Air India has received Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification as it aims to expand its role in supporting India’s growing pharmaceutical export market.
The airline announced that it is the first in India, and among a select few in Asia, to be certified for the handling, storage, and transportation of time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.
GDP is a European standard that outlines the minimum requirements for wholesale distributors to ensure the quality and integrity of medicines throughout the supply chain.
Air India’s certification followed a comprehensive audit that assessed several critical areas. These included quality manuals specific to pharmaceutical handling, temperature-controlled warehouses and equipment, change control and documentation systems, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), hygiene and safety protocols, environmental controls, and risk and deviation management processes.
“The GDP certification validates Air India’s compliance with international guidelines for the safe and secure distribution of pharmaceuticals,” the airline stated.
In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, Air India transported more than 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical products across its global network.
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, commented, “India is one of the world’s major exporters of pharmaceutical products, requiring precise logistics and specialised handling for global transport. This certification significantly boosts our capabilities and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the integrity of every shipment.”
Within India, Air India’s GDP-certified stations include key cargo hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa.
On the international front, the certification covers important gateways including New York JFK, Newark, Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.
The airline has partnered with terminal operators and container solution providers that are certified under GDP or IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) program. These partnerships ensure access to both active and passive temperature-controlled solutions.
To further support its pharmaceutical logistics capabilities, Air India has trained its staff in accordance with IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations, acquired thermal blankets, deployed a cool dolly at Delhi Airport, and implemented a robust quality management system.
According to market research by Grand View Research, revenue from India’s pharmaceutical sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent between 2025 and 2030.