Saturday, March 08, 2014

EU likely to block cargo flights from Chennai airport

Chennai:  If the airports authority does not shape up its cargo security system by July, freighter jets may not be able to fly from Chennai to European Union (EU) countries.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) is yet to set up a system to scan cargo consignments and load freighter planes as per EU specifications in Chennai though the air cargo complex was modernised as part of an airport expansion project. Every week, cargo is exported in four or five freighters and more than 40 passenger flights from Chennai to Europe. This makes up 30% of total cargo handled at the airport. "We have floated tenders but the procedures are not complete. We hope to install six new X-ray machines by June," said a senior official.
In 2012, EU issued notifications for freighters from non-EU countries to maintain certain security standards before the cargo is loaded in the aircraft. The specifications include a comprehensive scanning of consignment.
07/03/14 Times of India
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