Lately we have been hearing about the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV).
     To date, a few carriers have embraced CEIV Pharma and two gateways—BRU and MIA—have announced certification as well.
     But what is CEIV Pharma?
     On the CEIV Pharma webpage, a lead statement says:
     “IATA has been encouraged by its member airlines and European regulators to support air carriers in complying with ACC3 EU Security Validation process.
     “To respond to this demand, IATA Training and Development Institute created a Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) to train, guide and support industry stakeholders.”
      No doubt, when it comes to getting the quality standard handling and movement procedural activities down to a science, everybody is all for that idea—it’s especially appealing in the pharma business.

The Rest of the Story

     But the question, as always, is: what is the rest of the story?
     “CEIV is IATA positioning itself to have an independent validator task,” a source told FT.
     “When you think about it, IATA is an airline trade association, so some might question the independence of CEIV,” the source added.

Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t?

     We were thinking back to an article that appeared exclusively in FT, which made the point that unless they have the standard operating procedure, airlines do not always place a Dangerous Goods awareness reminder into their online booking systems and their pax acceptance procedures.
     We gently wondered in our article how that could be the case, especially since airlines must undergo IOSA audits biannually, and handlers are subjected to ISAGO as well.
     “Pay your money and take the training and you can be certified for anything,” a source said.
     “Whether the company practices the standard is the only proof here, as one may not question or check whether that standard is working or implemented.”

Beam Me Up Certified

     Recently, FlyingTypers spoke with a European CAA inspector (who requested anonymity) about the various IATA IOSA and ISAGO certification programs and what they mean to authorities. He laughed, saying:
     “Often we show up somewhere and when we point to non-compliance, invariably someone will wave their various audits, white as snow, in our face.
     “Our reaction is usually, 'Well, in that situation today, based on our discovery here, that means zero, zilch,'” the source said.
     The preceding comment might make some wonder if this rush to certification carries scant more importance than leveraging for profit, reflecting instead the power and reach of various industry trade organizations' brands.
Jens

      Managing Director of AA Cargo's Latin America Sales Division Carmen Taylor (L) and President of World Trade Center Miami Charlotte Gallogly have individually had tremendous impact not only on Miami and Latin America, but on the history of air cargo as well.
     No air cargo history can be written without recognizing the great achievements of these two great ladies.
     We salute Carmen for her pioneering work developing air trade for American Airlines Cargo during a stellar career that continues today, and we salute Charlotte for creating the best air cargo show in the world nearly two decades ago.
     Somehow, Air & Sea Cargo Americas has kept itself big enough to draw attendees in the thousands, yet small enough to enable participation from legions of everyday companies, which can fall under the radar when it comes to bigger events.
     Some might find the curtain-railed booths and the dozens of smallish stands not to their liking.
     But a closer look reveals that the big guys in our industry must pack the event with display stands not unlike some Mom & Pops, making the layout work to everyone’s advantage equally.
     It’s good for us to be spinning around on this planet at the same time as these two great ladies of air cargo.
     We can’t wait to see you both at the next Air & Sea Cargo Americas in 2017.
For More on Carmen click here.

      "Everybody thinks that DHL is just an express carrier, but we are here to say DHL Aviation moves all types of big and small consignments," said Sales & Customer Services Manager Martha De Almeida Santos and Business Development Director Xavier Cerruto.
    “DHL Aviation provides one simple but extremely valuable business benefit: the airtime edge by accessing DHL's comprehensive airport-to-airport network,” this dynamic duo sang together, in tune.
    “We move race horses, the morning newspapers, delicate shipments, perishable goods, or dangerous goods.
    “Our customers include major freight-forwarders, organizations seeking an airport-to-airport service, other airlines, postal service operators, and express courier companies,” the duo said.
    “We are not just express anymore!”
    Contact: Xavier Cerruto; Martha De Almeida Santos.  

      We stand with France as deep sadness, grief, alarm, and resolve spread around the world after the senseless terrorist attacks and random murders in Paris on Friday, November 13.
      Seen here is the growing queue at the border as police take control at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. A state of emergency has been declared in France.

      To honor the victims, here is “Elegy in Brass” by 43-year-old American composer Kevin Puts, as performed in a church last year in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Geoffrey