Maastricht Aachen Airport has received its IATA CEIV Pharma certification, following an audit being carried out and training for staff.
The airport’s managing director, Jos Roeven says pharma is very important for airfreight, especially in Limburg, with the industry making use of its speed and efficiency.
The south Netherlands, particularly around Limburg is home to a number of large pharma companies including Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medrad and Merit Medical.
Roeven says: “Maastricht Aachen Airport has always been an important airport for transporting medicines and medical equipment. But now we are officially meeting the high demands that this industry places on airports with regard to handling, (refrigerated) storage and control.”
Employees underwent intense training and testing, with Roeven saying: “We are all so incredibly proud of everyone who has put their backs into this recently. By following the courses, but also by sharpening the procedures and optimising our facilities, including two temperature-controlled cold rooms that are only used for pharmaceutical goods.”
Air Cargo Netherlands managing director, Ben Radstaak adds: “With this CEIV Pharma certification we meet the need of the industry for more safety, security, compliance and efficiency by creating a worldwide consistent and recognised certification of pharmaceutical products.
“It even includes or replaces many of the existing standards and guidelines such as the IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), European Union Good Distribution Practices (EU GDP), World Health Organization Annex 5 and the United States Pharmacopeia Standards.”
