Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) – Hong Kong’s major independent handler – has achieved certification under IATA CEIV Live Animals.
IATA CEIV Live Animals is a voluntary programme designed to improve competency, infrastructure and equipment, quality management and training for the handling and transportation of live animals by air. Achieving and maintaining certification involves training, assessment and validation; re-validation audits are conducted every three years.
In preparation for auditing, Hactl’s quality assurance auditors and trainers attended IATA’s 3-day “Live Animals Cargo Logistics Management” course. Hactl also modified its audit checklists and training materials to comply with the new, higher standards.
Its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were reviewed and revised after detailed internal discussion with its operations teams and other supporting departments. Finally, numerous training and briefing sessions were held to ensure all relevant staff were aware of every change.
Although Hactl has operated state-of-the-art facilities for live animals handling for many years, the process of applying for formal accreditation led to the creation of Hactl’s “Paws Track” which includes six Critical Control Points (CCPs): the Live Animals Inspection Area; South Live Animals Handling Centre; North Live Animals Handling Centre; Horse Handling Centre 1; Horse Handling Centre 2; and its Live Animals Containers.
A number of further enhancements were then made to these, including re-locating the Live Animals Inspection Area next to the Live Animal Handling Centre to improve efficiency; the modification of North- and South Live Animals Handling Centres (including storage racks, flooring and markings, and incorporating dedicated areas for venomous, dangerous and poisonous animals); and the renovation of Hactl’s Horse Handling Centre 1 (including provision of new rest facilities for veterinary staff and grooms post-flight).
Horse Handling Centre 2 was reconfigured to enable it to provide instant extra capacity in the event of sudden peaks in traffic, and new fans were installed to protect horses in transit from the risk of heat stroke during Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer climate.
In addition, Hactl’s ramp animal transfer containers (re-named and labelled “Live Animals Containers” for instant recognition) were upgraded with improved ventilation and transparent viewing panels at both ends; its hygiene regimes were further tightened; and extensive refurbishment and upgrading of all its other animal handling facilities was undertaken.
Said Hactl Senior Manager – Safety, Sustainability and Quality Assurance, Benny Siu: “Hactl has always been very confident of its live animals handling capabilities; CEIV Live Animals certification has inspired us to re-visit all aspects of our services to support our drive for continuous improvement. Adopting many enhanced measures in our new certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing first-class services.”
