Air India Achieves GDP Certification for Cargo Services

Air India Achieves Good Distribution Practices Certification: A Milestone for Indian Air Cargo

MUMBAI – In a groundbreaking achievement, Tata Group-owned Air India has secured the Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for its cargo operations. This makes Air India the first and only Indian airline to reach this significant global standard, reinforcing its position in the competitive air cargo industry.

With more than 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals transported in the fiscal year 2024-25, Air India now connects GDP-certified stations across India—such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Hyderabad (HYD)—to major international gateways, including New York (JFK) and London Heathrow (LHR). This certification not only enhances the airline’s credibility but also underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the transportation of temperature-sensitive medical products.

Air India’s GDP Certification: Ensuring Safe Pharmaceutical Distribution

The GDP certification is a testament to Air India’s adherence to international guidelines for the secure distribution of pharmaceuticals. This achievement places Air India among a select group of Asian carriers that meet global standards for handling sensitive medical shipments.

Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, highlighted the importance of this certification, stating, “India is one of the world’s key exporters of pharmaceutical products, demanding specialized logistics and precision for their transportation. This certification reinforces our expertise and capabilities in this specialized logistics sector, assuring global partners that we are fully equipped to safeguard the integrity of every shipment.”

Comprehensive Network Coverage for Pharmaceutical Shipments

Air India’s GDP certification encompasses a wide-reaching network across key locations:

Domestic Coverage:

• Delhi (DEL)
• Mumbai (BOM)
• Hyderabad (HYD)
• Bangalore (BLR)
• Chennai (MAA)
• Ahmedabad (AMD)
• Indore (IDR)
• Goa (GOI)

International Coverage:

• New York (JFK)
• Newark (EWR)
• Chicago (ORD)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Frankfurt (FRA)
• Paris (CDG)
• Amsterdam (AMS)

This extensive coverage ensures that pharmaceutical shipments retain their quality and integrity throughout Air India’s domestic and international routes.

Strategic Investments to Enhance Pharma Transportation

To bolster its pharmaceutical logistics capabilities, Air India has made targeted investments in infrastructure and operational processes, including:

• Collaborations with GDP or CEIV-certified cargo terminal operators at strategic airports
• Partnerships with container solution providers for temperature-controlled shipping
• Specialized training for cargo personnel on IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)
• Acquisition of crucial equipment, such as thermal blankets and a cool dolly at Delhi airport, to minimize temperature variations
• Implementation of stringent quality systems with comprehensive documentation and monitoring

The GDP certification was awarded following a thorough audit process, which examined quality manuals, temperature-controlled facilities, documentation systems, and risk management protocols.

With its modern fleet and expanding global connectivity, Air India is poised to cater to the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector. This certification marks a pivotal moment in the airline’s journey, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a leading global air cargo hub, especially for high-value pharmaceutical exports.

For more information on Air India’s cargo services and its commitment to safety and quality, visit Air India’s Cargo Services or learn about the importance of GDP certification on IATA’s official site.

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