Key Takeaways
• On May 21, 2025, Air India completed its first airport-to-door international pharmaceutical shipment.
• The shipment transported six tonnes of temperature-sensitive medicines from Delhi to Brussels in under 36 hours.
• Air India earned GDP certification, ensuring compliance with strict pharmaceutical logistics standards for global exports.
On May 21, 2025, Air India marked a major milestone in the world of global logistics and pharmaceutical exports. The airline completed its first-ever airport-to-door international pharmaceutical shipment, transporting six tonnes of temperature-sensitive, life-saving medicines produced by SUN Pharma from Delhi to a warehouse in Brussels. This achievement not only highlights Air India’s growing role in the pharmaceutical supply chain but also signals a new era for Indian exporters seeking reliable, end-to-end logistics solutions for critical goods.
This article breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how it could affect pharmaceutical companies, exporters, and the broader Indian economy. We’ll also look at the technical and regulatory steps Air India took to make this possible, and what it means for the future of pharmaceutical shipments from India.
Air India’s First Airport-to-Door Pharmaceutical Shipment: What Happened?
Who: Air India, India’s national airline, working in partnership with SUN Pharma, one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers.
What: The airline delivered six tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals directly from Delhi to a warehouse in Brussels, Belgium—a city not directly served by Air India’s flight network.
When: The shipment was completed on May 21, 2025.
Where: The journey started at Delhi airport, continued by air to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, and finished with a temperature-controlled truck journey to Brussels.
Why: The goal was to demonstrate Air India’s new capability to provide end-to-end, airport-to-door logistics for sensitive pharmaceutical products, expanding beyond traditional airport-to-airport services.
How: By combining air transport with a carefully managed road feeder service, and by maintaining strict temperature controls throughout the journey.
How the Shipment Worked: Step-by-Step Logistics
Delivering pharmaceuticals internationally is never simple, especially when the products are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Here’s how Air India managed the process:
1. Preparation at Delhi Airport
- SUN Pharma prepared six tonnes of medicines, carefully packed into four lower-deck pallets.
- The pharmaceuticals required a constant temperature between 15°C and 25°C to remain effective.
- At Delhi’s cargo terminal, the shipment was loaded onto an Air India aircraft, with staff ensuring all temperature requirements were met.
2. Flight to Paris
- The cargo was flown from Delhi to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- Throughout the flight, temperature controls were closely monitored using specialized containers and equipment.
3. Road Feeder Service to Brussels
- Upon arrival in Paris, the shipment was transferred to a temperature-controlled Road Feeder Service (RFS) truck.
- The truck maintained the required temperature range during the overland journey to Brussels.
- The entire process—from departure in Delhi to arrival at the consignee’s warehouse in Brussels—took less than 36 hours.
This approach allowed Air India to deliver pharmaceuticals to a city not directly served by its flights, showing how the airline can now reach more destinations by combining air and road transport.
Why This Matters: The Importance of End-to-End Pharmaceutical Logistics
Pharmaceutical shipments are among the most challenging types of cargo. Medicines can lose their effectiveness or even become dangerous if exposed to the wrong temperatures. For companies like SUN Pharma, ensuring that products arrive safely and on time is critical—not just for business, but for patient health.
Key reasons this shipment is significant:
- Expanded Reach: Air India can now deliver to cities beyond its direct flight network, opening new markets for Indian pharmaceutical exporters.
- Reliability: By controlling the entire journey, Air India reduces the risk of delays or temperature excursions that could damage the products.
- Compliance: The process meets strict international standards, making it easier for Indian companies to export to regulated markets like Europe.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this kind of end-to-end service is becoming a must-have for airlines that want to compete in the global pharmaceutical logistics market.
Air India’s Good Distribution Practices (GDP) Certification: What Does It Mean?
In April 2025, just before this landmark shipment, Air India became the first Indian airline to receive Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for its cargo operations. This certification is a big deal in the world of pharmaceutical logistics.
What is GDP Certification?
- GDP stands for Good Distribution Practices—a set of international standards for handling, storing, and transporting pharmaceutical products.
- The certification ensures that medicines are kept at the right temperature, handled by trained staff, and tracked with proper documentation at every step.
- GDP is especially important for shipments to Europe and other regulated markets, where authorities require proof that products have been handled safely.
What Did Air India Do to Get Certified?
- Underwent a comprehensive audit covering quality manuals, temperature-controlled warehouses, equipment, documentation, and risk assessment.
- Upgraded major cargo hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa to meet GDP standards.
- Extended compliance to key international destinations, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam.
- Trained staff in IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), ensuring everyone handling pharmaceuticals knows the rules.
- Introduced active and passive temperature-controlled containers, cool dollies, and thermal blankets at key airports.
- Strengthened quality assurance with detailed documentation and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) systems.
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, stated, “We are now India’s only carrier with trained staff to manage active pharmaceuticals.” This means Air India is uniquely positioned to handle the most sensitive pharmaceutical shipments from India.
The Strategic Impact: What This Means for India’s Pharmaceutical Industry
India is a global powerhouse in pharmaceuticals, ranking among the top three exporters worldwide. The country’s pharma exports are growing at nearly 10% per year, and the demand for reliable, compliant logistics is rising just as quickly.
How Does Air India’s New Service Help?
- Boosts Export Opportunities: With airport-to-door delivery, Indian pharmaceutical companies can reach more customers, especially in Europe and other regulated markets.
