Cargo export sees steady growth

The Tiruchi air cargo terminal saw a 63 per cent jump in exports in 2013-14, thanks to more exporters using the air cargo facility and airlines. Perishable goods such as agricultural products, vegetables and flowers account for 90 per cent of the cargo ex

Despite lack of dedicated cargo aircraft, the export of goods from Tiruchi international airport has witnessed steady growth over the past three years.

The space available in international passenger flights was being utilised to dispatch cargo to different overseas destinations. Ever since the dedicated air cargo terminal was commissioned in 2011, the volume of goods handled by it had shot up considerably.

Starting with 2,075 tones in 2011-12, the figure rose to 2,920 tones in the subsequent fiscal and 4,773 tonnes in 2013-14.The air cargo terminal witnessed 63 per cent jump in exports in 2013-14 fiscal, thanks to more exporters using the air cargo facility and airlines making use of the belly space in their flights to optimum capacity.

Perishable goods such as agri products, vegetables, and flowers account for 90 per cent of the cargo exported from Tiruchi airport which is surrounded by agrarian districts. Onions, drumsticks, and coconuts were among the vegetables most exported. Fabric and garments exports contribute the rest. The consignments are exported

to a host of nations, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Kuwait, Dubai, Male, Hong Kong, Seoul, Melbourne, Sydney, and China. Sources say cargo was being exported through Air Asia, Tiger Airways, and Sri Lankan Airlines that operate flights to and from Tiruchi.

The export cargo to Kuwait was being routed via Colombo and those to south-eastern countries and Australia via Kuala Lumpur. Various aspects relating to air cargo movements and additional infrastructure facilities required were discussed at the meeting.