Cargo services to begin at Gannavaram in 3 months

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to begin cargo services from Gannavaram airport soon.

The recent announcement by Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapati Raju a few months ago that the Ministry was devising strategies to improve cargo services across the country has given the much-needed impetus to officials to introduce the services. Incidentally, the authorities had included the launch of cargo services at Gannavaram in the master plan prepared for the expansion of the airport.

On Thursday, AAI Joint General Manager (Cargo) Selva Kumar inspected the airport to study the facilities available. Representatives of Air India, Air Costa and SpiceJet, along with members from the Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry, accompanied Mr. Kumar. The members explained in detail about the airport’s potentiality in handling cargo.

'Perishable goods, automobile spare parts and products relating to manufacturing units can be handled through cargo services at the airport,' they said. Meanwhile, Airport Director G. Giri Madhusudan Rao said plans had been chalked out to commence cargo operations in three months.

A shed near the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower would be allocated on temporary basis for the convenience of airlines to carry out operations. A baggage scanner would be installed for checking goods, he said.

Air India flight can use six tonnes of belly space while Air Costa and SpiceJet four tonnes after the launch of cargo operations, according to officials.


THE HINDU