Here’s how Changi Airport plans to rule pharma cargo handling in Asia

It will help six companies achieve CEIV Pharma certification.

Changi Airport will support a host of pharmaceutical cargo handlers in its bid to attain the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators on Pharmaceutical Handling (CEIV Pharma) certification.

This is the first initiative of its kind in Asia. The IATA CEIV Pharma is a standardised global certification programme that helps companies comply with existing global pharmaceutical guidelines.

For instance, companies undergoing this certification process will have to maintain a cargo hold temperature setting of between 10-25 degrees Celsius and ensure appropriate handling from tarmac to loading and unloading. 

Under the programme, Changi Airport Group (CAG) will be supporting six companies from different parts of the air cargo supply chain by providing cost support measures and coordinating training sessions. 

The pioneer group of companies in the Changi CEIV Community consists of SIA Cargo (freighter carrier), dnata Singapore (airport ground handler), Global Airfreight International, Expeditors Singapore, CEVA Logistics Singapore, and Schenker Singapore (freight forwarders). 

SATS Coolport, a major cargo player at Changi Airport, was the first facility in the world to attain the IATA CEIV Pharma certification in 2014. CAG will progressively work with more cargo partners to attain this certification.