Singapore Airlines (SIA) has become the first airline in South East Asia to receive the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) global certification for its handling of perishable products via its Singapore hub.

The Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators in Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) certification is based on IATA's Perishable Cargo Regulations, which combine regulatory and operational inputs from government and industry experts. It means that SIA meets the industry's highest standards with regard to food safety and preventing food waste along the supply chain.

This is achieved through quality and risk management, trained staff for the handling and movement of perishables, active collaboration and transparent communication with stakeholders and supply chain partners, and advocating a standardised approach for the transportation of perishable products. Together, these elements ensure that these fresh products reach customers in tip-top condition.

Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security, says, 'Congratulations to Singapore Airlines on their CEIV Fresh certification. The delicate nature of perishables means the highest standards are needed to make sure product integrity is maintained for such shipments. And with limited air cargo capacity due to the Covid-19 crisis, it is even more critical to ensure that these delicate and short-shelf life goods reach customers unspoiled with minimal waste and loss. With Singapore being a major hub for the transport of perishables, CEIV Fresh certification will give perishable shippers confidence and assurance that their cold-chain logistics requirements are being met.'

In line with the certification, Singapore Airlines today launched THRUFRESH, a new service to transport time- and temperature-sensitive perishable cargo with speed and reliability. THRUFRESH offers swift and quality delivery that meets the stringent demands of transporting delicate and short-shelf life products, such as live seafood, chilled meat, fruits and vegetables by air. Its features include dedicated cold chain services such as priority uplift and handling, quick ramp transfers and cold room facilities to safeguard the integrity of perishables.

Mr Chin Yau Seng, SIA's Senior Vice President Cargo, said, 'We are honoured to be awarded the IATA CEIV Fresh certification, which affirms our dedication to upholding high safety and quality standards in the transportation of perishable cargo. Additionally, our new THRUFRESH service will provide our customers with the reassurance that essential food supplies and perishable products will be delivered reliably to their destinations and handled with the utmost care throughout the journey.'

Note to editor:

SIA Cargo is one of the world's leading cargo airlines. The Airline launched THRUCOOL in September 2018, offering speedy and reliable transportation of high-value, time-sensitive and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical cargo. SIA was the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to be awarded the IATA CEIV Pharma Certification. It currently serves over 60 destinations with a fleet of seven Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft and via the SIA Group's modern passenger aircraft fleet.

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