Delta Cargo has been awarded IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma Logistics Certification. Delta is the first US Global carrier to receive this validation and has now joined the elite group of pharma logistics providers to achieve CEIV Pharma Certification.

The certification was awarded to the company at the headquarters level and also at Delta’s largest cargo operation, located in Atlanta. With this certification, Delta has created the first CEIV Pharma transatlantic network connecting Atlanta with other existing CEIV Pharma certified partners, stations, and handlers in Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan, Paris, and Rome.

“The safe and efficient transportation of pharma products is a key priority for us, as is the health and safety of patients who depend on them,” said Gareth Joyce, Delta’s president for cargo. “Delta has made significant investments in the ensuring that our facilities, equipment, operations and staff comply with all applicable standards, regulations and guidelines expected from pharmaceutical manufacturers.”

The CEIV Pharma certification also provides significant opportunities as Delta and joint venture partner Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, which is also CEIV Pharma certified, can transport pharma products across the extensive Delta, Air France, and KLM networks, creating a global trade lane.

“This award really opens up our flights across the globe to the pharma industry,” said Joyce, “which can now rely on Delta, Air France, and KLM for their speed, consistency and efficiency in delivering high-value, time-sensitive, temperature-controlled products right across the network.”

“The North American freight market is the third largest in the world, accounting for over 20 percent of total global trade,” added Nick Careen, IATA’s vice president for airport, passenger, cargo, and security. “Having Delta Cargo, one of the region’s largest operators, achieve CEIV Pharma Certification is a boost not only for the airline’s customers, who can be confident that their life-saving and temperature sensitive products will be delivered in impeccable condition, but also the region.”