Delta Air Lines has been awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics certification from the International Air Transport Association.

Delta becomes the first passenger airline in the US to receive the certification.

“The safe and efficient transportation of pharma products for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is a key priority for us, as is the health and safety of patients who depend on them,” said Gareth Joyce, president of cargo at Delta Air Lines. “Delta has made significant investments in the ensuring that our facilities, equipment, operations and staff comply with all applicable standards, regulations and guidelines expected from pharmaceutical manufacturers.”

According to Delta, it has now created the first trans-Atlantic CEIV Pharma network, connecting the Atlanta hub with existing CEIV partners, stations and handlers in Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan, Paris and Rome. In particular, the certification will open up opportunities for more collaboration with joint venture partner Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.

“This award really opens up our flights across the globe to the pharma industry which can now rely on Delta, Air France and KLM for their speed, consistency and efficiency in delivering high-value, time-sensitive, temperature-controlled products right across the network,” said Joyce.

According to IATA, the North American cargo market is the third largest in the world, accounting for more than 20% of total global trade.

“Having Delta Cargo, one of the region’s largest operators, achieve CEIV Pharma certification is a boost not only for the airline’s customers, who can be confident that their life-saving and temperature-sensitive products will be delivered in impeccable condition, but also the region,” said Nick Careen, vice president of airport, passenger, cargo and security at IATA. “We congratulate them on their achievement and for taking the industry one step closer to having a global standard in place for the transportation of pharmaceuticals.”