PARIS: October 27, 2016. Singapore Changi and Sharjah airports, Brussels Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Brinks Life Sciences have joined pharma.aero, the initiative set up by Brussels and Miami airports to improve the quality of handling pharma shipments worldwide.

The platform is designed to foster collaboration between pharma logistics by sharing expertise, data, best practices and jointly working on innovative regional initiatives with an emphasis on the IATA CEIV program, according to the founders.

Glyn Hughes, IATA global head of Cargo commented: "IATA congratulates [this] collaborative initiative that unites around the central theme of linking Center of Excellence for Independent Validators' (CEIV)-certified entities and trade lanes [in order] to improve industry logistical networks."

Speaking at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum in Paris after presenting Turkish Cargo with IATA's CEIV pharma logistics certificate, Hughes declared: "Such a joint program enhances the air cargo industry's value proposition and adoption of global standards in transporting time and temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals."

Hughes (pictured center with Şeref Kazancı, SVP Cargo of Turkish Airlines to his right), also acknowledged the commitment by the cargo arm of Turkish Airlines to invest in its workforce, state-of- the-art facilities, innovative products and certifications, adding: "Turkish Cargo's customers can be confident that their life-saving and temperature sensitive products will be delivered in impeccable condition. We congratulate them on their achievement."

Commenting on the new additions to pharma-aero, chairman Nathan De Valck said the organization, which has received endorsements from MSD, UCB and Pfizer, will focus on pharmaceutical shippers and all industry stakeholders who embrace the IATA CEIV program.

Steven Polmans, head of Cargo at Brussels Airport, added the initiative would also develop solutions and create transparency in close co-operation with the pharma industry.