Cargolux became the world’s first GDP certified airline in January 2014, confirming its compliance with EU GDP/WHO requirements and Cargolux’s dedication to operate a consistent quality management system across the transportation process.
Cargolux’s hub at Luxembourg airport as well as 12 other stations within its network are also GDP and/or CEIV Pharma certified via its subcontracted service partners, the ground handling agents. The expertise of the handling agents on the ground, the dedication and skill of the Cargolux staff along with the commitment to excel customers’ service expectation during transportation have all contributed to achieve the certification.
The GDP certification plays a key role in assuring the quality and the integrity of the transportation and distribution of medicinal products for human use. “GDP Certification ensures best practice policies are upheld in the handling and transportation of this sensitive cargo.” says Franco Nanna, Cargolux Director Global Logistics Services and also Chairman of IATA’s Time and Temperature Working Group. “Along with the temperature controlled zones onboard the aircraft, this certification represents additional peace of mind for our customers whose satisfaction is our key priority”.
The GDP certification program centers on the use of sophisticated, specialized equipment, well established pharmaceutical working procedures and continuously improving pharmaceutical handling expertise. “The demand for specialized transportation of pharmaceuticals has risen considerably over the past few years and Cargolux’s dedicated product CV Pharma is in increasing demand. There is growing market interest for these products in South America and Africa although the majority of the supply is still flown from Europe to North America, North East Asia and the Gulf region”, says Stavros Evangelakakis, Global Product Manager for CV Pharma.