Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines, has received IATA’s Center for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification encompassing the entire airline and organization. The certification was awarded following an extensive review from IATA recognised independent auditors. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO handed over the certificate to Michael Niggemann, Chief Financial Officer and Member of Management Board of Swiss International Air Lines.

Swiss WorldCargo’s Zurich hub has already received the distinction of being CEIV certified in 2016, and is also recognised as GDP compliant by Swiss authorities Swissmedic. Based on meeting all necessary requirements, IATA now recognises Swiss WorldCargo’s globally consistent pharmaceutical handling and processes to safeguard product intergrity and maintain high quality standards. With this milestone, Swiss WorldCargo has now become part of a small group of airlines who have earned this recognition.

“I am incredibly proud of our achievement in attaining full CEIV pharma certification,” said Ashwin Bhat, Head of Cargo. “Quality, reliability and long-standing experience underscore all our efforts in shipping products around the globe, and we are delighted to have been recognised at not just our hub, but throughout our entire airline and network. Our commitment to upholding safety standards throughout our global network offers us opportunities to carry out pharmaceutical shipments around the world. We are happy to play a valuable role in the shipment of pharmaceutical and life-saving products every day.”

“IATA congratulates Swiss WorldCargo on this important achievement, which demonstrates their commitment to the critical safeguarding of the integrity of pharma products. CEIV Pharma certification ensures these lifesaving products are handled using the best global standards of safety, security, compliance and efficiency,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Swiss WorldCargo continues to develop a “pharma road-map” to improve its footprint in the important and growing segment of pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Previously, Swiss WorldCargo was the first company to establish the so-called “quality corridors,” or dedicated pharma traffic lanes between select destinations, that offer safe pharmaceutical shipments from airport to airport. With its CEIV Pharma certification, the firm provides further evidence of its adherence to the most important and strict international regulations standards for pharma shipments and further enhances its leadership in this segment.