Logistics for the COVID-19 era: Etihad Cargo unveils PharmaLife

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
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Etihad Cargo
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Etihad Aviation Group’s cargo and logistics arm, Etihad Cargo has unveiled a new initiative named PharmaLife to offer specialized pharma and healthcare product which will replace its existing TempCheck service. 

With the new service under its portfolio, the firm expects to strengthen its expertise in the pharmaceutical logistics sector.

Being the first carrier in the Middle East to attain the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification for pharmaceutical logistics, the launch of PharmaLife emphasizes Etihad Cargo’s prioritization of the pharma and healthcare sectors.

PharmaLife is expected to cater to the much anticipated global demand for swift and secure shipment services ahead of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Etihad Cargo’s Head of Operations & Service Delivery, Andre Blech revealed that “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. 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.”

Utilizing 54 stations on the Etihad network, the new firm will focus on key gateways including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Barcelona, Chicago, Paris, London, Milan, Melbourne and Sydney.

PharmaLife will serve the pharma and healthcare sectors with two tailor-made, sector-specific shipment solutions:

  • Global lease of Active and Hybrid containers with PharmaLife Active solutions for premium, sensitive products.
  • PharmaLife Passive Solutions will provide the right equipment and right storage conditions with three specific temperature ranges.

PharmaLife will enhance Etihad Cargo’s already available industry-leading services and features. Etihad Cargo is currently weighing on creating a dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility to accommodate increased capacity at its hub in Abu Dhabi through refurbishment as well as further thermal covers, and enhanced capabilities at origin stations based on pharma trade lanes and specific requests.

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