BIAL takes initiatives to develop itself as an air freight hub

July 25, 2017: Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), in collaboration with its cargo partners-- Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore (MABB) and Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS), has successfully completed a three-month run of its bonded trucking service from Tirupur to Kempegowda International Airport, as part of its ambitious Knitwork Connect Blr project. Started in April 2017, this project aims to accelerate the International trade from BLR Airport.

Initiated with the objective of facilitating connectivity between Tirupur – the Knitwear Capital of India – and Bengaluru, Knitwork Connect BLR, will enable exporters from Tirupur and surrounding areas to freight their consignments through BLR Airport via road transport in an efficient, safe and highly process-driven manner, said BIAL in a press release.

A dedicated feeder road that will connect cargo has been introduced to maintain lowest possible trans-shipment time. The cargo will be moved via purpose-built truck docks to achieve a quick turn-around. This feeder service will ensure that air freight reaches its ultimate destination quickly, efficiently and will offer exporters a cost-effective way of transporting bulk cargo from Tirupur. Air freight is time-sensitive and this new route will enable exporters to save approximately 20 hours in the overall transit cycle. Over a period of time, BLR Airport plans to extend this project to other manufacturing cluster like Coimbatore, Vaniyambadi and Ambur.

“Our cargo business has seen phenomenal growth in the past year. To sustain this in the long term, we are committed to creating a robust ecosystem that supports and propels the growth of not just Karnataka, but the entire South Indian region in the global cargo supply chain. The trucking of cargo between Tirupur and Bengaluru will form a critical part of BLR Airport’s cargo operation. As an airport that has the advantage of being strategically positioned in the heart of South India, we have the opportunity to be the single gateway for cargo traffic and shippers aspiring to reach this fast-growing region. The road feeder network is a part of our overall cargo strategy and we are optimistic about the traction in this sector over the next few months,” said Hari Marar, President, Airport Operations, BIAL.