This season of love rains roses at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), as BLR Airport cargo witnessed a nearly two-fold increase in rose shipments.
BLR Airport, this year running up to valentines facilitated the movement of approximately 5.15 lakh kgs of roses to 25 international and domestic destinations vs. 2.7 lakh kgs shipped in 2021.
During Valentine’s season, the domestic demand for roses saw a considerable rise this season. Domestic shipments have witnessed a significant improvement, have increased to 3.15 lakh kgs (~6.5 million stems) vs. 1.03 lakh kgs in 2021, recording over 200% growth. Around 2 lakh kgs (~7.3 million stems) were exported to international destinations this year vs. last year’s 1.7 lakh kgs.
“Bengaluru is the biggest exporter of roses in India. At BLR Airport, we take pride in becoming a channel to aid the local community, growers and shippers by facilitating shipment of their produce while maintaining freshness. We thank Bangalore customs for their continued support in our endeavour and expediting the processes so that we are able to provide the best of services. Our cargo infrastructure, powered by technology, provides rapid distribution of perishable cargo, making BLR Airport the preferred cargo airport in South India. We will continue to work with our cargo partners to introduce new initiatives and facilities that cater to constantly evolving demand,”
Mr. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy & Development Officer, BIAL
Destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Chandigarh were at the top of the list to shower the season with a bundle of roses. Among the top international destinations were Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Amsterdam, Kuwait, Auckland, Beirut, Manila, Muscat, and Dubai.
Aided with robust cold-chain infrastructure, operated by Air India SATS and Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore, and adequate airline capacities to key markets globally, BLR Airport has transformed itself as the preferred choice for perishable shipments in India. Through its cargo partners, the airport has invested in several tech-driven interventions to ensure there is no temperature excursion, reduce the handling time and speed up clearance of consignments. The Plant Quarantine Inspection and Certification facility at the terminal enables seamless and faster transit of flowers. All farm-fresh commodities reach their destinations within 24 hours of harvest.
In FY 2020-21, BLR Airport, with a cold-chain handling capacity of 60,000 Metric Tonnes, emerged as the No.1 Airport in the Country for perishable shipments, processing 48,130 Metric Tonnes of perishables. BLR Airport accounted for 31% of India’s total perishable shipments, and according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’s (APEDA) data for FY 2020-21, BLR Airport was the No. 1 airport for flower exports in India.
