Air India, India’s leading global airline, has been awarded the Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for its Cargo business, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class logistics solutions for pharmaceutical products.

Air India is the first and only Indian carrier, and among a few in Asia, to have achieved this global standard for excellence in handling, storage, and transportation of time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.

The GDP certification validates Air India’s compliance with international guidelines for the safe and secure distribution of pharmaceuticals. In the financial year 2024-25, Air India transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals across the globe.

“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.

In its domestic route network, Air India’s GDP-certified stations include major cargo hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa. Internationally, the certificate covers major gateways like New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam - ensuring seamless connectivity for pharmaceutical shipments both within India and globally.

Strengthening its ability to transport vaccines, biologics, and other high-value medical goods, Air India has made significant investments in enhancing its pharmaceutical handling capabilities, including:

·         Partnering with GDP or CEIV-certified Cargo Terminal Operators at key airports

·         Joining hands with container solution providers offering both active and passive temperature-controlled solutions

·         Specialised trainings for cargo staff on IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)

·         Procurement of essential equipment and tools such as thermal blankets and the introduction of a cool dolly at Delhi airport to minimise temperature deviations

·         Robust Quality Systems: End-to-end documentation and monitoring processes to guarantee traceability and compliance with global standards.

Air India’s GDP certification was awarded following a rigorous audit that included checks for quality manuals for pharmaceuticals, temperature-controlled warehouse and equipment, change control systems, documentation systems and processes, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) protocols, hygiene, safety and environment, as well as several assessments for risks and deviation management, etc.

With a fast-modernising fleet and expanding global connectivity, Air India is poised to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector while contributing to India’s ambition to become a leading air cargo hub.