SGS has granted the World Health Organization (WHO) Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification to Air India Limited for its cargo operations. This certification affirms Air India’s adherence to international standards in the handling, storage, and transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products across multiple domestic and international cargo hubs.
Certified locations within India include Indore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi, and Chennai. Globally, certified sites encompass key logistical hubs such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Chicago, Paris (CDG), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and London Heathrow. These certifications reflect Air India’s capability to maintain stringent quality controls across its pharmaceutical logistics network.
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, emphasized the significance of the certification for India’s pharmaceutical export sector, citing the importance of specialized logistics infrastructure to meet global compliance requirements. Nilesh Jadhav, Sub-Regional Director – Business Assurance, SGS India, noted that the certification enhances supply chain transparency, ensures operational efficiency, and reinforces stakeholder trust in Air India’s cargo operations.
The WHO GDP certification outlines a comprehensive framework to ensure the safe and compliant distribution of pharmaceutical products. It includes measures for preventing counterfeit products and mandates strict controls over relabeling, repackaging, storage, and distribution. Achieving this certification involves rigorous evaluation and audit of all relevant processes and facilities to ensure compliance with global standards.
This recognition underscores Air India’s commitment to the integrity of pharmaceutical cargo and its growing role in global healthcare logistics. It further supports the airline’s broader transformation under the Vihaan.AI strategy, which includes major investments in fleet renewal, infrastructure expansion, and service excellence across its network. SGS, the certifying body, operates a global network of over 2,500 offices and laboratories across 115 countries and is supported by a team of nearly 100,000 professionals. With a legacy of over 145 years, SGS delivers quality assurance and compliance solutions across industries, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted leader in inspection, testing, and certification.
Founded in 1932 by JRD Tata, Air India returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after decades of government ownership. Today, the Group employs over 30,000 people and operates more than 300 aircraft across 55 domestic and 48 international destinations.
Under its five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, the airline has ordered 570 new aircraft and has successfully merged AirAsia India and Vistara into its existing operations. The Group also launched South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in 2024 and will open a new flying school in 2025.
A greenfield maintenance base is currently under development, scheduled for operation in 2026. Driven by legacy and renewed ambition, Air India is shaping a new chapter in Indian aviation—aiming to become a globally respected airline with world-class service and a uniquely Indian spirit.
