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Etihad Cargo In growth mode
The 3,000sqm facility is equipped with the latest technology and supports Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a life science and pharmaceutical hub.
Etihad Cargo, in partnership with Etihad Airport Services Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports is preparing to launch a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical cool chain facility. Due to go into operation soon, the facility will significantly expand Abu Dhabi International Airport’s (AUH) pharmaceutical handling and storage capabilities.
Etihad Cargo’s customers will now benefit from the carrier’s expanded International Air Transport Association (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification for pharmaceutical and life science logistics and provision of world-class, end-to-end temperature-controlled solutions for the transportation of pharmaceuticals across the carrier’s global network.
Prior to the opening of the new pharmaceutical facility at the carrier’s Abu Dhabi hub, Etihad Cargo transported over 50,000 tonnes of cool chain products, including pharmaceutical and healthcare products via its PharmaLife product and fresh produce via its IATA CEIV Freshcertified FreshForward product, in the past twelve months.
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.
Expanded hub
The launch of the expanded, dedicated pharmaceutical hub will double Abu Dhabi Airport’s cool chain storage capacity and enhance the airport’s capabilities for the storage, handling and transportation of cool chain products.
“This joint venture located at Etihad Cargo’s hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) provides the perfect location to link the Middle East to not only Asia and Europe, but also the US and Africa, so lifesaving medicines and the latest treatments can be transported seamlessly around the world,” affirmed Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group.
The additional 3,000sqm facility comprises the latest technology and features, including bulk loading docks with levellers, high-speed roll-up shutters, insulation and a real-time temperature monitoring system, which will enable faster and more efficient loading with stricter temperature controls, increased storage space, additional build-up and
breakdown zones for improved production workflows and upgraded cool chain facilities for Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife handling and storage operations.
X-rays screening
The new facility will also feature new x-ray screening for customs inspections within a fully temperature-controlled environment and new dedicated thermal covers.
“The upcoming launch of this dedicated pharmaceuticals storage and handling facility will enhance AUH’s capabilities as a cargo hub and aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global business, pharmaceutical and life science hub,” noted Drew.
The new cool chain facility will enable the safe storage and handling of a vast range of pharmaceutical products requiring different temperatures and conditions. To meet the requirements for transporting dangerous goods in frozen and deep-frozen conditions, PharmaLife provides premium tailored solutions to handle temperature-controlled conditions from -80 to 25 degrees Celsius via the carrier’s portfolio of leased active and hybrid containers. Etihad Cargo also utilises traditional containers that meet standard temperature requirements, from 2 to 8 and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, a press release.
“This state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility benefits Etihad Cargo’s customers and all other stakeholders with greater transparency, real-time status updates and makes the transportation of cargo quicker and more efficient,” concluded Jubran Al Breiki, General Manager, Etihad Airport Services – Ground & Cargo.
Drew spoke exclusively to Global Supply Chain on the sidelines of the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2022 held in the UAE capital from 1 to 3 November.
Global Supply Chain (GSC): As healthcare businesses re-emerge in the aftermath of Covid-19, how are you faring regionally and globally in this segment? Martin Drew (MD): Etihad Cargo continues to grow from strength to strength and we have maintained momentum with our performance growing consistently during the Covid era and now post-Covid 19.
GSC: How important is the healthcare business Etihad Cargo and what proportion / percentage of your overall business does it constitute? MD: Clearly healthcare and life sciences are significant part of Etihad’s air freight business and account for about 30 percent of our gross volumes. Therefore, it is evident that healthcare accounts for a substantial portion of our business.
GSC: Are you witnessing momentum or seeing a drop or slowing down in your pharma / cold chain operations as the situation inches towards normalcy? MD: There is no substantive drop in business and the Pharma chain is now an important industry vertical for Etihad Cargo. We are now consolidating our gains in this sector on the back of the level of professionalism, skills and capabilities we demonstrated in transporting much-needed pharma products worldwide.
As a result, Abu Dhabi also came to acquire the reputation of becoming a global healthcare and life sciences hub, further accelerated by the success of the HOPE Consortium, an Abu Dhabi-led public private partnership that is committed to working together to overcome the challenges of vaccine distribution and logistics.
