Menzies Aviation cargo operations at London/Heathrow (LHR) and Budapest airports (BUD) have received CEIV certification to handle time- and temperature-sensitive pharma products.

The CEIV Pharma (Center of Excellence of Independent Validators for Pharmaceutical Logistics) programme is a multi-stage process of independent audits validation, and training, which upskills employees and ensures that handlers upgrade their procedures, processes, risk assessment methodology and infrastructure for the delicate handling of time and temperature sensitive pharma products.

This accreditation formally endorses Menzies’ ability to safely handle high-value, time sensitive and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals transported into and out of LHR and BUD, in line with shipper requirements and with the speed and consistency required. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to handle vaccines with the highest level of efficiency and safety, this accreditation is especially important, Menzies said.

Menzies’ 230-strong cargo team at Heathrow provides cargo services to airlines including Qatar Airways, Air India, Egyptair, MEA, Kuwait Airways and TAP Air Portugal, handling on average 100,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum. Now that the LHR station has been certified for excellence in safeguarding pharma product integrity, it expects to see a significant increase in pharma volumes through its 10,000m2 warehouse facility, which features brand new temperature-controlled rooms built specifically for handling these products.

In Budapest, Menzies serves customers such as Emirates, Aeroflot, Cargolux, LOT Polish Airlines and Finnair at its new warehouse facility, which opened in 2020. A team of over 70 employees handle 35,000 tonnes per annum at the 4,100m2 warehouse, which has capacity for 45,000-50,000 tonnes per annum and features a state-of-the-art cooling facility.

Menzies is working towards CEIV Pharma certification at more locations across its global cargo network.

Robert Fordree, executive vice president global cargo services, at Menzies Aviation, said: “The CEIV Pharma accreditation is recognised by all of our customers and the latest certifications represent the strengthening of our supply chain in Europe, providing confidence to manufacturers, freight forwarders and carriers that products handled by our teams at Heathrow and Budapest will be appropriately handled in line with the regulations.”