The Hindu Business Line : BIAL chief chalks out capacity plans

Bangalore, Sept. 1 Making a presentation in an airport restaurant adjoining the international passenger lounge, the CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), Mr Albert Brunner, recounted criticisms the airport had to face soon after it became operational in July, and the overall improvement in its facilities.

Mr Brunner spoke of expansion plans to meet the demand of passengers, and to handle cargo movements that is projected to grow rapidly. These were initial plans and the proposal does not have a final shape, he said. Building two more terminals — one express and one regular — would take three to four years, he said. BIAL was contemplating to start work on the terminals by July next year.

Another terminal to handle peak hour passenger capacity was also being planned. The total cost of the projects is estimated at Rs 3,000-4,000 crore.

Ensuring readiness

He said that though BIAL could manage peak hour challenges now with the existing facilities, the expansion was being planned to ensure readiness to meet any sudden increase in demand.

He cited the example of Kingfisher Airlines’ announcement of its maiden international flight to London starting September 3, and later to Singapore, Male, Bangkok, Dubai and Colombo. He said though the airport started its commercial operations in the off-season month of July, with passenger handling in 100 days reaching only 2.4 million, its flexible infrastructure was capable of meeting its peak capacity as the busy season unfolds from this month.

“We are yet to see passenger traffic hit peak hour capacity at our airport,” said Mr Brunner, adding that peak hour constituted 30 per cent of the total operational hours currently.

Mr Brunner also said adequate importance was given to cargo shipment facilities. With the two consortium ventures of Air India SATS and Menzies Aviation Bobba Pvt Ltd together creating a handling capacity of 3.5 lakh tonnes, it was twice Bangalore’s current annual cargo requirement.