• Avianca Cargo, a member of Abra Group, earned Good Distribution Practices (GDP) Pharma certification after a process lasting approximately six months.
• The certification confirms that its ground handling and air transport services for pharmaceutical products meet requirements for controlled temperatures.
• This certification complements Avianca Cargo’s IATA CEIV Pharma certification and supports its strategy to strengthen its specialized pharmaceutical transport capabilities.

Avianca Cargo became the first airline in the Americas to earn Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for pharmaceutical handling across its European network, following the certification of its operations in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain.

The certification is based on World Health Organization guidelines for the good distribution practices of medicines. Issued by SGS, an independent certification body, it verifies that Avianca Cargo meets requirements for handling, storing, distributing and transporting pharmaceuticals and other health care products while maintaining their quality and integrity throughout the supply chain.

“Becoming the first airline in the Americas to earn Good Distribution Practices (GDP) Pharma certification for our operations in Madrid and Barcelona marks a new milestone in our strategy to strengthen our specialized pharmaceutical transport services. Together with our IATA CEIV Pharma certification, this achievement reinforces our commitment to an industry that depends on safe, consistent and traceable operations,” said Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.

This certification reinforces Avianca Cargo’s commitment to its customers and strengthens its ability to meet the pharmaceutical industry’s needs. Madrid and Barcelona serve as strategic hubs for consolidating pharmaceutical shipments from across Europe.

Both cities are part of a network that gives Avianca Cargo greater control over its operations and enables it to offer a specialized, reliable supply chain connected to major markets.

Avianca Cargo’s team achieved the certification in just six months, compared with the approximately 12 months typically required to complete the process for this type of audit.

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