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ABC boosts its medical credentials

[ November 25, 2016   //   ]

Russian carrier AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has become the first airline in Russia – and the seventh in the world – to gain IATA CEIV (Center of Excellence for Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) certification for pharmaceutical shipments through its Moscow Sheremetyevo hub.
The carrier completed its preparation in just four months before passing the IATA audit and also delivered specialist pharma training to 200 employees.
ABC sees transport of temperature sensitive pharma shipments as one of the fastest-growing air cargo markets. Leading pharma companies need to work with high quality air cargo service providers that can ensure the integrity of their products through the quality of their delivery, handling and storage solutions.
ABC general director, Sergey Lazarev, said: “Good health is one of our core corporate values so we clearly understand the importance of this certification. IATA CEIV is a confirmation that our quality procedures for the transportation of pharma products, including temperature sensitive goods, fully comply with IATA’s standards. Every player in the pharma supply chain must follow strict procedures to ensure products reach consumers in good time and in perfect condition.”
He added that confirmation of ABC’s competency and expertise would help it increase volumes of pharma products across our international route network, including imports and exports to/from Russia as well as help attract additional transit cargo via Sheremetyevo airport on the Europe-Asia trade lane, including new business from customers that currently use ground transport.
CEIV certification is going hand in hand with a development program at Sheremetyevo, including a new 47,000 sq. m automated cargo terminal due to be commissioned in 2017. The $85 million terminal will initially be capable of handling up to 380,000 tons a year but could expand to 1 million tons a year, making it the largest cargo hub in Europe said airport chief executive, Mikhail Vasilenko.

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