- Strengthens Supply Chains: Reliable logistics reduce the risk of lost or damaged goods, protecting both profits and patient safety.
- Supports Economic Growth: As exports grow, so do jobs and investment in India’s pharmaceutical and logistics sectors.
For example, a company like SUN Pharma can now ship life-saving medicines directly to hospitals or warehouses in cities that Air India doesn’t fly to, without worrying about temperature issues or customs delays at multiple airports.
Why Is GDP Certification Important for Exporters?
- Many countries, especially in Europe, require GDP certification for all pharmaceutical imports.
- Without it, shipments can be delayed, rejected, or even destroyed at the border.
- Air India’s certification gives Indian exporters a competitive edge, making it easier to enter new markets and win contracts.
Air India’s Broader Cargo Strategy: Looking Ahead
This shipment is part of a larger transformation at Air India, known as the Vihaan.AI program, which began after the airline returned to the Tata Group. The goal is to modernize operations, expand services, and make Air India a leader in global aviation.
Key Elements of the New Cargo Strategy
- End-to-End Solutions: Moving from airport-to-airport to full airport-to-door services, including customs clearance and last-mile delivery.
- Network Expansion: Using road feeder services and partnerships to reach cities beyond the airline’s direct flight network.
- Technology Upgrades: Investing in tracking systems, temperature monitoring, and digital documentation to improve reliability and transparency.
- Staff Training: Ensuring all cargo staff are trained in the latest international standards and best practices.
In the 2024-25 financial year, Air India transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical goods worldwide. The airline operates more than 5,000 weekly flights, serving 45 cities in India and 43 destinations across 31 countries and five continents.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants, Exporters, and the Indian Economy?
While this story is about cargo, it has real implications for people and businesses:
- For Indian pharmaceutical companies: Easier access to global markets means more business opportunities and the chance to compete with the world’s biggest drug makers.
- For logistics professionals: New jobs and training opportunities in temperature-controlled logistics, quality assurance, and international shipping.
- For patients worldwide: Faster, safer delivery of life-saving medicines, especially in regions that depend on Indian pharmaceuticals.
- For the Indian economy: Stronger exports, more foreign exchange earnings, and a better reputation for quality and reliability.
For immigrants working in the logistics or pharmaceutical sectors, these developments can mean more job security and new career paths, both in India and abroad.
Real-World Example: How a Shipment Like This Could Affect a Family
Imagine a family in Belgium with a child who needs a rare, life-saving medication produced by SUN Pharma in India. Before, getting the medicine might have involved multiple stops, long delays, and the risk that the drugs would spoil if not kept at the right temperature. Now, with Air India’s airport-to-door service, the medicine can be delivered directly to the hospital or pharmacy in Brussels, quickly and safely. This can make a real difference in people’s lives.
How to Learn More or Get Involved
If you’re a pharmaceutical exporter, logistics provider, or just interested in how these changes could affect your business or career, here are some practical steps:
- Check Air India’s cargo services for updated information on routes, capabilities, and requirements: Air India Cargo
- Review GDP certification standards to understand what’s required for pharmaceutical shipments: European Medicines Agency – GDP Guidelines
- Contact Air India’s cargo team for details on airport-to-door services, pricing, and booking procedures.
- Stay updated on export regulations for pharmaceuticals in your target markets, especially in Europe and North America.
If you’re involved in immigration or planning to work in the logistics or pharmaceutical sectors, understanding these trends can help you identify new opportunities and prepare for the skills employers will be looking for.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Pharmaceutical Exports
Air India’s successful airport-to-door delivery of SUN Pharma’s pharmaceutical shipment to Brussels is more than just a logistics achievement. It’s a sign that India’s exporters, airlines, and logistics providers are ready to meet the world’s highest standards for quality, safety, and reliability.
With GDP certification, advanced temperature-control systems, and a commitment to end-to-end service, Air India is helping to connect India’s pharmaceutical industry to global markets like never before. This benefits not just companies and workers, but patients and families around the world who depend on safe, timely delivery of life-saving medicines.
As India’s pharmaceutical exports continue to grow, expect to see more airlines, logistics companies, and exporters following Air India’s lead—raising standards, expanding services, and opening new doors for Indian products worldwide.
For more information on international shipping standards and regulations, visit the European Medicines Agency’s official GDP guidelines.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these advancements are setting new benchmarks for the industry and positioning India as a global leader in pharmaceutical logistics.
Key Takeaway: If you’re involved in pharmaceutical exports, logistics, or related fields, now is the time to explore how these new services and certifications can help you reach new markets, improve reliability, and support the health of people around the world.
Learn Today
Good Distribution Practices (GDP) → International standards ensuring safe handling and transport of pharmaceuticals under controlled conditions.
Temperature-Controlled Containers → Special packaging that maintains required temperature ranges for sensitive pharmaceutical products during transport.
Road Feeder Service (RFS) → A temperature-regulated trucking service linking airports to destinations not served directly by flights.
Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) → Processes to identify and fix issues before they impact pharmaceutical shipment quality.
IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR) → Rules set by IATA for managing temperature-sensitive air cargo handling and transport.
This Article in a Nutshell
Air India pioneered airport-to-door pharmaceutical delivery by shipping six tonnes of temperature-sensitive SUN Pharma medicines from Delhi to Brussels, highlighting its new end-to-end logistics capability and GDP certification. This milestone expands Indian pharma exports, boosting reliability and market access while setting global logistics standards in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
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