Ezhou Shunjia secures all four IATA CEIV certifications

Ezhou Shunjia Aviation Ground Service, a joint venture of KLN and SF Express, has achieved all four International Air Transport Association (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications — Pharma, Lithium Batteries, Fresh and Live Animals — becoming one of the few ground handling operators globally to secure the complete set of specialised cargo handling accreditations. Operating from Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia’s first dedicated cargo airport, the company aims to strengthen global standards in special cargo handling while expanding capacity and reliability across international supply chains.

The milestone reinforces Ezhou Shunjia’s position as a specialised cargo handling provider supporting the movement of sensitive and high-value shipments through one of China’s fastest-growing air cargo gateways. Established in November 2023 as a joint venture between SF Express and KLN, the company provides ground handling and cargo services at Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Hubei Province, China.

According to the company, operations recorded a 75% increase in cargo throughput in 2025, handling approximately 300,000 tonnes of freight. The full suite of IATA CEIV certifications reflects compliance with internationally recognised standards across multiple specialised cargo categories. These include pharmaceutical shipments requiring temperature-controlled logistics, lithium battery cargo governed by enhanced safety protocols, fresh cargo requiring time-sensitive handling and live animal transport with strict welfare and operational requirements.

Ezhou Shunjia said the certifications are supported by precision handling systems, end-to-end cargo visibility and specialised operating procedures designed for sensitive shipments. The company also highlighted investments in automation technologies, including fully automated sorting systems and robotic handling equipment aimed at improving transit efficiency and operational speed.

By combining the freighter network capabilities of SF Airlines with KLN’s local operating expertise, the joint venture said it is positioned to provide more reliable and flexible cargo transit services. The company added that its integrated logistics model connects landside and airside operations to deliver customised end-to-end freight solutions for customers transporting raw materials, industrial components and finished products through the airport.

The development reflects broader efforts across the global air cargo industry to strengthen specialised cargo capabilities as demand increases for compliant, temperature-controlled and time-critical logistics services.