Air India earns logistics certification in first for Indian carrier
April 25, 2025
Air India has become the first Indian airline to achieve Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for its cargo operations, as the carrier seeks to grow its presence in the pharmaceutical logistics market.
The distinction places Air India among a select group of Asian carriers recognised for adhering to global benchmarks in the handling, storage, and transportation of temperature-sensitive medical products.
Over the financial year 2024-25, Air India transported more than 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals to destinations worldwide.
“India is one of the world’s key exporters of pharmaceutical products, demanding specialised logistics and precision for their transportation to other parts of the world. This certification provides a shot in the arm to our expertise and capabilities in this specialised space of logistics, assuring partners globally that we are fully equipped to safeguard the integrity of every shipment,” said Ramesh Mamidala, head of cargo, Air India.
Domestically, the GDP certification applies to a broad network of major cargo hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa.
On the international front, it covers points such as New York JFK, Newark, Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.
To support this expansion into high-value pharma logistics, Air India has made targeted investments to boost its capabilities. These include partnerships with GDP- and CEIV-certified cargo terminal operators, collaborations with container providers offering advanced temperature-controlled solutions, and the rollout of IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) training programmes for cargo personnel.
Other enhancements include the acquisition of thermal blankets and the introduction of a cool dolly at Delhi airport, designed to minimise temperature deviations during ground handling.
