Lufthansa Cargo secures expanded IATA CEIV Pharma certification until 2029

Lufthansa Cargo has received a comprehensive renewed certification under the International Air Transport Association CEIV Pharma programme, confirming the carrier’s compliance with high global standards for transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

For the first time, the certification includes IATA’s “corporate approach,” which evaluates a cargo airline’s quality management, operational processes, training and infrastructure across a broader section of its global network rather than assessing individual stations separately. The certification is valid until April 2029.

The audits, conducted between November 2025 and March 2026, covered major pharma hubs in Frankfurt, Munich and Chicago, as well as stations including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Mexico City and New York. The network is further supported by certified ground handling partners worldwide.

IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, Brendan Sullivan, said the certification demonstrates how centralised governance and local execution can work together to ensure safe pharmaceutical transportation. Lufthansa Cargo executive Oliver von Götz said the recognition reflects the company’s continued investment in pharmaceutical logistics expertise, infrastructure and staff training.

Lufthansa Cargo has maintained CEIV Pharma certification continuously since 2016 and now operates a pharma logistics network covering more than 350 stations worldwide. Around 230 stations offer passive temperature support, while roughly 120 provide active temperature control for highly sensitive healthcare shipments.