Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, is preparing to launch a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical cool chain facility in Abu Dhabi.
The facility — in partnership with Etihad Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Airports — will significantly expand Abu Dhabi International Airport's (AUH) pharmaceutical handling and storage.
Etihad Cargo said its customers will benefit from the carrier's expanded International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification for pharmaceutical and life science logistics and provision of end-to-end temperature-controlled solutions for the transportation of pharmaceuticals across the carrier's global network.
Doubling cool chain storage capacity
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 Fresh-certified FreshForward product, in the past twelve months.
Etihad said 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.
"Etihad Cargo is proud to have collaborated closely with Etihad Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Airports to launch the new pharmaceutical storage and handling facility. The expanded infrastructure will offer best-in-class pharmaceutical shipment solutions to Etihad Cargo's customers and is the latest step in supporting Abu Dhabi's vision to cement its position as a global pharmaceuticals and life sciences hub," said Martin Drew, senior vice president of Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group.
"This joint venture located at Etihad Cargo's hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport provides the perfect location to link the Middle East to not only Asia and Europe, but also the US and Africa, so life-saving medicines and the latest treatments can be transported seamlessly around the world to those that need them the most," Drew added.
The Etihad Cargo executive noted that the investment into the carrier's infrastructure and Abu Dhabi hub will enable Etihad Cargo to meet the future challenges of the pharma supply chain.
Etihad said in its announcement that the additional 3,000 square-metre facility offers the latest technology and features.
It will feature bulk loading docks with levellers, high-speed roll-up shutters, insulation and a real-time temperature monitoring system, which will enable 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.
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," said Steven Polmans, vice president of business development & regulatory affairs at Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ).
"The strong collaboration between Etihad Cargo, Etihad Airport Services and Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to increase pharmaceutical cargo volumes and further position Abu Dhabi as a major solutions provider in the logistics supply chain," Polmans added.
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 said it also utilises traditional containers that meet standard temperature requirements, from 2 to 8 and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Jubran Al Breiki, general manager at Etihad Airport Services – Ground & Cargo, said the pharmaceutical facility will also be fully equipped pharmaceuticals centre, temperature-controlled rooms and 24/7 end-to-end cargo support, the innovative systems within the facility enable pharmaceuticals to be effectively tracked and traced.
Etihad Cargo said it is also exploring the utilisation of artificial intelligence to improve forecasting and automation to enhance the carrier's current capacity and capabilities.
