Air India has been certified to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards as it looks to capitalise on the country’s growing pharma export business.
The airline said it is the first and among a few in Asia to have achieved the standard for handling, storing, and transporting time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.
GDP is a European standard that provides minimum standards that a wholesale distributor must meet to ensure that the quality and integrity of medicines is maintained throughout the supply chain.
Air India’s GDP certification was awarded following an 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.
"The GDP certification validates Air India’s compliance with international guidelines for the safe and secure distribution of pharmaceuticals,” the airline said.
In the financial year 2024-25, Air India transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals across the globe.
Air India head of cargo Ramesh Mamidala said: “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.”
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.
The airline has partnered with GDP or CEIV-certified terminal operators at key airports and container solution providers offering both active and passive temperature-controlled solutions.
It has also trained staff on IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations, purchased thermal blankets and a cool dolly at Delhi and has implemented a quality system.
According to Grand View Research, revenues generated by Indian pharma are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% between 2025 and 2030.
