In April 2025, Air India transported an impressive 1,000 tons of Indian mangoes to international markets across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, reflecting a growing global appetite for India’s signature summer fruit. This seasonal movement underscores the increasing demand for premium Indian mangoes during peak export months.
Key Mango Varieties Shipped:
The airline’s cargo included some of India’s most celebrated mango cultivars:
Alphonso from Maharashtra – prized for its rich flavor and aroma
Safeda and Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh – known for their juiciness and sweetness
According to Air India, over 75% of the mangoes came from Western India and were shipped to 43 destinations in 31 countries, illustrating India’s strength as the world’s largest mango producer, home to over 1,000 varieties.
Focus on Premium Exports:
Global markets have shown a consistent preference for high-end mango varieties like Alphonso and Kesar, which are not only a culinary delight but are also rich in antioxidants and skin-beneficial vitamins, aspects long acknowledged in Ayurveda.
From gourmet grocery shelves in New York to farmers’ markets in London, Indian mangoes are in high demand. Air India’s cargo division has rapidly adapted, transforming mango shipments into a key seasonal cargo business, with destinations including Toronto, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Sydney.
Cargo Infrastructure and Handling:
Air India has invested heavily in cold-chain logistics and perishable handling to support this effort. According to Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo:
“Perishable movement has seen a significant increase this past year—mangoes being one of the more conspicuous examples.”
To ensure the quality and freshness of shipments:
Mangoes are stored in APEDA-certified, temperature-controlled facilities
Thermal blankets and refrigerated dollies are used at airports
Cargo teams follow strict perishable handling protocols, treating mango consignments with “the same precision and care you’d reserve for delicate glassware.”
Strategic Vision:
Mamidala emphasized that the initiative is more than logistics:
“For us, this mango season is about more than simply transporting fruit. It’s about sharing the story of India’s farm-to-globe journey, driven by Air India’s vast network, consistency, and cutting-edge cargo capabilities.”
Seasonal Window:
The mango export season in India typically spans March to July, with April and May being the peak months. Air India’s significant contribution in April reflects its key role in bridging Indian farmers with global consumers.
This initiative reinforces India’s position not only as a leading mango producer but also as a global exporter of premium-quality perishable goods through state-of-the-art air cargo services.