Mangalore Airport ready to handle air cargo: MR Vasudeva

Mangalore, November 9: In a positive move to utilise the enough space available at the old terminal building of Mangalore Airport for handling cargo, its Director MR Vasudeva on Monday said that Mangalore airport is ready to start air cargo, provided a custodian is appointed to start the operation.

Speaking at an interactive meeting with the stake holders on the establishment of air cargo complex at Mangalore airport, organised by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here he said four aircraft could be parked at the apron of old terminal building at Bajpe.

Vasudeva also said a private agency selected by inviting bids or Airports Authority of India (AAI) or a joint venture could take up the custodianship of cargo. “But initially it would not be possible for the AAI to take up the custodianship considering the procedures involved”, he added.

Responding to Vasudeva's statement, V Kannan, assistant general manager (technical), Central Warehousing Corporation, Bangalore, said the CWC was ready to take up the custodianship of cargo.

Chellam Prasad, station manager, Air India, Mangalore, said that Air India Express could take one tonne of cargo to Dubai on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Dubai-bound aircraft on those days originated from Mangalore instead of Kozhikode. She said space for cargo could be blocked on those days.

CC Philip, president, Customs House Agents' Association, said that Customs Department would have to issue a notification declaring Mangalore Airport fit to handle cargo. It was time for concrete action as construction of an airport at Kannur in Kerala would be taken up shortly. Kannur could get to handle cargo.

G Soundaryaraja, Deputy Commissioner, Customs (Mangalore Airport operations) and Vinod Poovappa DV, Superintendent of Customs at the airport, said the Government had issued guidelines in June 2010 for handling cargo operations in airports. Those guidelines would be adhered to before issuing a notification.

Giridhar Prabhu, former president, KCCI, said the chamber should study the possible inward cargo to Mangalore Airport. Gold, silver and medical equipment could be imported. Airlines should press scheduled flights (having room for cargo) for operation. Express flights had limitations for carrying cargo, he said.

Rajakumar S Naik, Assistant Director, the Marine Products Export Development Authority, Mangalore, said the authority could provide financial assistance for exporters.

G G Mohandas Prabhu, president, KCCI said that the chamber will conduct another meeting after a week to further strengthen the move and to initiate steps.