AirBridgeCargo Airlines earns CEIV Pharma certification at Moscow hub

AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) became the first airline in Russia, and seventh globally, to be awarded IATA’s Center of Excellence for Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification, on November 22, for the global transportation of pharma products via its cargo hub in Sheremetyevo, Moscow.

The Russian cargo carrier has built a pharma hub to the specifications of CEIV Pharma certification, which is supported by the development program of Sheremetyevo International Airport. The program includes a new 47,000 square meter automated cargo terminal that will be commissioned in 2017.

Mikhail Vasilenko, CEO of Sheremetyevo International Airport explained that the US$85 million terminal will initially be capable of handling up to 380,000 tonnes of cargo a year, but eventually will have a capacity of 1 million tonnes. “We are set on building the largest cargo hub in Europe to meet the growing market needs and create favorable conditions for long-term success of our partner airlines,” he said.

The realization of AirBridgeCargo’s plans will also depend on the support of its key partners, the airline stated, calling the certification a “milestone in the successful development of the strategic partnership between Volga-Dnepr Group and Sheremeteyevo International Airport.”

Robert van de Weg, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Volga-Dnepr Group, added, “Gaining CEIV Pharma certification reflects our commitment to being a high-quality service provider and our responsibility to help maintain the integrity of our pharma customers’ cold chains. We have demonstrated that we have the required processes in place to meet this IATA global standard and to provide the level of quality and consistency that is so paramount to every customer shipping healthcare products.”