Pharma.Aero, which aims to achieve excellence in the transportation and handling of pharmaceutical products, has declared Air India SATS and Etihad Cargo as two new Full Members to its air pharma network.
Air India SATS, a joint venture between Air India Limited and SATS Limited, was formed with the vision to provide world-class airport services in ground and cargo handling solutions to its customer airlines.
“We are delighted to be a part of the Pharma.Aero ecosystem. To be included in their network is a key milestone for AISATS as we pursue industry collaboration to aid our long-term goal of building a pharma corridor in India. As an industry leader in air cargo, we are committed to driving strategic growth, overcome new challenges, and support our industry to achieve excellence in reliable end-toend air transportation for pharma shippers,” AISATS Head of Cargo Ravinder Bolangdy said.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, positions itself 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.
Andre Blech, Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery at Etihad Aviation Group said, “Our membership with Pharma.Aero is a 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.”
An alliance between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Brussels Airport (BRU) in 2016 led to the establishment of Pharma.Aero as an international pharmaceutical air-hub alliance that allows airports and airport communities certified under IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) program for pharmaceuticals to more effectively share strategy and expertise in the movement and handling of pharma products.
Nathan De Valck, Chairman of Pharma.Aero expressed, “We welcome Etihad Cargo and AISATS into the Pharma.Aero community and look forward to their active contribution in our project groups to further improve air pharma handling processes in collaboration with the pharmaceutical manufacturers. As the first Middle East carrier to join Pharma.Aero, Etihad Cargo marks the expansion of our global membership into that region. Air India SATS will further strengthen the very active Indian community within the Pharma.Aero network.”
