Emirates plans cargo service from Calcutta

Calcutta: Flower bulbs, packed pomfret, jumbo crabs, fresh fruits and vegetables and leather goods from across the state are attracting more buyers abroad, prompting airlines to start cargo services from the city.
With a 15 per cent growth last year in export of perishable goods through the airport, the authorities are also speeding up the process of completing the construction of the cold storage facility in the cargo terminal.
“The cold storage will be operational early next year. It will allow more perishable goods to be sent out through the airport,” said a senior airport official.
Emirates is planning to start freighter operations from the city. Air cargo operation is estimated to grow at a rate of 20 to 25 per cent in the region.
The airline is conducting a survey to draw up detailed plans. Currently, Emirates has only passenger operations to Dubai. Singapore Airlines operates two freighters a week from Calcutta.
According to Emirates cargo officials, about 40 tonnes of flower bulbs were recently carried in a month from Calcutta to Dubai on passenger flights.
29/08/07 The Telegraph

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Categories: Cargo Aug 2007, Foreign Aug 2007