Qatar Airways Cargo, together with its ground handling partner Qatar Aviation Services Cargo (QAS Cargo), has secured IATA CEIV Fresh recertification, extending its recognised compliance with international perishables handling standards through June 2029.
The recertification confirms that both organisations continue to meet globally recognised requirements for the transportation and handling of temperature-sensitive cargo, an increasingly important segment of the global air freight market.
According to reporting by Air Cargo News, the certification is aligned with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) and covers both operational processes and quality management systems.
The CEIV Fresh programme is designed to ensure that air cargo operators maintain consistent standards when transporting perishable products that require controlled handling conditions throughout the supply chain.
The recertification confirms that Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo continue to comply with industry benchmarks governing:
• Perishable cargo handling procedures
• Quality management systems
• Operational controls
• Temperature-sensitive logistics processes
• International cargo compliance requirements
The certification provides assurance that shipments are managed according to recognised standards intended to preserve product integrity throughout transit.
Qatar Airways Cargo's Fresh product is designed to accommodate a broad range of perishable commodities transported through its global network.
According to the company, the service supports the movement of:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Seafood
• Meat products
• Flowers
• Confectionery
The objective is to maintain product quality and integrity from origin to destination while minimising risks associated with temperature fluctuations and handling disruptions.
Perishable cargo has become an increasingly strategic segment for air freight operators due to the growing international trade of food products, agricultural goods and other time-sensitive commodities.
Qatar Airways Cargo said the recertification reflects an ongoing programme of operational enhancement across both airline and ground handling activities.
The carrier highlighted several initiatives supporting compliance with international standards, including:
• Regular operational audits
• Process improvement programmes
• Targeted employee training
• Quality assurance measures
• Close coordination between Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo
The company said these measures are intended to ensure continued adherence to evolving industry requirements and best practices.
Maintaining certification requires organisations to demonstrate sustained compliance rather than relying solely on periodic assessments.
In addition to its internal compliance efforts, Qatar Airways Cargo participates in broader industry initiatives focused on advancing perishables logistics standards.
The company is involved in the IATA Perishable Cargo Working Group (PCWG), which supports the development and refinement of best practices for transporting perishable products by air.
Through this participation, the carrier contributes to discussions surrounding operational standards, regulatory developments and future improvements in the global perishables supply chain.
Industry working groups play an important role in helping airlines, handlers and logistics providers address common challenges associated with transporting sensitive cargo.
Qatar Airways Cargo first obtained CEIV Fresh certification in June 2023, making the latest achievement its first recertification under the programme.
The renewed certification will remain valid until June 2029, providing long-term recognition of the airline's compliance with recognised perishables handling requirements.
The extension also reflects the continued collaboration between the airline and QAS Cargo in maintaining operational standards across the cargo chain.
The recertification comes as Qatar Airways Cargo continues to handle significant volumes of perishable freight across its network.
According to the company, it transported more than 240,000 tonnes of perishable cargo worldwide between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
The volume highlights the scale of the carrier's operations within the perishables sector and underscores the importance of maintaining robust handling procedures for temperature-sensitive shipments.
As global demand for fresh food products, flowers and other perishables continues to grow, specialised cargo services are becoming an increasingly important component of airline freight strategies.
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