AAI launches air cargo, logistics subsidiary

Creating AAICLAS by AAI could bring multiple advantages as there are lot of activities on the cargo front from the AAI in the period ahead. The new subsidiary has an equity base of `20 crore.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has launched an air cargo and logistics subsidiary AAI Cargo Logistics & Allied Services (AAICLAS). The company is an independent cargo subsidiary company by corporatisation of AAI’s cargo department. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India did the launch. Neera Rawat has been appointed as the Managing Director of the subsidiary and BK Mehrotra would be Chief Executive Officer. “The vision of the company is to become the foremost integrated logistics network operator in India with primary focus on air cargo handling and allied services,” informs Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI.

This new subsidiary will be allowed to develop its own distinct culture, organisation structure and business model while at the same time draw upon the strength of its large patent organisation, AAI.

“It would be covering all the entire gamut of cargo and air cargo handling and related value added services including ground handling services and security services for securing of cargo,” he added.

Raju said that making India a world class destination in cargo and logistics services is his dream. “Cargo somehow has not reached its potential in our country. With the launch of AAICLAS today, we are a step closer,” he added. Participating at the launch ceremony, R N Choubey, Civil Aviation Secretary said AAICLAS expects to have “an

`380 annual turnover of crore in two years’ time.”

Mohapatra also noted that the company would enter strategic partnerships based on business demand at airports within the country or abroad.

Neera Rawat, Managing Director, AAICLAS, said, “Despite having numerous challenges, a fine balance would be achieved with this initiative.”

With the formation of this subsidiary, AAI would focus its attention on capturing the entire value chain in AAI airports and provide ease of doing business to the importers and exporters of the states.

The new subsidiary will be allowed to develop its own distinct culture, organisation structure and business model