Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB) processed 1,425 Metric Tonnes (MT) of perishable cargo in April.
The perishables declined by 49% as compared to 2,770 MT processed during the same month last year as a result of complete lockdown announced by the central government. The restriction on transportation, shortage of farm workers and various other issues faced by farmers and shippers were responsible for this drop, the Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), the airport operator, said in a press release.
Despite logistical challenges due to the lockdown, BLR Airport, backed with cutting-edge tech-assets for cargo processing, ensured that products reach their destination, while still offering the same freshness, quality and appeal. The timely delivery of perishable items with a limited shelf life to consumers, presents complicated challenges, in terms of maintaining quality and freshness.
Of the destinations for perishables from Bengaluru, Doha was the top destination, having received 834 MT, Dubai was second, with 146 MT and London was third at 110 MT. Ten airlines, including two Indian carriers, transported perishables to 28 international destinations. The perishables, which included vegetables and fruits, were transported from various parts of Karnataka.
To facilitate the export of perishable cargo, infrastructure at KIAB has been built, to provide a solution for the rapid distribution of perishable cargo, making it the most-preferred cargo airport in South India. It has a dedicated cold zone – AISATS Coolport- with the capacity to handle 40,000 MT per annum with temperature zones ranging from -25 to +25 degrees Centigrade, under the same roof, the BIAL press release said.