Atlas Air, Inc. and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. have each achieved the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Corporate Pharma credential from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), confirming their commitment to meeting pharmaceutical manufacturers’ requirements to transport temperature-controlled and time-sensitive products, including vaccines.

CEIV Pharma is a quality certification program developed by IATA that has established high standards for safe air transport of pharmaceuticals around the world to ensure product integrity.

Operators who achieve the CEIV Pharma credential undergo a rigorous process to confirm their experience, education, and adherence to these high standards.

 Atlas Air Worldwide Holding said by achieving this certification, Atlas Air and Polar are even better positioned to deliver the best form of safe transportation for their valued pharma and medical customers around the world, offering them the assurance that CEIV Pharma certification provides.

In pursuing this credential, Atlas Air and Polar adopted standard operating procedures to handle temperature-sensitive products.

The companies also completed a multistep process to train ground and warehouse personnel, as well as vendors, in these new procedures, which also included an independent audit, it added.

Increased demand for cold-chain transport

“Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has added unrelenting operational complexities to our business, our employees around the world are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs in transporting sensitive medical and pharmaceutical products,” said Michael T. Steen, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Atlas Air Worldwide.

“This CEIV Pharma certification reinforces the flexibility and reliability of our outstanding team, unrivaled portfolio of assets, and scale of our global network.”

Meanwhile, Lars Winkelbauer, executive vice president, and chief operating officer of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, said Polar’s CEIV Pharma certification affirms the company’s long-standing track record for successfully transporting temperature-sensitive goods like produce and other perishable commodities.

Winkelbauer added: “With the increase in demand for cold-chain transportation tied to vaccines and the equipment needed for safe distribution, our customers can continue to rely on Polar’s expertise around the world.”

Atlas Air’s and Polar’s CEIV Pharma certification is valid through 2024.