Air cargo consultancy Exelsius has helped dnata in Singapore to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification.
Exelsius completed an extensive support programme for the handler, which has resulted in it gaining full GDP status for its handling services at Changi airport, valid for three years.
Exelsius carried out an initial gap analysis and created a pharma handling quality manual and its associated Standard Operating Procedures & work instructions, which were highly praised by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
The project also included the creation and delivery of a specific training programme for all dnata Coolchain staff.
Temperature mapping of the dnata ‘Coolchain’ facility was also undertaken and complemented the existing web-based temperature monitoring systems that were already in place at the 1,400 sq m facility, which was first opened in 2013.
Manager of dnata cargo services, David O’Connor said: “We have learned much from this working partnership and have benefitted through improved and enhanced processes. The Coolchain handling team also further enhanced their knowledge and skill base.”
Tony Wright, chief executive of Exelsius, commented: “I am naturally delighted that we have been able to support dnata in achieving the highest level of GDP Certification.
“The two inspectors from the Singapore HSA conducted a comprehensive, detailed and lengthy audit and it is testament to the entire dnata Coolchain team that they have so successfully implemented the Standard Operating Procedures within the Pharmaceutical Handling Quality Manual.”
For dnata, Mark Edwards, chief executive, commented that partnering with Exelsius has been key to achieving the certification with a high level of compliance to HSA’s strict standards.
“Tony and the Exelsius team have the experience and knowledge to guide and support dnata through the audit processes all the way to closing the gaps and finally achieving the certification.”
Dnata includes amongst its customers in Singapore: Emirates, China Airlines, Qatar, IAG Cargo, Air France KLM and Finnair, all of whom offer specific logistics services to the fast-growing pharmaceutical services sector.
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