The Hindu Business Line : Cargo traffic link from Coimbatore established<br>`Doors open for more global air freighters to tap potential'

"A beginning has been made towards establishing the cargo (air) traffic connectivity. This initiative will now open the doors for other international freighters to tap the potential," industry insiders told Business Line.

The AN 12 model freighter (Flight No UL 818) landed at the terminal at 8.05 hours with import cargo, comprising general and transhipment goods, weighing six tonnes and flew out two hours later (at 10.20 hours) with export cargo of nine tonnes. Garments, fruits and some perishable items, bound for destinations such as Maldives, Montreal and the UK were loaded.

The loading capacity of the aircraft is 15 tonnes.

The service is to be operated twice a week — Wednesday and Saturday. However, depending on the traffic and capacity utilisation potential, the service provider is planning to strengthen the frequency.

Exporters had hitherto moved the cargo to Mumbai or Chennai port, from where the goods were air-lifted to the ear-marked destination. The issue now stands resolved with the establishment of the cargo traffic connectivity.

This apart, this link, it is perceived, would off set the `single packet weight restriction' imposed by other passenger carriers.

While the move has mustered the activity of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the cargo-handling and ground- handling agents and other stakeholders, informed sources have expressed the need for strengthening the ground-handling facilities.

There is also a felt need for a dedicated parking bay for cargo. The AAI, it is learnt, would work on this, once the momentum picks up.

On timing, cargo industry sources said the hot weather would restrict the load. "Full capacity can be achieved only if the timing is changed, either to early hours or late night service," the source said.

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