Lufthansa Cargo receives CEIV Pharma certification

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has certified Lufthansa Cargo according to the CEIV Pharma standard. This certification, which stands for „Center of Excellence for Independent Validators,“ confirms the high quality standards for the transport of time- and temperature-sensitive healthcare products. For the first time, the certification also includes the IATA Corporate Approach, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of a carrier’s quality management and processes across the entire network.

The handover of the corporate certificate took place during the World Cargo Symposium in Lima. Brendan Sullivan, IATA Global Head of Cargo, presented the certificate to Oliver von Götz, Vice President Global Fulfillment Management at Lufthansa Cargo. Sullivan emphasized that Lufthansa Cargo demonstrates how comprehensive quality assurance can be implemented in the global air freight business with this renewed certification. He highlighted that uniform standards, central control, and local implementation work together across the entire network to set new benchmarks for the safe transport of pharmaceutical products.

Focus on Continuous Improvement

Oliver von Götz stated that the certification underscores the continuously built pharmaceutical expertise in one of the company’s strategic focus industries. Through exchanges with customers and the ongoing development of processes, training, and infrastructure, Lufthansa Cargo is working to ensure a reliable and uniform quality level throughout the entire transport chain.

The Corporate Approach, specifically developed for globally operating companies in the aviation industry, views quality management not only as limited to individual stations but also centrally and network-wide. Quality requirements such as processes, training, and infrastructure are defined centrally, monitored, and implemented locally.

The certification includes central pharmaceutical hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and Chicago, as well as selected own stations in Atlanta, Washington D.C., Mexico City, and New York. Additionally, numerous independently certified stations operated by handling partners (GHA) are part of the network. The examinations for the certification took place between November 2025 and March 2026.

Long-Term Competence in Pharmaceutical Logistics

Lufthansa Cargo can look back on a ten-year, consistently confirmed CEIV Pharma competence. Since the initial certification in 2016, the quality standards have been continuously developed, and the global pharmaceutical network has been gradually expanded. Currently, Lufthansa Cargo has a network of more than 350 stations worldwide, including around 230 stations for „Passive Temp Support“ and approximately 120 stations for „Active Temp Control.“

Standardized processes, specially trained employees, and continuous quality monitoring along the transport chain form the basis for the safe transport of temperature-sensitive and time-critical pharmaceutical shipments. The current CEIV Pharma certification is valid until April 2029.