Mangalore: Airport aims to boost cargo handling to 240 tonnes per month

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Dec 26: The air cargo complex at Mangalore International Airport may soon be handling 240 tonnes of export cargo per month to the Gulf countries, with each flight carrying about 2 tonnes of cargo. The matter was discussed at a meeting of airline representatives and industry stakeholders held at Mangalore International Airport (MIA).

The Airport had handled 35 tonnes of export cargo in November. During the meeting, Airport director J T Radhakrishna said that the MIA was capable of handling 240 tonnes of export cargo per month with the cooperation of airlines. The airline representatives in response said that they could carry up to 2 tonnes of cargo per flight to the Gulf countries.

They also said that provided there was enough cargo supply, they would be willing to carry goods to other destinations like the USA and Europe through feeder arrangements with other airlines.

Emphasis was also laid on involving more industries and commercial establishments in order to boost import-export activities at the airport. M Kannan, economic advisor to the union civil aviation ministry who was also present suggested that marine, agricultural and plant protection departments and even small farmers could be brought together to promote cargo handling.

D Purushottam, commissioner of Customs, urged the stakeholders to increase export of vegetables, fruits and fish by involving the local industries to a greater extent. He also said that the Customs department will make remittance of duty charges easier by establishing an electronic data interchange connection at the air cargo complex so that agents do not need to go to Panambur Customs House for paying the duty.

Mohammed Amin, president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed on the need to popularise the air cargo facility and encourage the local businessmen to make optimum use of it to ship their products to the Gulf.