Qatar Airways Cargo has become the fourth airline worldwide — and the first in the Middle East to secure IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification after Cathay Pacific, Air Canada Cargo and Turkish Cargo.
Qatar Airways Cargo said the certification applies at Qatar Airways’ Doha headquarters and the QAS Cargo Doha hub, and covers all animals (amphibians, birds, crustaceans, fish, invertebrates, mammals, or reptiles) that Qatar Airways Cargo is authorised to carry.
"Following six months of intense process and product audits, Qatar Airways Cargo is proud to announce that its strict adherence to the highest standards and relevant regulations has been accredited CEIV Live Animals certification by IATA," the carrier said, adding that the certification will boost its operations in the segment as around 9% of all live animals transported globally by air, travel on board a Qatar Airways flight.
Miguel Rodriguez Moreno, senior manager cargo climate control products, said the CEIV Live Animals certification "depicts that our handling, infrastructure, quality management, and training framework are in line with industry standards."
"It highlights our compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations alongside the Transportation of Wildlife and Animal Welfare (TWAW) Group Policy, and it shows that we have a robust supplier management system in place, allowing our principles to be implemented globally," Moreno added.
Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, noted that having Qatar Airways, one of the largest transporters of live animals, achieve CEIV Live Animals certification is a "significant boost not only for the airline’s customers, who can be confident that their precious cargo will arrive safely, but also the region."
"We congratulate them on their achievement and their pioneering efforts in the safe transportation of live animals including wild animals through their 'WeQare' initiative," Sullivan added.
IATA CEIV Fresh certification in 2022
The cargo airline runs a 4,200 m2, air-conditioned, state-of-the-art Live Animal Centre at Hamad International Airport, Doha, which includes dedicated holding areas for animals, horse stalls, pet kennels, access to 24/7 dedicated expert animal health care services, and a large 300 m2 paddock.
Qatar Airways Cargo noted that this time last year, it was also recognised as IATA CEIV Pharma certified. The airline now aims to obtain IATA CEIV Fresh certification in 2022.
"We are the fourth airline worldwide to become CEIV Live Animals certified, and the first in the Middle East. This certification is testament to the dedication and detail that we put into transporting the many different live animals that are placed in our custody," commented Guillaume Halleux, Qatar Airways chief officer cargo.