SAS Cargo is working towards achieving IATA CEIV Pharma certification and has launched a new pharmaceutical service – SAS Pharma Cargo.

The carrier says despite holding years of experience in transportation of temperature-sensitive pharma, to offer further excellence to a growing pharma market and meet the standards required by the pharma industry, it has started the CEIV certification process and a new pharma service.

SAS Cargo is one of the leading carriers to, from, via and within Scandinavia and its head office is in the middle of one of Europe’s strongest life science cluster – Medicon Valley and it says the safe transportation of pharmaceutical products has always been a “top priority”.

SAS Cargo says it is undergoing the CEIV Pharma validation process to offer robust solutions ensuring the quality and integrity of temperature-sensitive products across its entire transport chain.

In all three major hubs in Scandinavia, it is investing in cooling and controlled room temperature facilities to meet the IATA standards for becoming fully CEIV certified and thereby meeting the highest standards demanded by the pharmaceutical industry.

SAS Cargo, including the first hub – Oslo – expects to be certified this summer and the other major hubs – Copenhagen and Stockholm – are to follow right after.

SAS Cargo head of handling & quality, Erling Kirkeby says: “The IATA CEIV certification includes procedure training of staff at all stations, an upgrade of all facilities as well as quality management.

“In addition to making sure our services meet global regulations, we are launching a new pharma product which is developed to offer our customers the ideal environment for handling temperature-sensitive cargo across the entire supply chain in a safe and secure manner.”

The new pharma product – SAS Pharma Cargo – offers an additional feature to pharma shipments, allowing the customer full transparency through the SAS Cargo active GPS monitors.

This active tracking device enables SAS to monitor the shipment; assuring accurate temperature is kept to safeguard correct handling. Alarms will be triggered in case of any temperature deviations.

SAS Cargo president and chief executive officer, Leif Rasmussen (pictured) says: “The pharmaceutical industry rightly expects high standards and performance when transporting their temperature sensitive goods.

“We intend to add real value to the needs of the industry. The CEIV certification confirms SAS Cargo’s commitment to continue to develop and offer the highest possible standards to our customers.”

Rasmussen adds: “With up to 1,100 daily flights, of which 30 are intercontinental, fully CEIV certified hubs in Scandinavia, a dedicated pharma service and a 24/7 available advanced on-line booking system, SAS Cargo offers full transparency and handling excellence.”