Air India Express has successfully transported the first international cargo shipment from Navi Mumbai International Airport to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone for exporters in western India. The inaugural flight on 15 July carried 1.79 tonnes of fresh guavas and Drumstick Moringa, opening a new channel for Indian produce to reach the UAE.
The Boeing 737-8 aircraft, operating the Navi Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route, offers approximately 2.5 tonnes of cargo capacity. This service is expected to transport around 25 tonnes of cargo monthly, meeting the increasing demand for fresh Indian produce in the Gulf region. Air India Express operates this route thrice weekly, providing regular connectivity for exporters.
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, stated, "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."
The shipment included guavas from Maharashtra's Konkan region and Drumstick Moringa, both highly sought after in international markets. The cargo is supported by a sophisticated cold-chain network to maintain freshness, with temperature-controlled facilities ensuring the produce arrives in optimal condition.
Air India Cargo has enhanced its capabilities to support the movement of perishables and other temperature-sensitive goods, using specialised equipment and GDP-certified facilities. Mamidala emphasised the importance of maintaining shipment integrity, stating, "Investments in cold-chain infrastructure and globally certified handling processes are helping us support exporters with the reliability they need."
This new route is expected to strengthen India's agricultural export ecosystem, providing faster and more efficient pathways for exporters to reach international consumers
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