Air India Becomes First Indian Airline to Earn Global Good Distribution Practices Certification for Pharmaceutical Cargo
(IN SHORT) Air India has become the first Indian airline to receive the internationally recognised Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for pharmaceutical cargo, affirming its compliance with global standards in transporting time- and temperature-sensitive medicines. The certification enhances Air India’s logistics capabilities across key domestic hubs and international destinations like New York, Frankfurt, and London. With over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals transported in 2024–25 and major investments in training, equipment, and quality systems, Air India is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s global standing in pharma logistics.
(PRESS RELEASE) GURUGRAM, 2025-Apr-24 — /Travel PR News/ — In a significant milestone for Indian aviation and global logistics, Air India has become the first Indian airline to receive the prestigious Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for its cargo operations. The certification affirms the airline’s world-class standards in handling, storing, and transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.
This achievement positions Air India among an elite group of carriers in Asia with GDP certification, reinforcing its leadership in the pharmaceutical logistics sector—a vital industry for India, one of the world’s largest exporters of pharmaceutical products.
“Pharmaceutical logistics demands precision and reliability. Our GDP certification is a testament to Air India’s capabilities and dedication to delivering high-quality, secure pharmaceutical cargo services worldwide,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India.
During FY 2024–25, Air India transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products globally. The certification enhances confidence in the airline’s ability to maintain the integrity of critical shipments across its expanding domestic and international networks.
Certified Locations and Global Reach
Domestically, Air India’s GDP-certified cargo hubs include Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa. Internationally, the certification covers key gateways such as New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam, facilitating efficient and compliant global pharma logistics.
Investment in Pharma-Ready Infrastructure
To achieve GDP standards, Air India has made strategic upgrades, including:
- Collaborations with GDP and CEIV-certified cargo terminal operators
- Partnerships with leading providers of temperature-controlled container solutions
- Advanced training of cargo staff on IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)
- Procurement of thermal blankets, plus a cool dolly in Delhi to minimise temperature fluctuations during ground handling
- Comprehensive quality and documentation systems, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance across all processes
The certification followed a stringent audit, verifying Air India’s processes for quality control, risk management, hygiene, safety, deviation protocols, and change management.
As Air India continues to modernise its fleet and expand its global footprint, this certification strengthens its role as a strategic enabler for India’s growing pharmaceutical exports—and brings the national carrier one step closer to helping establish India as a global air cargo hub.
For more stories on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom
PRESS CONTACTS
Air India
Ronit Baugh
ronit.baugh@airindia.com
Air India Press Office
Stuti Singh / Apoorva Bansal
airindia@adfactorspr.com
SOURCE: Air India Ltd.
