Perishables continued to be a key focus, with coriander exports surging by 67% in Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. The export of mangoes reached a three-year tonnage record, achieving a 124% YOY growth. Overall, it recorded 2% YoY rise in cargo last year, says Satyaki Raghunath, COO, BIAL.
CT Bureau
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has processed a total of 422,644 MT of cargo during CY 2023, reflecting 2 per cent rise from previous year. BLR Airport continues to maintain its standing as a reliable hub for handling perishable cargo in India for the third consecutive year, emphasizing its commitment to seamless cargo operations, says Satyaki Raghunath, COO, BIAL.
The domestic sector soared with an impressive 11 per cent growth, highlighting BLR’s strong position as a rapidly growing cargo hub in India. Perishables continued to be a key focus, with coriander exports surging by 67 per cent. The export of mangoes reached a three-year tonnage record, achieving a 124 per cent year over year growth. About 684 MT of mangoes were exported, facilitated by an 86 per cent increase in the number of pieces shipped.
This accomplishment highlights BLR Cargo’s robust cold chain capabilities and dedication to efficient perishable handling. Its infra developments in May 2023 welcomed two new cargo terminal operators: Menzies Aviation Bangalore Pvt Ltd (MABPL) and WFS Bangalore Pvt Ltd (WFSBPL). MABPL provides dedicated facilities for domestic cargo and global cargo processing, while WFSBPL offers specialized cold chain capabilities in addition to global cargo processing. These partnerships are anticipated to enhance efficiency, expand capacity, and sustain cargo growth for the airport in the coming years.
The developments aim to elevate BLR Cargo’s cargo capacities to around 1 million MT by the end of this decade. July 2023 also marked a significant milestone for BLR Cargo, handling the highest monthly domestic tonnage since the airport’s opening, totalling 16,507 MT.
Also, Oman Airlines commenced freighter operations last year, diversifying and strengthening BLR Cargo’s global connectivity. As it reflects on last year as a year of resilience and milestone achievements, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru aims to maintain its position as one of the leading aviation hubs and the preferred gateway to South and Central India, with a commitment to continuous growth and excellence.
