dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers, has been certified by IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) for its pharma handling processes at its state-of-the-art cargo facility at Dubai World Central (DWC). The accreditation complements dnata’s existing CEIV Pharma certification at Dubai International (DXB), demonstrating the company’s ability to move pharmaceutical products under the strictest standards across its operations in the UAE.

In recent years dnata has significantly invested in infrastructure and equipment to enhance its pharma handling capabilities. The company’s facilities at both DXB and DWC were designed with flexibility and unique product handling requirements in mind, taking advantage of the latest technologies. The cold storage areas in the cargo centres are modular, enabling teams to manage changing handling demands with dedicated climate control capability. Web-based monitoring systems are also in place to facilitate real-time management of all areas.

To ensure seamless delivery of temperature-sensitive goods from the warehouse to the aircraft, dnata launched ‘cool dollies’ in its operations. These high-tech containers were specially designed to serve the pharmaceutical industry with a closed temperature-controlled system.

In the financial year 2018-19 dnata handled 3,130 tons of pharmaceutical products at the two Dubai airports.

Bernd Struck, Senior Vice President, UAE Cargo & DWC Airline Services, dnata, said: “Air cargo has been playing an increasing role in the transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceutical products. We constantly enhance our operations to meet the growing demand, and invest in cutting-edge technologies to provide the highest possible value to our customers. The achievement of the prestigious CEIV certification at our DWC cargo hub demonstrates the quality and reliability of our services.”

Glyn Hughes, Global Head Cargo, IATA, said: “Improving industry logistics networks to achieve supply chain excellence increasingly requires transparency and cooperation amongst all supply chain partners to provide the high quality services customers demand to ultimately safeguard patient safety. We are delighted to recognize dnata’s cargo facility at Dubai World Central (DWC) as an additional CEIV Pharma certified entity, raising the bar in the industry with a commitment to quality and continuous improvements. I congratulate dnata on this achievement.”

The CEIV Pharma program was created by IATA to provide a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification that focuses on airfreight and temporary storage. The stringent standards set by CEIV Pharma and the rigorous assessments conducted either meet or exceed many of the current worldwide regulations.

dnata’s global commitment to providing best-in-class pharma handling services is underlined by the CEIV Pharma certification of its Amsterdam, Dallas, Dubai, Singapore and Toronto cargo centres, as well the GDP certification of its Amsterdam, London, Manchester, Singapore, and Zurich facilities.

A global air services provider and the trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata offers ground handling, cargo and catering services at 127 airports in 19 countries.