New Delhi: As summer arrives, so does a sweet obsession - mangoes. Whether it’s slicing into a sun-ripened Alphonso or blending a chilled Dussehri smoothie, mango lovers across the globe know that this seasonal fruit is more than just a treat - it’s a ritual. And helping keep that ritual alive thousands of miles from Indian orchards is none other than Air India, which has become a key player in the worldwide mango movement.

In April 2025 alone, the airline transported nearly 1,000 tonnes of fresh Indian mangoes to 43 destinations across 31 countries, reaching cities like Toronto, Tokyo, Frankfurt, San Francisco, and Sydney. According to Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, this rise in mango shipments is part of a broader surge in demand for perishable goods. 'Mangoes are among the most visible examples of how we are expanding our cold-chain capabilities to meet global appetite,' he said.

Most of the mangoes - over 75% - originate from Western India, especially from regions in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, home to the celebrated Alphonso, Safeda, and Dussehri varieties. These luscious fruits are favorites among international consumers, thanks to their rich flavour, fragrance, and velvety texture.

What sets Air India apart is its commitment to keeping the mangoes as fresh at 30,000 feet as they were on the tree. From APEDA-certified, temperature-controlled storage facilities to thermal blankets and refrigerated dollies at the airport, every step of the journey is fine-tuned. “Our teams handle mango shipments with the same precision and care you’d reserve for delicate glassware,” Mamidala noted.

India is the world’s leading producer of mangoes, cultivating over 1,000 varieties. While many of these are locally loved, it’s the premium Alphonso and Kesar cultivars that dominate international demand. Beyond their irresistible taste, mangoes are packed with health benefits - rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients long celebrated in Ayurvedic tradition.

Today, Indian mangoes are not just tropical exports; they’re cultural ambassadors - welcomed with fanfare on shelves from Manhattan to Melbourne. Thanks to strategic planning and growing global love for India’s national fruit, Air India has transformed mango cargo into a high-flying success story.

So next time you savor a slice of mango abroad, remember: it may have taken a flight across continents - wrapped in cool care and carried with pride.

BI Bureau