Air Canada Cargo has become the first air cargo carrier to obtain the International Air Transport Association’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals Logistics certification.

According to Air Canada Cargo, the certification was awarded following the successful completion of the verification process at its Montreal facility. The carrier has already transported a wide variety of animals, including both domestic and exotic species.

“Air Canada Cargo is a trusted carrier for thousands of animal shippers worldwide and has followed the IATA Live Animal Regulations,” said Tim Strauss, vice president of cargo at Air Canada. “We expertly handle complex shipments, from rescued dogs, endangered animals travelling between zoos for conservation efforts and of course family pets. We are honoured to have been selected to participate in the CEIV Live certification programme and are proud of the team at Air Canada Cargo for achieving the industry’s first ever certification, which reinforces our position as an industry leader.”

IATA launched the new standardized certification in April 2018, with Air Canada Cargo being chosen to undergo a pilot for the programme. As part of the audit process, IATA’s specialists reviewed the carrier’s live animal transport policies and procedures in Montreal over several months, reviewing them for compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and international protocols like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

“I want to congratulate Air Canada for their great leadership in achieving the first CEIV Live Animals certification in the world,” said Nick Careen, senior vice president of airport, passenger, cargo and security at IATA. “Proper handling and transporting of live animals is a very important aspect of the cargo supply chain, with many unique complexities. Global standards and expertise are key to the safe and humane transportation by air of this precious cargo.”

Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and serves more than 220 airports on six continents.