Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. today announced that its companies Atlas Air, Inc. and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. have each achieved the Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Corporate Pharma credential from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

CEIV Pharma is a quality certification program developed by IATA that has established high standards for safe air transport of pharmaceuticals around the world to ensure product integrity. Operators who achieve the CEIV Pharma credential undergo a rigorous process to confirm their experience, education and adherence to these high standards.

In pursuing this credential, Atlas Air and Polar adopted standard operating procedures to handle temperature-sensitive products. The companies also completed a multistep process to train ground and warehouse personnel, as well as vendors, in these new procedures, which also included an independent audit.

“Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has added unrelenting operational complexities to our business, our employees around the world are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs in transporting sensitive medical and pharmaceutical products,” said Michael T. Steen, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “This CEIV Pharma certification reinforces the flexibility and reliability of our outstanding team, unrivaled portfolio of assets and scale of our global network.”

Lars Winkelbauer, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, said: “Polar’s CEIV Pharma certification affirms the company’s long-standing track record for successfully transporting temperature-sensitive goods like produce and other perishable commodities.

“I am immensely proud of the Polar team for achieving this industry-leading certification, underscoring our ability to maintain end-to-end temperature-controlled shipments across our network.”

Atlas Air’s and Polar’s CEIV Pharma certification is valid through 2024.