Finnair Cargo has received certification under IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics program (CEIV Pharma). Finnair joined the programme under the successful Brussels Airport CEIV Pharma Community approach, as Brussels is Finnair Cargo’s 2nd hub.
Pharmaceuticals such as vaccines and biotech medicines are among the most delicate products transported as air cargo, and therefore, it is essential to ensure their transport follows a global standard and strict temperature control guidelines.
“We are committed to be at the forefront in the fast growing Pharma transport segment and provide excellent service to our customers. Therefore, we are honored to be the first carrier in the world to complete the IATA pharmaceutical certification process,” said Juha Järvinen, Finnair’s chief commercial officer.
The certificate was presented to Finnair Cargo in conjunction of the laying of the cornerstone of Finnair’s new cargo terminal, the COOL Nordic Cargo (CNC) hub at Helsinki Airport on 30 June 2015.
The new state-of-the-art terminal will feature separate temperature controlled areas for the handling of Pharmaceuticals as well as other perishables foodstuffs. “We are delighted to recognise Finnair and its HEL station as CEIV Pharma Certified – the first airline to complete this process. Finnair has raised the bar high for the rest to follow. I congratulate Finnair on this achievement”, said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s regional VP for Europe.
Finnair Cargo’s new terminal will be equipped with a new Cargo Handling System, including a professional software suite, from Lodige Industries. The new IT system will ensure pro-active production planning in Finnair’s new terminal, scheduled to open at Helsinki Airport in spring 2017.
“This considerable investment highlights Finnair Cargo’s commitment to deliver high quality, efficiently – and to re-think certain operational processes to set the bar higher in this industry,” said Järvinen.
The new terminal is an integral part of Finnair’s future growth plans as the new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft fleet will bring 50 per cent more cargo capacity by year 2020. The new terminal’s efficiency optimising technology will ensure smooth handling of the growing cargo volumes. Terminal design and material handling system project consultancy has been executed by Germany based BeCon Projects GmbH .
The heart of the logistic system is the storage and transport system for airfreight containers (ULD) and pallets with two 4.6 metre Elevating Transfer Vehicles (6.8 tonne capacity), as well as an 11 aisle high bay storage system (ASRS) with approximately 2,000 storage positions and 11 stacker cranes (1.2 tonne capacity). The system includes Truck and Airside interfaces, as well as three separate temperature zones for cargo and special goods such as pharmaceutical products and perishable food.
Finnair is the largest Nordic air cargo carrier, transporting 149,000 tonnes of freight and mail annually. With the new A350 aircraft Finnair’s long-haul cargo capacity will double by 2020.