CCA, IATA partner for quality cargo handling of pharma, perishables

October 23, 2020: The Cool Chain Association (CCA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the safe and sustainable temperature-controlled transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals by sharing feedback, experiences, knowledge and best practice.

“Both CCA and IATA have a common interest in ensuring the secure handling and transport of perishables and pharmaceuticals by means of robust standards,” Nicola Caristo, CCA secretary-general and airline partner manager, SkyCell AG.

“We are establishing a collaboration to assist the industry to improve sustainability and reduce waste. We will promote the implementation of methodologies and quality criteria such as the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Fresh and pharma programs,” he added.

They also plan to develop common work programs, including temporary task forces and round tables, for specific initiatives such as the transport of vaccines and life science products.

The initiative will see representatives of both organisations attending each other’s industry meetings as observers, to present best practice and communicate the results of ongoing projects such as the CCA’s data sharing trials.

As a first step, on October 21 took part in IATA’s webinar on the industry’s readiness for the transportation of vaccines and life science products lead by Andrea Gruber, IATA Head of Special Cargo.

Glyn Hughes, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, said, “Air cargo has been critical throughout this crisis in supporting medical staff on the front line fighting Covid-19 whilst ensuring that global supply chains are maintained for the most time-sensitive products including medical and food supplies.”

Meanwhile, CCA members are planning a new series of data sharing tests, under a project called the LAX Initiative, to monitor perishable shipments on global trade lanes in a bid to improve supply chain management and reduce food loss.