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Turkish Cargo has renewed its IATA CEIV certifications for special cargo operations. This pertains to the areas of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, perishable goods, and live animals. The renewal of the certificates, which are valid until 2029, followed a successful assessment by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The IATA CEIV Pharma certification, which Turkish Cargo received in 2016, positioned the company as one of the first air freight providers to meet international standards in the transport of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. In 2020, Turkish Cargo was the first airline to simultaneously obtain certifications for CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh, and CEIV Live Animals. With the renewal of the certificates, the company once again demonstrates its expertise in the field of special cargo operations.
Investments in infrastructure and technology
Ali Türk, Chief Cargo Officer of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the importance of the renewed certifications: “Pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and live animals require the highest operational sensitivity. Therefore, we continuously invest in our transport processes as well as in our infrastructure, technological capabilities, and human resources.” Türk added that the renewal of the IATA CEIV certificates confirms the standards achieved in the field of special cargo operations at an international level.
Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo at IATA, highlighted that the complexity of global supply chains increases the need for consistent and reliable standards. He praised Turkish Cargo for recognizing the value of CEIV certification and reaffirming its commitment to meeting the highest industry standards.
With over 30 years of experience in logistics for special cargo, Turkish Cargo supports the reliable and uninterrupted functioning of global supply chains. This is achieved by maintaining the quality and integrity of temperature-sensitive shipments from the point of origin to the final destination. The company operates specialized operations for pharmaceuticals and healthcare products through its TK Pharma network, which includes more than 200 stations.
In the field of perishable cargo, Turkish Cargo offers services through the TK Fresh product, which is available at more than 250 origin and destination points. This enables fast and reliable connections between production sites and global markets.
The SMARTIST facility at Istanbul Airport serves as the center of Turkish Cargo’s global operational structure. It has been recertified for CEIV Fresh, Pharma, and Live Animals. The operational areas specifically designed for pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and live animals allow for efficient and controlled management of special cargo processes. The Temperature-Controlled Center (TCC) within the facility ensures that temperature-sensitive shipments are managed under controlled conditions.
With the investment in SMARTIST 2.0, Turkish Cargo plans to further increase capacity and infrastructure in special cargo operations. Upon completion of the project, a threefold increase in capacity designated for special cargo operations is expected.
These investments and developments are also reflected in Turkish Cargo’s global market performance. Over the past ten years, the company has recorded significant growth in the transport of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, increasing its market share in the global pharmaceutical sector from 2% to 10%. In the transport of live animals, it claims to hold a leading position among international air freight providers with a market share of 12%.
