The Cool Chain Association (CCA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the temperature-controlled supply chain and support the transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals.

CCA and IATA will join forces through knowledge-sharing and coordinating experiences, feedbacks and best practices from both sides. They also plan to develop common work programs, including temporary task forces and round tables, for specific initiatives such as the transport of vaccines and life science products.

“Both CCA and IATA have a common interest in ensuring the secure handling and transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals by means of robust standards,” said Nicola Caristo, CCA Secretary-General and Airline Partner Manager, SkyCell AG.

“Through this agreement, we are establishing a formal basis of collaboration to better assist the global industry to improve, as well as increasing sustainability and reducing waste.

Caristo noted that CCA and IATA will be working together to promote the implementation of methodologies and quality criteria such as the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Fresh and other Pharma programs.

As a first step of the partnership, CCA took part in IATA’s webinar on the industry’s readiness for the transportation of vaccines and life science products.

Glyn Hughes, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo said collaboration and alignment with industry initiatives are key elements that will transform the future of our industry.

“This MOU between the CCA and IATA formalizes an ongoing collaboration between the two organizations with the aim of better assisting the industry in improving the quality of pharmaceutical and perishable consignment handling and transportation,” Hughes said.