Saudia Cargo announced that it signed an agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to work on its Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) Certification, the global standards in the safe and secure air transportation and handling of pharmaceuticals.

Teddy Zebitz, Saudia Cargo CEO and Frederic Leger, IATA senior vice president of Commercial Products and Services signed the agreement on September 28 on the sidelines of the World Cargo Symposium in London.

"For the next few months, Saudia Cargo will continue rigorous preparations across multiple aspects of its operations, particularly on staff competency to handle pharmaceuticals, to comply with IATA's requirements for CEIV Pharma Certification on top of GDP (Good Distribution Practice)," the announcement said.

The process is meant to ensure that critical healthcare cargo such as COVID-19 vaccines and other pharmaceutical and bioscience products are not compromised while they are being transported on air. 

"This move shows Saudia Cargo's commitment to the highest global quality standards and compliance when it comes to transporting pharmaceuticals and life sciences products. Human lives are paramount in our operations whether it involves staff or end-users. This gives our customers and partners the continued confidence and peace of mind that the pharmaceuticals we transport are treated with utmost care in line with international standards," Zebitz said.

The Jeddah-based Saudia Cargo noted that its unique geographical location allows it to bridge the East to the West and offer fast and efficient air transport services with minimal ground handling time.

In recent years, the company unveiled its multimillion new cold chain facilities with state-of-the-art features at its sprawling new cargo terminal in Jeddah and other parts of Saudi Arabia.