Air India has become the first Indian airline to attain Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification.
This achievement underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, aligning with international standards for safety and quality. The GDP certification is a globally recognized benchmark that ensures the secure and efficient distribution of pharmaceutical products. It encompasses stringent guidelines for storage, handling, and transportation, particularly concerning temperature-sensitive goods. By obtaining this certification, Air India has demonstrated its adherence to these rigorous standards, reinforcing its position in the competitive pharmaceutical logistics sector.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, Air India successfully transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products worldwide. This accomplishment highlights the airline’s robust infrastructure and expertise in managing complex logistics operations. The GDP certification further enhances its credibility among international partners and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. Head of Cargo at Air India, emphasized the significance of this certification, stating, “India is one of the world’s key exporters of pharmaceutical products, demanding specialized 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 specialized space of logistics, assuring partners globally that we are fully equipped to safeguard the integrity of every shipment.”
Air India’s GDP-certified facilities encompass major cargo hubs across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa. Internationally, the certification extends to key gateways such as New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam. This extensive network ensures seamless connectivity for pharmaceutical shipments, both within India and globally. The airline’s cargo division offers a range of temperature-controlled solutions to meet the diverse needs of pharmaceutical logistics. These include active and passive containers, capable of maintaining temperatures between -20°C and +20°C, as well as specialized equipment like cool dollies and thermal blankets to ensure the safe transit of sensitive products. Additionally, Air India’s Rapid service provides expedited shipping options for urgent pharmaceutical deliveries.
This development positions Air India as a leader in sustainable and efficient pharmaceutical logistics, aligning with global efforts to enhance the resilience and reliability of supply chains. By adhering to GDP standards, the airline not only ensures the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products but also contributes to the overarching goal of creating equitable and sustainable global trade networks. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, Air India’s commitment to maintaining high standards in logistics operations sets a precedent for other carriers and service providers in the sector. The airline’s proactive approach to meeting international certification requirements reflects its dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in supporting the global distribution of life-saving medicines and vaccines.
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