Etihad Cargo offers a dedicated life sciences logistics service, PharmaLife

Etihad Cargo has launched the PharmaLife service, comprising both active and passive cargo containers and associated ground services. The company is not new to pharma logistics; a previous service was called TempCheck. It also touts its first-in-class status as the first Middle Eastern carrier to earn the CEIV Pharma certification from the International Air Transport Assn. (IATA).

The coming Covid-19 vaccine delivery flood was a factor in the launch. “The pandemic prompted a reassessment of our top-level services to ensure we can address the specific requirements for shipping high volumes of in-demand product in very short timescales,” explained Andre Blech, head of operations & service delivery at Etihad Cargo. “To avoid last-minute pressure once a vaccine is approved, we have established a dedicated Covid-19 vaccines workforce composed of a steering committee and a working group to manage all anticipated elements.”

Etihad Cargo has 54 stations globally, including Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, Chicago, Paris, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hyderabad, London, Milan, Melbourne, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. A dedicated pharma handling facility in Abu Dhabi is currently being refurbished, among other upgrades in the network.

As part of the role out, Etihad Cargo is currently reviewing the refurbishment of a dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility to accommodate increased capacity at its hub in Abu Dhabi, as well as further thermal covers, and enhanced capabilities at origin stations based on pharma trade lanes and specific requests.