News

Pharma Logistics Masterclass Recognized in Tokyo as Momentum Builds for 5th Edition in Japan

Pharma.Aero has just published the White Paper of the CEIV 2.0 Project representing a broader evaluation of the IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certification Program based on the direct input and insights of the Pharma.Aero global membership. The document presents the main conclusions and takeaways of an evaluation process that identified potential areas of improvements, with root causes and potential solutions for further actions.

Read here the White Paper of the CEIV 2.0 Project – Phase 1

The CEIV Pharma certification has become a quality standard over the years, with more than 300 companies being certified or re-certified at different locations around the globe (December 2022). But what does the industry feel about the impact of the CEIV Pharma certification on the day-to-day business? Did the certification meet the initial expectations over the years? What are the challenges that certified companies face in relation to this program?

The CEIV 2.0 Project started in September 2021 with the dissemination of two surveys to Pharma.Aero members, one for the pharma logistics providers, and one tailored for pharma manufacturers. The surveys aimed to identify various challenges that the companies are facing in relation with the CEIV Pharma certification program. The results of the surveys showed 7 areas of improvement which were further analyzed, one by one, over a series of 8 working sessions with Pharma.Aero members and IATA representatives. Throughout the working sessions, participants deep delved into each category, identifying probable root causes, and potential solutions for the 7 areas of improvements.

The project’s methodology, findings and conclusions were presented in a detailed, comprehensive Technical Report that Pharma.Aero shared with its members and IATA recently. The White Paper published now for the entire industry summarizes the main findings and offers a general overview of the project.

5 of the 15 clustered solutions that were identified will be the focus of a follow-up project to start soon, CEIV 2.0 – Phase 2: Implementation.

  • Authority Endorsement – Seek endorsement from global health authorities to increase the credibility of the CEIV certification program
  • Shipper Review Group – Obtain feedback on the CEIV Pharma checklist, audit guidelines/standards, and demonstrate the value of CEIV to the GDP
  • Communications to the Pharmaceutical Community – Increase awareness and understanding of the CEIV Pharma certification program, through workshops, presentations and other events
  • CEIV Pharma Database – Make audit results and improvements over time available to shippers
  • Light Version of the CEIV Pharma for companies with limited resources

We would like to sincerely thank IATA for their trust in Pharma.Aero and collaboration. And to the Independent Validators who shared their expertise towards the development of the project.

Many thanks to the two project leads, Dnata and Brussels Airport, for their time and support.

Special thanks go to the 25 members and partners of Pharma.Aero for their valuable contribution and their participation in the project’s workshops: Airport Authority Hong Kong, Alha Group, BDP International, Brussels Airport, Cargo Service Centre, Cathay Pacific Airways, Changi Airport Group, Dallas Fort Worth Airport, DHL Global Forwarding, Dnata, Envirotainer, Expeditors, First Priority Cargo, GRU Airport, Kansai Airports, Latin America Cargo City, MSD Merck, Miami Airport, Mytigate, Pfizer, Qatar Airways, Tower Cold Chain, Turkish Airline, Validaide and Wiz.

PLMC 2025 speakers at Belexpo June 2025

The 2025 edition of the Pharma Logisticst Masterclass marks a strategic collaboration between Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp, Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo, and NX GROUP (Nippon Express Group).On Thursday, June 19th, several of our upcoming speakers offered a powerful preview of what to expect this September at the Masterclass durin a panel session hosted by the Belexpo – the Belgian Pavilion at World Expo in Osaka. Entitled “Global Health, Local Strengths – Connecting Centers of Excellence in R&D and Pharma Logistics”, the session focused on how cutting-edge logistics, academic research, and real-world innovation are shaping the future of global health. Highlights included contributions from:

  • Prof. Wouter Dewulf – Academic Director, Centre for Maritime & Air Transport Management, University of Antwerp & Antwerp Management School

  • Prof. Roel Gevaers – University of Antwerp & Antwerp Management School

  • Prof. Shinya Hanaoka – School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology

  • Prof. Pierre Van Damme – Director, Vaccinopolis & Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp

  • Frank Van Gelder – Secretary General, Pharma.Aero

This growing momentum reflects the Masterclass’s role as a global hub for bridging academia and industry in pharma logistics.

The Pharma Logistics Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, explore the latest in supply chain innovation, and network with peers from around the world. The 2025 edition marks a strategic collaboration between Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp, Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo, and NX GROUP (Nippon Express Group).

My cart
Your cart is empty.

Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.