Avianca Cargo adds new IATA certification to its three CEIV accreditations

Avianca Cargo has achieved IATA Live Animals certification to add to its existing three CEIV accreditations.

The carrier said that by achieving CEIV Live Animals – in addition to Fresh, Phrama and Lithium Batteries – it had become the first airline in the Americas to achieve all four of the certifications.

Leonel Ortiz, transformation, and innovation director at Avianca Cargo, said: “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.”

The airline said that to achieve the certification, the protocols necessary for the transport of animals 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”.

IATA global head of cargo Brendan Sullivan added: “Handling and transporting live animals is a complex operation given each species has its own specific handling requirements. 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.”