All new airports to have cargo handling units

NEW DELHI: Airport developers like GMR, GVK and CIAL will now have to provide comprehensive cargo facilities at all new greenfield airports. The government plans to make this condition mandatory in the proposed air cargo policy which is to be finalised within three months. Developers of greenfield airports like Hyderabad are building cargo facilities as they see business potential in this segment. However, they are not bound to do so.
The situation will change with the new policy stipulating building of cargo facilities with specified capacities. The proposed policy will also stipulate earmarking dedicated cargo area at all existing airports including those being developed by private operators.
A consultant is expected to be brought on board making the inclusion of cargo facility mandatory in the new policy. Airport developers would also shoulder the responsibility of suggesting measures for reducing dwell time at airports.
12/05/08 Nirbhay Kumar & Gunjan Pradhan Sinha/Economic Times

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Categories: Airports May 2008, Cargo May 2008, New May 2008