Hyderabad Airport launches “first of its kind” cargo charter programme

GMR Hyderabad Airport Cargo has launched a “first of its kind” cargo charter programme that offers enhanced services for its members as it continues to target the market.

The airport’s Hyderabad Cargo Charter Circle (HC3) platform will provide additional free cargo storage time; single point of contact for all aspects related to cargo handling; priority storage allocation and end-to-end logistics support within the terminal.

“GMR Hyderabad Airport Cargo has taken a strategic step to develop Hyderabad as an Air Charter Hub for the South [of India] and boost the regional direct connectivity and link it to the main hubs across the globe,” the airport said.

SGK Kishore, chief executive, GMR Hyderabad Airport Cargo Limited (GHAL), said: “Cargo Charters in India as a concept is still in a nascent phase. It contributes a small proportion of the volume handled by the Indian airports currently, but as an emerging market, cargo charters holds a lot of promise.

“Realising this potential, we have launched the HC3 platform, which will act as an industry forum led by Hyderabad Airport to give the value add and advantage to this segment of the industry and help boost trade and logistics.”

The airport said that it had seen growing demand for charter flights covering pharma, engineering goods, telecoms, defence and aerospace shipments.

It handles around 150,000 tonnes of cargo per year and also houses India’s first Pharma Zone, which is World Health Organization’s Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP) certified and offers end-to-end temperature-controlled environment from the Truck-Dock to the airside.

“In line with the Govt. of India’s vision, GHIAL is progressively working towards making Hyderabad as a strong cargo hub,” the operator said.

“It has been the airport’s continuous endeavour to create requisite infrastructure facilities to rally towards this goal.

“Growing at the pace of double digit cargo growth historically, Hyderabad International Airport has been taking steps towards expanding the existing facilities, adding new infrastructure, transhipment facilities, integrated express terminal, dedicated perishable facilities, pack houses and a strong network – international and domestic (air and road), multimodal connectivity and ease of operations in the air cargo terminals.

“GMR Group, with its Hyderabad and Delhi Airports, is working towards contributing to the country’s vision of becoming [one of] the top five airfreight markets by 2025.”