Karnataka - Mangalore   

‘Potential for air cargo complex at Bajpe airport’

MANGALORE: If an air cargo complex was set up at the Bajpe airport, it is possible to supply five tonnes of cargo a day. This could even go up to 45,000 tonnes a year by 2011-12, according to Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

In a letter to Arvind Singh, Commissioner of Customs, Mangalore, the KCCI said that the region has the potential to supply 4,500 tonnes of cargo by 2008-09 at 15 tonnes a day. In 2009-10 the supply could go up to 10,500 tonnes of cargo at 35 tonnes a day and even grow to 22,500 tonnes in 2010-11 at 75 tonnes a day. Recently, Mr. Singh, through a letter, had sought KCCI details on the availability of cargo in the region to take further steps in the direction of allowing cargo operations at the airport.

Kumble Narasimha Prabu, President, KCCI, wrote in his November 5, 2007-letter to Mr. Singh that fresh vegetables and fruits, chilled marine products, processed vegetables, prepared food, electronic parts, garments and accessories could be supplied to the airport for cargo operations.

The letter said that electronic and computer parts and life-saving medicines could be imported through the airport.

“There is a lead-time between readiness and the business proposition. The business in air cargo-related operations can not commence before the actual facilities are available. This requires an ‘in principle’ decision. The deployment (of customs personnel to supervise operations) can take place when the actual business commences,” Mr. Prabhu said.

“The facilities may be made available in conjunction with these projections. It is vital that market infrastructure facilities are in place and projected well before the actual business commences.”

He said that air cargo related operations are a high-value operation for stakeholders.

There will be considerable improvement in real earnings of agriculturists and the employees in this region due to this activity.

Airlines will benefit from the additional revenue of cargo, he added.

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