Etihad Cargo, the logistics arm of the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, has launched the latest part of its “cool chain masterplan” to enhance its offering to pharmaceutical clients. 

The newly launched Pharma Champions will provide training for customer service and customer-facing expertise to smooth the customer journey when booking and flying with Etihad Cargo. 

The Emirati carrier is aiming to increase its pharma sector business after strong growth in the area in 2022. It has “transported 49% more pharmaceuticals and life sciences products in the last 12 months versus the previous year,” a company statement said. 

The training initiative is part of the wider PharmaLife strategy employed by Etihad, which has built its Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) and Cool Storage (COL) capabilities and now flies to more than 60 destinations. 

Etihad renewed its IATA CEIV Pharma certification in 2022, following the increased scrutiny on CRT and COL deliveries during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Etihad Cargo vice-president of commercial Tim Isik said: "Etihad Cargo has developed and launched Pharma Champions to enhance the carrier's capabilities in transporting high-value, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals across its global network."

“The programme facilitates the development of a tailored PharmaLife action plan that will enable the champions to provide customer service excellence, enhanced customer response times and expertise within their regions.” 

The carrier also invested in infrastructure, including the commissioning of a “state-of-the-art” 3,300m² cool chain facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is planned to double Etihad Cargo’s cool chain cargo capacity to 100,000t when completed.