Airlines jittery as new agency readies to take over ground operations

Chennai: A new company is scheduled to take over ground handling operations at the cargo and passenger terminals of the Chennai airport from January 1. But ambiguity prevails among airlines and the existing ground handling agencies whether the new agency will be able to take over on time.
Bhadra International has bagged a contract for ground handling works at passenger terminals and at the cargo complex at Chennai airport. "The new agency is yet to install new equipment and is yet to finalise contracts with airlines to offer ground handling services," sources in the airport said.
Under the new system, airports at metros will have three ground handling agencies - Air India, a private contractor and the airport owner, in joint venture with airlines. Airlines can no longer outsources such services.
At Hyderabad airport, the ground handling company that bagged the contract brought in equipment and trained personnel a year before they took charge. In contrast, Bhadra has come only a month before they are supposed to take over the ground handling operations. An airport official said that Bhadra International had come in late because of new security regulations.
13/12/10 Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Dec 2010