Cochin International Airport plans expansion

The Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) has recorded a sharp growth in passenger traffic and revenue earnings even as it has charted out a Rs 5000 crore expansion and modernization plan. At the 12 th AGM of the company held at Kochi, Chief Minister V.S.Achutanandan, who is also the chairman of the company, said considering the impressive growth in passenger and aircraft movement, the concept of developing an airport city around the airport appeared to be feasible. The total passenger traffic for the April-November 2006 period showed a 38.25 % rise over the same period in the previous year. The domestic sector recorded a growth of 59.19 % while passenger traffic in the international sector went up by 26 %. The total aircraft movement shot up by 49.08 % to 19,557 during the period from 13,118 in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to CIAL MD S.Bharath.

CIAL’s aeronautical revenue jumped by 26.3 % to Rs 21.57 crore as against Rs 17.08 crore last year. Cargo operations revenue increased by 24 % and that from duty free shops went up by 37.5 % to all-time high of Rs 21 crore. Mr Bharat said the first phase of the expansion and modernization plan involving an investment of Rs 1000 crore will be completed by 2009. This includes an IT park, maintenance hangar and golf course. CIAL will float a subsidiary company for the establishment of an IT park for which a consultant will be appointed. CIAL’s modern centre for perishable cargo which can handle 40,000 tonnes and the new international departure terminal that will cater to 1200 outgoing passengers are expected to be ready by 2007.

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