SriLankan Cargo, the air freight arm of SriLankan Airlines, has secured another regional first by becoming the first airline in South Asia to be awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) for Live Animals Logistics Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Regarded as the premium global standard for the air transport of live animals, the certification serves as a powerful pledge to pet parents, livestock owners, conservationists and all shippers that SriLankan Cargo will transport animals in humane, safe and stress-free conditions across its worldwide network.

Chaminda Perera, Head of Cargo at SriLankan Airlines, commented on the achievement, stating, “Earning the IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification underscores our dedication to animal welfare and operational excellence, ensuring safer handling, trained teams and peace of mind for our customers.”

Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific, said, “The CEIV Live Animals certification is not only about compliance, but ensures the safety and welfare of live animals transported by air. This is particularly relevant as this is a market that continues to grow with more than 200,000 live animal shipments globally in 2025. We are pleased to see SriLankan Airlines achieve this important certification and ensure the implementation of the highest standards across the supply chain.”

The certification stands out for placing animal safety and welfare at the forefront, supported by best-in-class infrastructure and operational excellence. Achieving it requires a rigorous, multi-step process of training, assessment, validation, certification and recertification, ensuring that only organisations fully compliant with the IATA Live Animals Regulations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species gain membership in this highly exclusive circle of airlines, which currently numbers 12 worldwide.

SriLankan Cargo remains firmly committed to upholding the highest standards stipulated in the IATA Live Animals Regulations throughout the shipment lifecycle, from acceptance and handling to loading, transportation and final delivery. Working closely with veterinary authorities, ground handlers and cargo partners, the airline ensures every check box relating to welfare and compliance is consistently ticked.

SriLankan Cargo also operates purpose-built facilities with precise temperature control procedures and robust contingency plans, enabling animals to travel in optimal conditions, including during transit. Dedicated CEIV-trained team members oversee each movement, safeguarding comfort, wellbeing and regulatory adherence at every stage. 

Earlier this month, SriLankan Cargo facilitated a chartered freighter live animal shipment as an IATA CEIV Live Animals–certified carrier. The consignment of seven bovines travelled from Lahore to Colombo for the Department of Animal Production and Health – Sri Lanka, experiencing exceptional welfare standards throughout the journey, and was received on arrival by officials from the Department.

SriLankan Cargo has been providing connectivity for shipments across the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East and Australia, with an online network of 33 destinations in 21 countries and an offline network that extends to hundreds more global cities. Leveraging road and partner networks, SriLankan Cargo is able to provide customers the flexibility to move cargo beyond the points that SriLankan Airlines directly serves. With top-notch storage facilities and cargo handling equipment to meet every customer requirement, SriLankan Cargo is a one-stop solution for any type of consignment. For more information visit, www.srilankancargo.com