Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport / KIAB), today during a virtual press briefing, announced several updates and developments in terms of its cargo business. BLR Airport informed that it witnessed the highest-ever domestic outbound tonnage of 8,117 MT in October, which was largely driven by e-commerce shipments.
Mr Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development officer at BIAL who addressed the press briefing informed that the airport processed a total of 34,339 MT of cargo in the month of October 2020, recording a 26-month high in terms of tonnage.
Perishable commodities, which have been the major growth driver for BLR Airport in FY 2020-21, continued to be the top international commodity, accounting for 12% of total exports in October. Doha emerged as the top destination in October 2020, with 1,095 MT.
After becoming the first airport in India to record positive growth in September 2020, the trend continued in October 2020 as well, registering a 0.1% increase against October 2019.
Further the airport informed that the record single-day Air Traffic Movement (ATM) was 52 ATMs on October 22, with the day witnessing a volume of 1,359 MT of Cargo.
Despite the challenges faced due to the outbreak of the pandemic, cargo has played a vital role in terms of growth for BIAL. Cargo will be central to our growth story and I believe the trend will continue.”
~ Mr Satyaki Raghunath, Chief strategy and Development Officer, BIAL
Mr Raghunath also talked about the upcoming facilities at the airport. Speaking on the Air Cargo Community System, he informed that the digital platform, which will provide visibility to all stakeholders and eliminate paper trails, will soon be implemented at the airport in phases.
Further, he spoke about the upcoming Export Cargo Terminal and informed that the facility will most likely open in the next 30-60 days.
On being asked about the airport’s preparation for the distribution of the much-awaited COVID vaccine, he said, “Each vaccine has different temperature requirements. Thus, we cannot be precise without knowing which vaccine will be commonly distributed in the nation.”
However, he added that BIAL has cold storage facility from -15 degree onwards and can cater to different temperatures. “We will have to work with government and industry stakeholders once a vaccine is available. Thus, as of now, I feel that the question is a bit premature and I don’t have a specific answer,” he added.