GSC: What opportunities and challenges confront Etihad Cargo going forward in the light of the new circumstances? MD: Certainly, there are opportunities for growth as we have just doubled our cool storage capacity at Abu Dhabi’s Cargo Village. The 3,000sqm facility is equipped with the latest technology and will support Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a life science and pharmaceutical hub.
The challenges are mainly in the realm of the geo-political situation, macroeconomics, trade barriers and protectionism, jet fuel costs, regulatory demand—it is the nature of the business, and we will continue to meet these challenges with agility.
GSC: Howe significant is automation now in the healthcare logistics sector? MD: Automation is integral and important in our business and we are constantly innovating and improving levels of service offerings with automation and new technologies. As a premier carrier, we are also very conscious of the environment, carbon footprint and work diligently towards sustainability and protection of nature. These are also our core corporate objectives and Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSRs).
GSC: Any new partnerships on the cards for Etihad Cargo going forward? MD: Yes, we are always signing partnership deals; Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and engage with our partners and associates.
Etihad Cargo is the first Middle Eastern carrier to join TIACA’s multi-sector BlueSky verification programme
The carrier will assess its sustainability against eight criteria across environment, society, and culture and leadership
Etihad Cargo has advanced its sustainability journey by becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to participate in The International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA) BlueSky programme.
Following the March 2022 launch announcement of the air cargo industry’s first multi-sector sustainability verification programme and successful pilot programme, Etihad Cargo is one of the first participants to join the programme’s live operations. Other participants include organisations from airline, airport, ground handler, and general sales and service agents sectors.
The first phase of the programme comprises an evidence-based desktop verification process in which participants can assess their progress against eight critical sustainability criteria, including decarbonisation, waste elimination, biodiversity protection, support for local economies and communities, impact on society improvement, efficiency and profitability.
Upon completion of the tailored assessment process, Etihad Cargo will receive a personalised dashboard which displays the carrier’s performance against the criteria. Later phases of the programme will include the option for a full onsite audit with an indepth report that highlights areas for improvement.
“Sustainability remains a key pillar of Etihad Cargo’s agenda,” affirmed Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo. “Although the air cargo industry has historically been considered less sustainable than other methods of transportation, the sector is making great strides in developing more sustainable solutions and is investing in fleet modernisation, fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon compensation initiatives,” he continued.
Temperature controlled solutions for the Pharma trade
Over the past year, Etihad Cargo has embarked on several green initiatives, which include replacing 3,000 containers from its original aluminium unit load device (ULD) fleet with environmentally friendly lightweight versions.
The carrier has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with B Medical Systems to develop and launch the world’s first airline-specific passive temperaturecontrolled solution for the transportation of life-saving drugs, vaccines and high-value pharmaceuticals.
As these temperature-controlled container units utilise passive cooling technology, they do not require an external power source. They can retain temperatures from -80 to 25 degrees Celsius for five days while still significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Abu Dhabi Airports Joins Pharma. Aero as Strategic Member for Middle East Region
AD Airports signs with Etihad
Abu Dhabi Airports recently joined Pharma. Aero, the global membership network for Life Science and MedTech manufacturers, certified cargo communities and airport operators, as a strategic member representing the Middle East.
The collaboration with Pharma.Aero builds on Abu Dhabi’s growth as a global healthcare and life sciences hub, and the success of the HOPE Consortium, an Abu Dhabi-led public private partnership that is committed to working together to overcome the challenges of vaccine distribution and logistics.
“We are pleased to join Pharma.Aero as a strategic partner for the Middle East, representing the global cross-industry network of Life Science and MedTech air cargo industry stakeholders in the region. Along with Etihad Cargo, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to contribute to the overall development of the pharmaceutical supply chain,” affirmed Eng. Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CVEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.
Abu Dhabi Airports is set to pursue major air cargo infrastructure expansion projects with a strong focus on products capable of efficiently handling time and temperaturesensitive cargo, including those from within pharmaceuticals and life science.
“We are thrilled to have Abu Dhabi Airports join Pharma.Aero as a strategic member for the Middle East region. We look forward to a strong, active and collaborative partnership with them as we welcome them on board,” stated Trevor Caswell, Chairman of Pharma.Aero.
“Developing active and far-reaching airport pharma communities is essential to the core strategy of Pharma.Aero – therefore, it is with great pleasure to welcome Abu Dhabi Airports as the new strategic partner for the Middle East,” observed Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General, Pharma.Aero.
