LOT Polish Airlines is embarking on IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification, and is expected to complete the process by the end of October.
By committing to IATA CEIV Pharma, LOT says it will gain access to the pharmaceutical logistics market worth $13.4 billion.
The certification process requires carrying out several training audits, with partners delivering medicines to and from the airports of destination also being checked.
Michal Grochowski, director of LOT Cargo says: “We are eager to develop in directions set by Polish pharmaceutical market. Embarking on certification proves that we respond to market needs and our clients’ demand. We are catching up on previous years when LOT Cargo development was not driven in such specialised areas.”
He adds: “There are producers who depend on the carrier’s certification in the first place when placing their orders. Secondly, producers of highly valued pharma goods expect their products to be transported in the highest conditions without any unexpected issues occurring on the way.”
Frederic Leger, director airport, passenger, cargo and security products for IATA says: “We look forward to adding LOT to the growing list of carriers and other industry stakeholders who have achieved excellence in the handling of time and temperature sensitive cargo.”
LOT Cargo intends to transport pharmaceutical goods including insulin, vaccines and antibiotics, as well as products for veterinary use.
In addition, LOT is the first Central European airline to adopt digital processes of approval and verification of dangerous goods, IATA’s Dangerous Goods AutoCheck (DG Autocheck).
Grochowski says: “We want to ensure our current and future clients that LOT Cargo guarantees the highest safety and efficiency in transportation of products. The transportation of dangerous goods requires taking extra care and paying attention to every detail. DG AutoCheck is digital solution which ensures the highest accuracy at appropriate pace.”
Leger adds: “In becoming one of the first adopters of DG AutoCheck LOT have positioned themselves at the forefront of the digital evolution of the dangerous goods supply chain.”