Raviprasad Kamila / The Hindu

• AAI is awaiting the Customs authority’s decision to declare the airport fit for handling cargo
• Good potential for export of perishable and non-perishable goods from Mangalore region
• AAI to use the hangar exclusively for its cargo operations AAI to use it exclusively for cargo operations 

Mangalore, Jul 31: The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) has handed over its hangar at the Mangalore (Bajpe) airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), according to sources in Bajpe airport.

The company was using the hangar for stationing its helicopter that has been shifted now. Sources said that the Airports Authority of India would use the hangar structure exclusively for handling cargo operations.

Till recently there was no suitable place in the airport for handling cargo.

At present the customs authorities have permitted the handling of baggage at the airport but have not declared the airport fully fit for handling cargo.

Airports Authority of India has reserved the hangar for handling cargo but is awaiting the customs authority’s decision to declare the airport fit for handling cargo, sources said.

According to sources, a requisition from exporters and importers will enable Airports Authority of India to provide the facilities required by the exporters and importers.

The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) might convene a meeting of exporters and importers to consider their requirements at the airport for handling cargo. The KCCI has a greater role to play to convince the customs authorities on the need to declare the airport fit for cargo operation considering potential for export of perishable and non-perishable goods from the Mangalore region.

There is also scope for the air transportation of cargo in the domestic sector.

In the perishable commodity segment there is immense potential for the export of "Mangalore jasmine'' and "Shankarapura jasmine'' to West Asia.

The Mangalore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) and Information Technology Park that are coming up in Mangalore would open up the potential for exports and imports through air route, sources said.