be dual-certified.
Etihad Cargo’s FreshForward product provides an end-to-end temperature-controlled solution for fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat and flowers flown across the freight carrier’s global network.
To gain CEIV certification, Etihad Cargo was required to meet global IATA standards and demonstrate numerous best practices while meeting stringent food safety management protocols.
Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, managing director cargo and logistics at Etihad Aviation Group, enthused: “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.”
Furthermore, he added: “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 at 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 [handler/service provider] 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.”
Cool handling
As well as certifying the quality of Etihad Cargo’s airline operations in terms of perishables transportation, the CEIV Fresh Certification also incorporates cargo handling and warehousing at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
According to Etihad, “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.”
In November, Etihad Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports announced plans for a major airfreight facility boost for the airline’s hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The partners will implement a “multi-phased cargo infrastructure development” strategy, starting with the imminent upgrade of Etihad’s existing air cargo terminal facilities on the Southside airport perimeter.
The programme will culminate with the inauguration of Etihad Cargo’s new air cargo terminal in the East Midfield section of the airport, an area designated by Abu Dhabi Airports for future integrated cargo, logistics and integrator activities.
Etihad Cargo is the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group. As well as having access to the bellyhold capacity of its parent carrier’s fleet of 102 passenger aircraft, including Boeing 787, 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, Etihad Cargo also operates a fleet of five B777 freighter aircraft.
