Air Cargo India said it has transported the first international export shipment from the new Navi Mumbai International Airport.
The 1.79-tonne consignment, comprising crates of freshly harvested guavas and Drumstick Moringa – the pods of the tropical Moringa oleifera tree, was carried on an Air India Express passenger flight to Abu Dhabi on 15 July, the first day of international flights at Navi Mumbai.
Air India Express is operating three times weekly on the route using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft that offers approximately 2.5 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity.
The capacity on the route supports the movement of perishables and time-sensitive goods from western India to the UAE and the wider Gulf region, and Air India Cargo expects the service to carry around 25 tonnes of cargo each month.
“Every new route presents an opportunity,” said Ramesh Mamidala, head of cargo, Air India. “This first export shipment from Navi Mumbai connects growers, traders and businesses in western India directly with one of the region’s most important international markets.
“Fresh produce is highly time-sensitive, and reliable air connectivity plays a critical role in helping Indian exporters reach global consumers while preserving product quality.”
Air India Cargo said it has steadily strengthened its capabilities over the past several years to support the growing movement of perishables, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive commodities across its network.
Its cargo operations are supported by specialised equipment, including cool dollies and thermal blankets, designed to minimise temperature fluctuations while shipments move between warehouse and aircraft.
“Cargo is often the unseen enabler of trade,” said Mamidala. “When we transport perishable products such as fruits, vegetables or temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, speed alone is not enough.
“Maintaining the integrity of the shipment from origin to destination is equally important. Investments in cold-chain infrastructure and globally certified handling processes are helping us support exporters with the reliability they need.”
For growers and exporters across Maharashtra, reliable air cargo links can make the difference between accessing local markets and reaching international consumers willing to pay a premium for fresh produce, stressed Air Cargo India.
“The Gulf has long been a strong market for Indian produce,” Mamidala said. “By making additional capacity available from Navi Mumbai, we are creating faster and more efficient pathways for exporters while strengthening India’s agricultural export ecosystem. Every shipment represents the efforts of farmers, traders, freight forwarders and logistics partners, and our role is to connect them to opportunities beyond India’s borders.”
Developed by Adani Airport Holdings and CIDCO, Navi Mumbai International Airport officially commenced domestic commercial operations on 25 December.
Earlier this week, Cathay Cargo revealed that it would shift its freighter operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport as upgrade work is being carried out there and freighter operations are suspended.
