Domestic cargo facility launched in M'lore Airport

Mangalore International Airport Director J T Radhakrishna has said that domestic cargo facility would bring revenue to the airport and it would also increase the capability of tier two cities to export the goods. 

Speaking after inaugurating domestic cargo terminal commissioned jointly by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Cargo Service Centre India (CSC India) in the airport here on Thursday, he said that at present the MIA is operating 30 domestic flights per day and its handling 2,000 tones of cargo per month without any extra charge. 

With a separate terminal, along with safety and security, it would help to create revenue to the airport, he said. 

The director said Mangalore International Airport is the first one to get clearance out of 22 airports to establish a domestic cargo facility. 

He hinted that there would be sea changes inside the airport within two months. Licenses have been given to new shops, prepaid mobile sim card store and also to four restaurants and food courts. 

SEZ sought at airport

Kanara Chamber of Commerce Nigam B Vasani requested private or public sector to establish a special economic zone in Mangalore International Airport. It would help in aircraft maintenance, repair in the airport. 

It would help in the development of tourism and economy of coastal districts, would also create job opportunities, he said. 

CSC Group has been handling nearly 5,00,000 tones of air cargo annually and has a market share of around 18 per cent in air cargo handling. Chairman Tushar Jani hoped that all 127 airports would get air cargo facility in near future. Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Indore, Raipur, Vaizag are going to see air cargo terminals. Education is the strength of Mangaluru.

Cargo of the ship can be transported through planes, he said. E-commerce has great opportunity. E-commerce through aircraft is growing 30 per cent year-by-year. 

However, the current capacity of domestic planes (three tones) should be increased for the better handling of cargo. Small distribution centres of e-commerce goods can be launched, he added.  KCCI (Udupi) president Srikrishnarao Kodancha was present among others.