The AFS will provide airlines’ nodes near to industrial clusters and major warehousing stations
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Chennai: In a bid to facilitate quicker and seamless movement of air cargo from the airport, the customs department has approved the licence to operate India’s first private air freight station (AFS), Indev Air Freight Station, at Irungattukottai. “It will reduce the congestion of cargo in airports and ensure that a lot of time and cost is also saved. This will be a huge benefit for all customers who indulge in import and export”, said a customs official Xavier Britto, chairman of Indev Group.
He added, “We got the clearance in 2011 but could commence now as there was no electronic data interface (EDI) connectivity directly with the air customs. Now we have got the online connectivity and documents can be filed online and people do not have to come to the airports. Hopefully, we will start operations by August 1”.
By consolidating the cargo from places like Bangalore, Coimbatore and other regions of the South and then distributing it, Indev is also aiming at adding to the revenue and volumes of Chennai. “Chennai is the hub and has a capacity of half a million but did a business of 2.2 lakh tonnes only last year. This will now change,” added Xavier.
Tie ups have also been finalised with airlines such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. The AFS will provide airlines’ nodes near to industrial clusters and major warehousing stations.
All activities, such as, Customs documentation and examination, Cargo Acceptance Check, and Security Checks, and warehousing will be carried out at the AFS. It will also reduce congestion at the gateway airports and carrier operators can choose the AFS as a final destination for delivery of cargo.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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