Air India, India’s leading international airline, has received the ‘Good Distribution Practices (GDP)’ certification for its cargo services. This certification is given for following international standards in the safe, temperature-controlled, and high-quality transport of medicines.
With this achievement, Air India becomes the first and only Indian airline to receive this certification. It is also among the very few airlines in Asia with this recognition.
Stronger Role in Pharma Sector
After receiving the GDP certification, Air India is now ready to play a bigger role in pharmaceutical logistics. In the financial year 2024–25, the airline transported more than 4,000 tonnes of medicines globally.
What Air India Says
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, said:
“India is a major exporter of medicines. This certification will help us build trust globally. We are fully committed to ensuring safety and quality in every shipment.”
Where Are the Certified Stations?
In India, Air India’s GDP-certified cargo stations are located in:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Hyderabad
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Ahmedabad
- Indore
- Goa
In the international network, major certified gateways include:
- New York
- Newark
- Chicago
- London
- Frankfurt
- Paris
- Amsterdam
New Technologies and Safety Measures
To meet the high standards of pharma logistics, Air India has introduced:
- Temperature-controlled containers
- Cool dollies for ground handling
- Thermal blankets for extra protection
- Special training for staff under IATA’s temperature control rules