HKIA passes IATA's pharma logistics certification

It recognises the airport’s ability to transport fragile pharmaceuticals by air.

Hong Kong International Airport’s ability to handle and transport sensitive pharmaceuticals by air has been recognised by the International Air Transport Association after it certified HKIA as a Partner Airport of IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics.

“Using high operational standards, including an electronic clearance system and 24-hour, round-the-clock customs services at the cargo terminals, HKIA offers excellent efficiency in cold chain logistics,” a government press release said. 

HKIA’s three cargo terminals (Asia Airfreight Terminal Limited, Cathay Pacific Services Limited and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited) and three ramp handling operators (Hong Kong Airport Services Limited, Jardine Aviation Services Limited and SATS HK Ltd), along with a local base carrier, Cathay Pacific Group, achieved IATA CEIV Pharma Certification.

To support the cool pharma air trade, the Airport Authority has vowed to invest $16m to purchase 21 more cool dollies this year which will maintain pharmaceutical products at specified temperatures against the ambient temperature during ramp transportation.