By the end of October this year, LOT Polish Airlines is expected to complete IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certification which will enable efficient transportation of medicines and valuable pharma products in the highest global standard. In addition, LOT as the first airline in Central Europe has adopted digital process of approval and verification of dangerous goods – IATA’s newly developed Dangerous Goods AutoCheck (DG Autocheck). As a result and thanks to its modern fleet and growing flight network LOT is reinforcing its commitment to being a leader in the transport of air cargo in Central and Eastern Europe.
By committing to IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certification, LOT will gain an access to pharmaceutical logistics market valued at USD 13.4 bn. In fact, the implementation of digital solution (DG AutoCheck) means that LOT will become one of a few airlines in the world which meet the highest global safety and efficiency standards in transportation of dangerous goods.
„Both solutions express our ambition to deliver the most innovative, efficient and the most beneficial offer to our clients. While developing its business potential, LOT Cargo is focusing on cutting-edge solutions which not only enable simplifying procedures, meeting the highest safety standards but also guarantee full compliance with regulations. We are eager to develop in directions set by Polish pharmaceutical market. Embarking on certification proves that we respond to market needs and our clients’ demand. We are catching up on previous years when LOT Cargo development was not drive in such specialized areas“, said MichaÅ‚ Grochowski, LOT Cargo Director.
The completion of CEIV Pharma Certificate (Centre of Excellence Independent Validators Pharma IATA) contributes to meeting rigorous standards set by International Association of Air Transportation (IATA). Due to temperature sensitive consignments, it is necessary to ensure the adequate temperature between 2 and 8 C degrees during the entire transportation time. In addition, the certification process involves LOT Cargo employees.
During the trainings they are provided with know-how of both restricted handling procedures and specified documentation process. Certification process requires carrying out several trainings and audits. LOT Cargo partners incl. freight companies which are delivering medicines to and from the airports of destination are also subjected to certification.
Selected medicines have already been carried by LOT Cargo under agreements with certain producers and distributors, however, not all of them agree to carry their goods without specific certifications.
„IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certification gives us the opportunity to expand cooperation with many significant entities on pharmaceutical market. There are producers who depend on the carrier’s certification in the first place when placing their orders. Secondly, producers of highly valued pharma goods expect their products to be transported in the highest conditions without any unexpected issues occurring on the way,“ adds MichaÅ‚ Grochowski.
„By committing to CEIV Pharma Certification, LOT is prioritizing the safe and efficient transportation of Pharma products for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry and the safety of the patients who depend on them. We look forward to adding LOT to the growing list of carriers and other industry stakeholders who have achieved excellence in the handling of time and temperature sensitive cargo,“ said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Director Airport, Passenger, Cargo, Security Products.
Pharmaceutical goods which LOT Cargo intends to transport after completing the certification are insulin (Poland as one the major producers), vaccines and antibiotics. LOT Cargo is also planning to start transportation of pharmaceutical products for veterinary use.
LOT is expected to complete IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certification by the end of October this year. Already in April, LOT Cargo adopted IATA’s newly developed Dangerous Goods AutoCheck (DG AutoCheck) which enable digital approval and verification of dangerous goods transported by LOT Cargo.
„We want to ensure our current and future clients that LOT Cargo guarantees the highest safety and efficiency in transportation of products. The transportation of dangerous goods requires taking extra care and paying attention to every detail. DG AutoCheck is digital solution which ensures the highest accuracy at appropriate pace,“ said MichaÅ‚ Grochowski.
„Implementing DG AutoCheck will allow LOT to more safely and effectively manage the transport of dangerous goods by air while at the same time enhancing safety and compliance. In becoming one of the first adopters of DG AutoCheck LOT have positioned themselves at the forefront of the digital evolution of the dangerous goods supply chain. Their customers will benefit from the efficiency of electronic documentation throughout the supply chain, and the air cargo industry will benefit from being one step closer to realizing a fully digitized supply chain while improving safety which remain our number one priority,“ said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Director Airport, Passenger, Cargo, Security Products.
In 2018, LOT Polish Airlines carried over 50,000 tons of cargo and mail, a 20 percent increase compared to 2017. This was the best result in the carrier’s 90-year history.
„Many factors contributed to such good results. Firstly, we have a modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which enable both carriage of passengers in comfortable conditions, and of cargo in the highest available standards. Moreover, LOT develops its flight offering, which enables us to provide our clients not only with an excellent product, but also the best transportation time,“ said MichaÅ‚ Grochowski, LOT Cargo Director.
LOT Cargo services are available through extended network of sales channels including LOT Cargo offices in Poland and worldwide as well as at cargo agents.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Adrian Kubicki
Spokesperson
tel.: +48 22 606 79 19
tel.: +48 731 999 924
e-mail: media@lot.pl
