FedEx Earns CEIV Pharma Certification in Panama

Posted on 2025-12-23

FedEx has achieved a significant milestone in pharmaceutical logistics in Panama after receiving the prestigious CEIV Pharma certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its operations at Tocumen International Airport (PTY). This accolade reinforces Panama’s position as a key logistics hub for the handling and air transport of temperature-sensitive and high-value pharmaceutical products.

The CEIV Pharma (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) certification, established by IATA in 2014, recognizes facilities, processes, equipment, and personnel that meet the sector’s stringent global standards for quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. With this certification, FedEx demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of healthcare-related shipments throughout the supply chain.

The FedEx ramp operations in Panama are equipped with specialized cold storage facilities with precise temperature control ranges—crucial for protecting sensitive products during transit. In addition, the local operations maintain a direct weekly connection to FedEx’s global hub in Memphis, Tennessee, ensuring efficient onward transport.

According to Basil Khalil, Vice President of FedEx Operations for the Caribbean and Central America, this certification highlights the company’s strategic focus on the highest standards of quality and control in healthcare logistics, positioning FedEx as a key partner in the growth of Panama’s pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.

The certification also reflects broader trends in Panama’s trade landscape, where pharmaceutical products are among the country’s principal export categories. Innovations such as FedEx Surround® and SenseAware technology provide near real-time visibility of shipments, enabling proactive decision-making and safeguarding the integrity of sensitive cargo throughout the logistics network. 

With this achievement, Panama strengthens its strategic importance in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, while FedEx bolsters its leadership in specialized logistics services across the Americas.