The Hindu Business Line : Kozhikode air cargo complex to be expanded

The air cargo complex at Kozhikode airport, which is managed by the public sector Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE), is being expanded to house more facilities.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 3.10 crore, is aimed at providing additional basic infrastructure as also space for various departments and agencies. Besides, modern equipment for cargo handling and networking stations will be established at the complex, according to an official statement.

KSIE had already spent Rs 5 crore for providing the existing facilities at the complex, which is situated on a 4.5-acre plot near the airport at Karipur. The complex has now received ISO certification. The complex was started in 1995 as an `unaccompanied baggage centre' and it was shifted to its present location in 1999. It was accorded the status of a full-fledged air cargo complex the following year.

KSIE has been running in profit continuously for the last seven years. In 2005-06, the company recorded a profit of Rs 3.88 crore and gave a dividend of Rs 30 lakh to the State Government.

KSIE is also operating the air cargo complex at Thiruvananthapuram airport and together with the Kozhikode complex, it handled 14,990 tonnes of import and 24,166 tonnes of export cargo during the last financial year.