Etihad: A Fresh Start to a Cool Future

The year has hardly begun, and Etihad Cargo is already reaping rewards. In addition to being awarded IATA’s Center of Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) last week, this week
it became the first Middle East carrier to join Pharma.Aero.

Just two carriers in the world hold a double IATA certification as CEIV Fresh and CEIV Pharma. Etihad Airways’ air freight logistics subsidiary, Etihad Cargo, is one of them – and the first of
the Middle East airlines to have been awarded these in Abu Dhabi last week. Etihad Cargo received its Perishable Logistics (Fresh) certification within the record timeframe of just one year after
being awarded its original certification in Pharmaceutical Logistics. “Acquiring our second CEIV certification in a single year is a significant achievement for Etihad Cargo, and underlines
the product-specific quality of service we deliver across our global network. In line with our commitment to offer a diverse portfolio of industry-leading products to Etihad Cargo’s global
customers, FreshForward is destined for further investment and growth,” Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Managing Director Cargo and Logistics at Etihad Aviation Group, said.

Fast Forward to FreshForward
Etihad Cargo’s perishable service is called FreshForward and offers end-to-end temperature-control across its global network, for fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat and flowers. The CEIV
certification confirms that the carrier’s service across 60 global stations and on over 100 trade lanes, meets global IATA standards, international requirements and best practices, and has
successfully passed stringent food safety management protocols as per the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology.

Not just the transportation chain, also the cargo handling and warehousing facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) are included the CEIV Fresh certification. Etihad Cargo’s strategy
to establish a Cool Chain Center of Excellence at its state-of-the-art UAE hub is well underway, and one that has a future, as underlined by Frederic Leger, Director, Airport, Passenger, Cargo
and Security Products, IATA, in his statement: “Perishable goods is a growing market for air cargo. Ensuring that these delicate and short shelf-life products reach the customer unspoiled
with minimal loss is essential. I want to congratulate both Etihad Cargo and Etihad Airport Services (EAS) in achieving the Center of Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh)
certification. CEIV Fresh certification provides stakeholders throughout the air cargo supply chain with the assurance that certified companies are operating to the highest quality and standards
in the transport of perishable products.”

Pharma.Aero was the next logical step
Nathan De Valck, Chairman of Pharma.Aero, stated: “We welcome Etihad Cargo into the Pharma.Aero membership and look forward to their active contribution in our project groups to further
improve 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.”

On 14 JAN 20, Etihad Cargo announced the next logical step after receiving its double IATA CEIV certification: becoming a member of the exclusive Cool Chain Association and Pharma.Aero. This will
enable the company to work together with pharma shippers, CEIV certified cargo communities, airport operators and other air cargo industry stakeholders, to actively develop and enhance industry
standards and processes, as well as improve its own service offering through supply chain partnerships and exchange of ideas, as Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman of the Cool Chain Association and
Global Product Manager, Cargolux, confirmed: “The CCA brings together industry leaders from across the cool chain to network, share insight, and trial new ideas. CCA members are focused on
driving genuine change in the pharma and perishables cool chain with a focus on contributing to reducing waste and improving the lives of patients by ensuring transportation meets the
requirements of the shipper, and Etihad will bring valuable insight and input from an airline perspective. We look forward to their contribution.”

Andre Blech, Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery at Etihad Aviation Group, underlined the carrier’s success in its strategy to supply quality temperature sensitive supply chain services:
“Our memberships of the Cool Chain Association and Pharma.Aero are 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.”

Brigitte Gledhill

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Source: Cargoforwarder