Korean Air has been awarded the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification. The carrier’s senior vice president for cargo Noh Sam Sug was awarded the certificate by IATA director general and chief executive officer, Alexandre de Juniac at IATA’s AGM which took place in Seoul this week.
CEIV Pharma indicates an airline’s capability to manage pharmaceuticals, including the handling procedure, equipment and facilities. More than 280 check lists are evaluated by validator to authorize the certification.
The pharmaceutical product is a booming cargo sector, with an annual average growth rate of 5.4 per cent over the past decade. Unlike general cargo, pharmaceuticals such as vaccines or insulin, can be easily spoiled unless transported at the correct temperature or refrigerated storage. In this respect, Korean Air has established a strict management system to control temperatures.
Korean Air has set up implementing procedures to deal with various situations such as power failure or temperature changes when opening and closing the temperature-controlled facilities of the cargo terminal.
In preparation for the CEIV Pharma certification, Korean Air adopted the international standard and regulations for handling pharmaceuticals and established high quality customized services. Korean Air also conducted special pharmaceutical training for all employees, including its suppliers.
To date 220 companies, including 18 airlines, have received the CEIV Pharma certification.
