May 22, 2025

Air India's cargo division recently accomplished a significant milestone by executing its first-ever airport-to-door international delivery of a crucial pharma shipment. The shipment, weighing six tonnes and from SUN Pharma, was flown from Delhi to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport before being transported to Brussels. This entire process, covering thousands of kilometers, was completed in less than 36 hours. The medication, vital for patients, was packed meticulously into four lower-deck pallets onboard the Air India flight to Paris. Maintaining a steady temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius throughout the journey was critical to preserve the medication's effectiveness. Although Brussels is not within Air India's usual network, the airline partnered with a European company to manage the seamless transfer of the pallets from Paris to Brussels. The consignment reached its destination, the consignee's warehouse in Brussels, exactly 36 hours after its departure from Delhi, as confirmed by Air India. Earlier in April, Air India had obtained Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification, acknowledging its expertise in handling, storing, and transporting time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. Ramesh Mamidala, the head of cargo at Air India, emphasized the significance of this certification, highlighting that Air India is now India's sole carrier with trained staff dedicated to managing active pharmaceuticals. Mamidala expressed pride in the successful launch of the new airport-to-door service, indicating a strategic shift in Air India's cargo services from 'airport-to-airport' to premium 'airport-to-door' deliveries that adhere to the highest standards. He underscored the importance of precision in the delivery process, stating that it's not just about reaching the destination but ensuring that it's done accurately. Air India has been a key player in pharma transportation, moving over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical goods globally during the 2024-25 period. The airline envisions airport-to-door deliveries as a crucial component of its future cargo business operations, aligning its services with evolving industry demands and customer expectations.

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Tags: Air india, Pharma shipment, Cargo division, Sun pharma, Gdp certification, Medicine, Airport-to-door delivery,