Qatar Airways Cargo has received Qualified Envirotainer Provider Training and Quality Programme (QEP) accreditation at Amsterdam, Basel, Paris, Chicago and its hub in Doha, Qatar.
The programme recognises air cargo carriers that operate Envirotainer containers in compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP), and the achievement proves Qatar Airways Cargo it credible in providing global customers with first-rate air transportation of pharmaceutical products.
Qatar Airways acting chief officer for cargo, Guillaume Halleux says: “We are proud to receive the QEP accreditation that acknowledges our high standards in handling Active pharma containers throughout our network, thereby maintaining the efficacy of pharmaceutical products.
“As one of the leading international cargo carriers, we remain committed to offering a seamless cool chain to our customers through constant innovation and enhancement of our service quality.”
Envirotainer global head of partner management, Bourji Mourad adds: “Our longstanding relationship with Qatar Airways Cargo continues to evolve and grow. This much-deserved QEP Accreditation is another positive step forward, ensuring that key industry standards are met regarding the correct and safe handling of all types of containers and technologies offered by Envirotainer.
“The ultimate goal is safer transportation of healthcare products by air around the globe. Without a doubt, much was invested to achieve this milestone. Well done to all those involved in making this happen.”
More stations throughout the network will be included in the accreditation in the coming year as Qatar Airways Cargo continues to improve cool chain services.
The airline launched QR Pharma in 2014 and has invested in quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its pharma destinations.
Its pharma network spans 75 destinations and ensures a complete quality audit and training modules at each of its pharma stations and its customers can choose from a range of active containers such as Envirotainer, CSafe, DoKaSch and va-Q-tec to transport their pharmaceuticals.
This year, Qatar Airways Cargo opened its state-of-the-art airside Climate Control Centre, a 2,470sqm airside transit facility for temperature-sensitive cargo featuring two zones operating at both 2-8 and 15-25 degrees Celsius with a capacity to hold a total of 156 unit load devices at a time.
The facility is equipped with six truck docks, each with inflated curtains and an anteroom as a staging area, while segregated sections enable storage of pharmaceutical products in compliance with GDP guidelines.
