Edinburgh-based ground support provider Menzies Aviation today announced it has achieved certification from the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Pharmaceutical Logistics Validators (CEIV Pharma) for pharmaceutical handling at the London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Budapest Airport (BUD).

IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification aims to establish a common standard for handling pharmaceutical shipments. In turn, the accreditation ensures Menzies’ ability to handle high-value, time-sensitive and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals transported to and from LHR and BUD, according to today’s release. Menzies expects the new certification to increase pharmaceutical volumes processed at its 10,000 square meter facility at LHR, which is equipped with new temperature-controlled rooms.

Menzies also recently obtained CEIV Pharma accreditations at its Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) hubs and aims to achieve certifications at other sites in its global network, the statement said.

Menzies employs more than 230 employees at LHR and provides cargo services to various carriers, including Lufthansa and Qatar Airways, handling around 100,000 to 120,000 tonnes per year, the statement said.

Meanwhile, at BUD, Menzies handles around 35,000 tonnes of freight per year and provides freight services to carriers such as Emirates and Cargolux, according to the statement. Menzies also operates a 4,100 square meter warehouse at BUD which is equipped with a cooling facility for handling pharmaceuticals. BUD has been working with IATA and the Hungarian Freight Forwarders Association to achieve IATA CEIV Pharma certification since 2020.

In 2020, LHR ranked 23rd among cargo airports in terms of total cargo throughput, according to Air cargo worldthe latest ranking of the top 50 freight airports in.