Air cargo in Bajpe airport to take wings soon

The proposed air cargo complex at Bajpe airport, expected to be commissioned by May, has generated lot of interest among exporters in the coastal region. They hope to have an easy link with the

international markets, especially with regard to perishable goods.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already begun the tendering process for upgradation and alteration of several facilities available in the old airport terminal in Bajpe.

“The old terminal had all the structures in place for conversion into a full-fledged air cargo terminal, including office space, storage space, air-conditioning, fire tendering and many other facilities. The AAI has plans to further upgrade the system and structures at a cost of Rs33.5 lakh to make it operational. The complex should be functional by May 2012,” airport director MR Vasudeva
told DNA.

Exporters using air facilities have expressed the need for a seamless international connectivity via Mangalore airport, particularly for food and perishable items.

Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) president JR Bangera said, “The prospects of having an air cargo complex in Mangalore airport has brightened the chances of many commodities produced in the state hitting international market. I hope the AAI will speed up the commissioning of the complex.”

The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), along with the FKCCI and Malnad Chambers of Commerce and Industry,
were in favour of tapping the international market via Mangalore air cargo facility for niche agro and horticulture produce such as Kodagu oranges, Matti gulla, Puttur gherkins, Shankarpura jasmine, Kasargod elephant foot yams, granulated and canned Chikmagalur coffee, Kalishad mangoes of Karwar, dried fish dishes and cashew kernels.

Latha R Kini, president of the KCCI said, “It is not just raw produce, but also the value-added produce that will get international connectivity. In a globalised market, Indian products are sold at a premium price. But due to unavailability of air cargo lift, the producers were neither interested in exports nor in adding  value. Some of the exports took place from either Chennai or Kochi. If the air cargo operations begin in Mangalore it will be the easiest way out.”

Ornamental fish
Another niche item that will get exposure to international market from the coast will be the ornamental fish, which has a great demand in the Gulf.

According to the experts, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod (Kerala) were best suited for rearing ornamental fishes, but due to the lack of quick air lift this special trade had not taken off.

MSEZ boost
Experts said that after Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) starts production, the export of finished goods will also pick up.