Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Sep 24: Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is set to expand its presence in the aviation sector by entering new markets with the launch of specialised aviation consultancy services.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said CIAL's experience and technical expertise in airport development and operations would be leveraged to provide consultancy services to airports and aviation stakeholders across the country.
Addressing shareholders at CIAL's 32nd Annual General Meeting, Satheesan said the initiative would create new avenues for deploying the company's expertise beyond its own airport operations.
The AGM approved the Board of Directors' recommendation to distribute a 55 per cent dividend to shareholders.
CIAL will provide consultancy services in airport planning and development, runway development, cargo operations, ground handling and commercial activities through CIAL ACES (Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services), a newly established division of the company.
The division's first project will be the passenger verification system at Durgapur Airport in West Bengal.
According to the statement, CIAL will undertake projects aimed at developing Durgapur Airport as a multimodal logistics hub, establishing a Global Convention Centre in association with the airport, expanding revenue-generation opportunities and improving passenger experience through advanced technologies.
CIAL recorded a total revenue of Rs 1,220 crore and a profit of Rs 502 crore during the financial year 2025-26. The airport handled 73,134 aircraft movements and 1.14 crore passengers during the period.
Satheesan also inaugurated CIAL ACES and the company's Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) service, which supplies electricity to aircraft parked at the airport.
The Chief Minister said the BME facility could be provided free of cost to all aircraft, making it the first such free service in India, according to the statement.
Minister of Higher Education and CIAL Director Roji M John, CIAL Managing Director S Suhas IAS, Company Secretary Rajeev K and Chief Financial Officer Saji Daniel were present at the AGM.