Cathay Pacific has become a full member of Pharma.Aero, the cross-industry association which aims to improve the quality of pharmaceutical handling.

The airline obtained the International Air Transport Association’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics in October 2017.

“This collaborative approach with the pharmaceutical industry undoubtedly boosts Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class hub for the handling of these high-value and time-sensitive products,” said Nelson Chin, general manager of cargo commercial at Cathay Pacific. “As Hong Kong’s home airline, Cathay Pacific is working closely with Airport Authority Hong Kong to develop a pharma corridor to connect airport members of Pharma.Aero and provide customers with a superior service.”

Pharmaceutical shipments travelling along the corridor will be handled in strict compliance with the CEIV Pharma standard. Shippers will be assured of seamless airport-to-airport temperature-controlled handling to maintain the integrity of the shipments.

Pharma.Aero consists of shippers, CEIV-certified communities, airports, airlines and other stakeholders, working together to achieve excellence in the end-to-end air transportation pharmaceutical products.

“We are excited about Cathay Pacific joining our collaboration group as a full member,” said Nathan De Valck, chairman of Pharma.Aero. “Their active involvement in the pilot of the pharma corridor project is a clear added value. In collaboration with Pharma.Aero and our pharma shipper members, key performance indicators of the pharma corridor will be clearly defined, targeting to set A2A pharma-handling standards.”