Ground handling to be modernised

Chennai: The economic slowdown is triggering job losses all around, but a move to bring in efficiency and security may mean job cuts for many of
the 4,000 workers employed in ground handling operations at Chennai airport.
Ground handling operations at the airport will soon be taken over by one or two multi-national companies as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has invited expressions of interest and will award contracts based on the bids.
These companies will form joint venture partnerships with the AAI or Air India for ground handling. Air India now has 80% control of ground handling across airports, including Chennai.
Bids for ground handling are being finalised for Delhi, Mumbai, Hyerabad and Bangalore. Kolkata and Chennai will be finalised after that. This will eliminate several small sub-contractors.
The move is expected to increase efficiency because the multi-national companies have expertise in handling ground operations for airports abroad. It is also expected to improve security as the number of agencies and people working inside an airport will be minimised.
Ground handling comprises of a host of services like aircraft handling, servicing, cleaning, loading and unloading of baggage, transhipment of baggage, operation of loading and unloading equipment, passenger stairs or bridges, handling cargo, ferrying passengers and crew from terminal to aircraft, watch and ward of registered baggage or cargo or aircraft and handling equipment.
30/10/08 V Ayyappan/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Oct 2008