Air India, India’s national carrier, is not just connecting continents — it’s now connecting palates worldwide with the finest Indian mangoes. In April 2025 alone, the airline airlifted over 1,000 tonnes of mangoes to 43 destinations across 31 countries, showcasing the power of Indian agriculture paired with world-class air logistics.
🌍 Global Reach with Indian Sweetness
In an impressive logistics feat, Air India transported premium mango varieties such as Alphonso, Safeda, and Dussehri to global destinations including New York, London, Frankfurt, Toronto, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Sydney. This operation not only showcased India’s horticultural strength but also highlighted Air India’s transformation into a serious player in perishable cargo logistics.
📦 Key Operational Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Volume Transported | Nearly 1,000 tonnes in April 2025 |
| Primary Mango Varieties | Alphonso, Safeda, Dussehri |
| Export Destinations | 43 cities across 31 countries including USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia |
| Logistics Infrastructure | Temperature-controlled cargo holds, automated handling, certified pack houses |
| Source Regions in India | Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh accounted for over 75% of mango supply |
| Cold-Chain Features | Pre-flight cooling, seamless transfers, end-to-end temperature monitoring |
| Growth Factor | Rising global demand and enhanced cargo infrastructure |
| Strategic Vision | Becoming a market leader in perishable exports by air |
🌡️ Cold-Chain Logistics Excellence
To ensure the mangoes reach consumers at peak freshness, Air India deployed a robust cold-chain system that includes:
- Pre-cooling storage in temperature-controlled zones at departure airports.
- Onboard cold compartments tailored for perishable produce.
- Collaborations with APEDA-certified packaging centers to preserve export quality.
- Automated ground handling to minimize damage during transit.
This has helped minimize spoilage and maximize shelf life, giving the airline a unique edge in the high-value perishable cargo segment.
🌎 Top Importers of Indian Mangoes (2025)
| Rank | Country | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | Leading importer, with a strong demand for Alphonso; major recipient via JFK, SFO |
| 2 | UAE | High-volume importer, leveraging proximity and large Indian diaspora |
| 3 | European Union | Includes UK, Germany, France; steady year-round demand |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | Key market for Indian mangoes; imports peak during Ramadan |
| 5 | Canada | Growing demand during spring-summer season; key hub: Toronto |
| 6 | Japan | Niche but premium market; demand for high-quality mangoes |
| 7 | Australia | Off-season importer of mangoes for supermarkets and gourmet retail |
🛫 A Strategic Step in India’s Export Story
With increasing global demand and consumer preference for Indian mangoes, Air India’s bold steps in modernizing perishable cargo handling are aligned with India’s export goals. The operation is a shining example of how agriculture and aviation can converge to elevate India’s footprint in global trade.
“We’re not just delivering mangoes — we’re delivering a piece of India to the world,” said an Air India cargo executive, emphasizing their commitment to freshness, efficiency, and global reach.
📌 Conclusion
Air India’s mango airlift in 2025 represents a turning point in India’s agro-logistics. As global consumers increasingly seek authentic, fresh produce with reliable delivery, Indian exporters backed by efficient air logistics are stepping in to meet the challenge. With world-class cargo infrastructure and a renewed focus on perishables, India’s king of fruits is now truly flying royal class.






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