Avianca Cargo completes series of IATA CEIV certifications

Avianca Cargo was awarded the International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV Live Animals certification because it meets the highest standards, has an infrastructure that ensures the welfare of animals and a management system that is constantly seeking to increase the quality of service.

"Air transportation of live animals is considered one of the most expedient, as it presents challenges in terms of the processes and details carried out such as ensuring that these are the best to guarantee professional, careful, and compassionate treatment so that the animals have the best experience. This is why the requirements and protocols necessary for their transportation have been met by each participant in the Avianca Cargo supply chain to ensure the safety and welfare of animals such as dogs, cats, chickens, horses, among others, during air transport," says an official release.

Leonel Ortiz, Transformation and Innovation Director, Avianca Cargo says: "It is a pride to be able to obtain, in a record time of three months, a fourth IATA seal under the diligence of safe and responsible transportation of live animals, thanks to infrastructure improvements at the Miami station and the availability of our network for transportation. We will continue working with motivation and commitment to remain a benchmark of quality and the best partner for our customers."

Avianca Cargo became the only airline in the Americas to obtain all IATA certifications including CEIV Fresh, CEIV Lithium Batteries and CEIV Pharma in less than two years, the release added.

“Handling and transporting live animals is a complex operation given each species has its own specific handling requirements," says Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo, IATA. "Adding CEIV Live Animals to its CEIV Fresh, CEIV Pharma and CEIV Lithium Batteries certification means Avianca Cargo is operating within a validated framework that meets regulatory requirements. We congratulate the airline on becoming one of the first airlines in the Americas to complete the suite of CEIV certifications. Avianca Cargo’s customers can have the confidence that their special cargo will be delivered safely and in top condition."

Servicing over 50 destinations, Avianca Cargo operates a fleet of Airbus A330 cargo aircraft in addition to utilising the belly space of more than 100 Avianca passenger planes, the release added.