NAIROBI, Kenya, May 5 – Kenya Airways Cargo has received certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to handle pharmaceutical products.
Its KQ Pharma Facility was awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification by IATA.
The accreditation means that the airline’s cargo unit is capable of safely handling high-value, time-sensitive, and temperature-controlled transportation of pharmaceutical products with speed and consistency based on shipper needs.
“It is evident that the CIEV certification for Kenya Airways Cargo will unlock huge potential in the market and provide a mechanism for tapping into this potential,” Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.
“It is our belief that with the right support, these exports will drive the growth of Kenya’s pharmaceutical industry and place the country at the apex of pharmaceutical export.”
CEIV Pharma certification addresses the industry’s need for more safety, security, compliance, and efficiency by creating a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification.
Kenya Airways’ pharmaceutical product shipments will now comply with IATA Temperature Control Regulations.
“Pharmaceutical shipments are extremely challenging and necessitate maximum dependability from airlines. It is critical to maintain the required temperature so that medication can be used as planned after shipping,” KQ Cargo Director Dick Murianki said.
“Being one of the first African airlines to receive IATA’s international certificate is the result of the work we’ve done over the last few years to strengthen our product,” he added.
The CEIV Pharma program was created by IATA to help the global air freight supply chain by providing universal criteria based on current regulations and standards.
“We will continue to improve our premium product verticals, offering long-standing standards of temperature-controlled and time-sensitive cargo transport,” KQ Group Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka stated.
“With this certification, we join a select group of international operators in reaffirming our diligence in transporting temperature-controlled and time-sensitive products via our pharma network,” Kilavuka added.
