LOT Polish Airlines is working towards completing IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification by the end of October this year as it looks to tap into the lucrative pharma market.
The Polish airline said it will enable “efficient transportation of medicines and valuable pharma products to the highest global standard”.
By committing to CEIV Pharma, LOT said it will gain an access to pharmaceutical logistics market valued at US$13.4 billion.
In addition, LOT as the first airline in Central Europe this month 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 said it is reinforcing its commitment to being a leader in the transport of air cargo in Central and Eastern Europe.
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.
LOT Cargo director, Michał Grochowski said: “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.”
Certification process requires carrying out several trainings and audits. LOT Cargo partners include 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,” added Grochowski.
IATA’s director airport, passenger, cargo, security products, Frederic Leger said: “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.”
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 pharma products for veterinary use.
Leger said 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 2018, LOT Polish Airlines carried over 50,000 tonnes of cargo and mail, a 20 per cent 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 Grochowski.
