Tuesday, 24 February 2026

SriLankan Cargo Sets New South Asian Benchmark for Live Animal Air Transport

SriLankan Cargo
SriLankan Cargo has achieved another aviation milestone by becoming the first airline in South Asia to earn the prestigious International Air Transport Association (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals Logistics Certification. The internationally recognised accreditation places SriLankan Cargo among an elite group of only 12 airlines worldwide certified to transport live animals according to the highest global standards for safety, welfare and compliance.

The achievement strengthens SriLankan Cargo's reputation as a trusted global logistics provider while giving pet owners, livestock breeders, conservation organisations and government agencies greater confidence when transporting animals by air.

A Landmark Achievement for South Asian Aviation

The IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification is regarded as the aviation industry's gold standard for the transportation of live animals.

Receiving this certification demonstrates that SriLankan Cargo has met rigorous international requirements covering every aspect of live animal transportation, including specialised staff training, operational procedures, infrastructure, welfare standards and regulatory compliance.

As the first airline in South Asia to receive this honour, SriLankan Cargo has positioned itself at the forefront of animal transportation services throughout the region.

Chaminda Perera, Head of Cargo at SriLankan Airlines, said the certification reflects the airline's unwavering commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence, ensuring every shipment is handled safely by highly trained teams while giving customers complete peace of mind.

Animal Welfare Comes First

Transporting live animals requires considerably more care than conventional cargo.

Every stage of the journey must be carefully planned to minimise stress while maintaining appropriate environmental conditions throughout transport. SriLankan Cargo follows strict procedures from the moment animals are accepted until they safely reach their final destination.

Dedicated teams trained under the CEIV programme oversee every shipment, ensuring compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations and international animal welfare requirements.

The airline works closely with veterinary authorities, cargo partners and ground handling specialists to ensure every shipment receives the highest level of professional care.

Purpose-Built Facilities Ensure Safe Travel

SriLankan Cargo has invested in specialised infrastructure designed specifically for the safe transport of live animals.

Purpose-built cargo facilities include carefully controlled temperature environments, comprehensive monitoring procedures and robust contingency plans that help maintain ideal conditions throughout each journey, including during transit.

These specialised facilities ensure animals remain comfortable while reducing unnecessary stress during transportation.

Whether transporting household pets, valuable livestock or conservation animals, every shipment is managed according to internationally recognised welfare standards.

Supporting Conservation, Agriculture and Pet Travel

SriLankan Cargo
The demand for specialised live animal transportation continues to grow worldwide.

According to IATA, more than 200,000 live animal shipments were transported globally during 2025, highlighting the importance of maintaining strict welfare standards across the aviation industry.

Earlier this month, SriLankan Cargo successfully completed its first chartered live animal shipment as a certified CEIV carrier. Seven bovines were transported safely from Lahore to Colombo for Sri Lanka's Department of Animal Production and Health, with government officials receiving the animals upon arrival.

The successful operation demonstrated the airline's ability to manage specialised shipments while ensuring exceptional standards of animal care throughout the journey.

Connecting Global Cargo Markets

Beyond live animal logistics, SriLankan Cargo continues to play a vital role in connecting international freight markets.

The airline operates an online cargo network serving 33 destinations across 21 countries throughout the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East and Australia.

Through extensive road transport services and global logistics partnerships, SriLankan Cargo also provides access to hundreds of additional cities beyond its direct network, offering customers flexible transport solutions for virtually every type of shipment.

Its modern cargo handling facilities, specialised storage capabilities and experienced logistics professionals make SriLankan Cargo a comprehensive freight solution for businesses around the world.

Setting New Standards for the Future

The achievement of the IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification reflects SriLankan Cargo's broader commitment to innovation, operational excellence and world-class customer service.

By combining specialised infrastructure, internationally trained personnel and strict compliance with global regulations, the airline continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia's leading cargo operators.

As demand for specialised logistics services continues to increase, SriLankan Cargo's latest international certification provides customers with the assurance that every live animal shipment will be transported with professionalism, compassion and the highest standards of care.

SriLankan Cargo

Website: https://www.srilankancargo.com
SriLankan Airlines Website: https://www.srilankan.com
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Website: https://www.iata.org

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