China Airlines has obtained the International Air Transport Association’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics certification.

China Airlines becomes the first airline in Taiwan to be certified and joins 17 other carriers.

According to China Airlines, it began the certification process in 2018 in an effort to standardize service processes and to promote Taipei as a transhipment hub for pharmaceutical logistics. The company expects the new certification to result in double-digit growth in its high-value cargo business.

“We value every chance we get to provide our transportation services to suppliers,” said Eddy Liu, vice president of China Airlines Cargo Services. “The construction of a more complete operating process and more professional personnel training standards will help ensure the quality and timeliness of pharmaceutical logistics. We are proud to have gained the first CEIV Pharma certification in Taiwan as it represents recognition of China Airlines’ continued improvements to the quality of cargo services.”

China Airlines’ pharma volumes have been growing by about 30% per year since 2016. The airline introduced the use of temperature-controlled containers in 2013 and has been investing in experienced personnel and ground operations at its cargo hub at Taoyuan International Airport.

IATA established the CEIV Pharma programme to set a global standard for the transportation of pharmaceuticals by air. An airline’s handling processes are audited to ensure that the integrity of shipments is maintained.

China Airlines will be able to transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals across its network, which consists of 35 freighter stations and more than 100 passenger destinations.