The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the CEIV Fresh certificate, with Hong Kong International Airport being named the first certified community.
The accreditation was pioneered by the airport, with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) working closely with members of the airport community including Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, Cathay Pacific Services Limited and Cathay Pacific.
The two cargo terminal operators, who have cold rooms for perishables including seafood, fruit and vegetables, and frozen meat have achieved IATA CEIV Fresh certification.
Their staff training and handling processes have been assessed and certified for their compliance with the global industry standards.
Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific is expected to complete validation of the certification later this year.
A ceremony was held in Singapore at the IATA World Cargo Symposium today (12 March), with Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO of IATA presenting recognition to Fred Lam, CEO of AA and to representatives from Hactl and CPSL.
Lam says: “We are delighted to be the first airport community worldwide recognised by IATA under the IATA CEIV Fresh programme, which is a big encouragement to and affirmation of the capability of the Hong Kong airport community in handling perishable products.
“HKIA is the world’s busiest cargo airport since 2010. With the new certification, HKIA is well-placed to capture the increasing growth opportunities in the market for fresh and perishable goods.”
In 2018, HKIA handled over 380,000 tonnes of perishables, accounting for 8% of total volumes, and a 12% increase from 2017.
Glyn Hughes, IATA global head of cargo says: “Shippers can have peace of mind knowing that every entity handling their goods is operating to the same standards. Understanding the value of this to the success of its customers, the Airport Authority Hong Kong pioneered the world’s first CEIV Fresh certified airport community.”
