The pharmaceuticals and allied perishables product market is growing year on year; in line with this, Turkish Cargo has not only been trying to enlarge its market share but it has also been focussing on the producers' concerns. In this it has applied itself to ensuring that the processing of such shipments is executed with the greatest of care. All personnel involved are made aware of the importance of the problems arising from temperature-sensitive freight and Turkish Cargo acts accordingly in order to preserve the integrity of both the cold chain and the products within it.
By diligently performing its operations under IATA’s CEIV Pharma certificate which covers the requirements of the international GDP guides (EU and WHO), IATA PCR (Perishable Cargo Regulations) Section 17 and TCR (Temperature Control Regulations), and targeting excellence in air cargo transportation and cargo handling services, Turkish Cargo has thus been entitled to receive IATA’s CEIV Pharma certificates for its Istanbul hub.
Turkish Cargo has a total of 3,000 square metres of special storage areas covering four different temperature ranges (from -20 °C to +25 °C) in an indoor area of 43,000 square metres on a total area of 71,000 square metres. The healthcare products are stored in a dedicated area of 1,030 square metres. All storing and handling processes are carried out as specified in the relevant regulations. Temperatures are monitored with a telemetry system, and all cargo movements are tracked with COMIS, Turkish Cargo's IT software that works in real time. For the special cargo operations, a dedicated team ensures the smooth continuation of the process. The temperature- and time-critical consignments are the last cargoes prepared for loading and the first ones loaded into the aircraft, in order to minimise their exposure to the exterior environment. With its thermal blanket and active container services, Turkish Cargo aims to minimise the risk to highly sensitive healthcare products. As an indication of the importance it gives to such consignments, Turkish Cargo is planning to commission a Thermal Dolly service and will soon be using it for both temperature- and time-critical consignments.
