We will make Kochi airport the aviation hub in India, says CIAL MD

C.G. Krishnadas Nair, managing director of CIAL, has been credited with changing the fortunes of Kochi airport. Photo: KK-AKM 

By Anantha Krishnan M.

Aviation Week, Mannar, India

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has finally given the aviation world something to cheer about by exceeding the Rs 100 crore ($22.3 million) mark in profits for the first time despite the economic slowdown. AVIATION WEEK spoke with C.G. Krishnadas Nair, managing director of CIAL, after spending two days with airport officials and visiting the facilities. These are excerpts from the first of a series of interviews that AVIATION WEEK is planning with various India aerospace and defense newsmakers.  1. The Kochi airport is back in the news again with a series of projects being put on the takeoff mode. What has prompted this sudden spurge of activities?  C.G.K.N.: We are working on a firm plan and all that what you have seen is the result of some serious brainstorming sessions by a group of individuals who have enough expertise in the field of aviation. CIAL is the first initiative in a public/private partnership (PPP), and our philosophy is to launch low cost and high quality programs for the airport. The projects that are taking off one after the other are a testimony to the confidence we have in the future growth of this airport.  2. The airport got its international status in 2000. When you look back, what are the major achievements in the last 10 years? C.G.K.N.: My association with CIAL is just two years old and there have been many before me who put their best foot forward to get things going. Among the major achievements in the last 10 years could be the following: extension of the international terminal, parallel taxi link, relaying of runway, a center for perishable cargo (CPC), the CIAL Aviation Academy and the launch of the first phase of the 18-hole golf course. In addition to this, we have put in additional counters, upgraded the comfort levels for the passengers and set up a communication wing inside the airport. 3. What does the future hold for this airport? C.G.K.N.: The MRO facility will go live by December this year. It would contribute immensely to the fortunes of this airport. The location is ideal with adequate human resources in place. The line maintenance will commence shortly and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given us the go-ahead for narrow-bodied aircraft. We are all set to finalize the MRO partner. With the trade fair center, shopping mall and five-star hotel facilities in place, this would truly become an aviation hub in India and a gateway to Kerala. 4. Will the creation of the special economic zone (SEZ) help CIAL’s fortunes immensely? C.G.K.N.: It would, as it is time for an airport-based SEZ in India. Both the central and state governments have cleared it. We are keen to bring all airport-related activities under one umbrella. This would have a direct and positive impact on exports. In addition, we are inviting Indian and overseas companies to set up their units in CIAL’s industry park. These units could provide services such as aircraft and engine components, repair and overhaul of aircraft wheels, brakes and propellers, storage and distribution of aircraft materials and spare parts and many more. The idea is to think smart and act smarter. 5. Finally, are you confident that CIAL could rise to the top and become the best airports in India? C.G.K.N.: Why not? Now we are the fourth largest airport in India in terms of international passengers and we are sure to improve that standing in the future. The connectivity to highway, sea and rail links will further word toward the airport’s advantage once all the ongoing projects take a complete shape. No question of missing the bus. We are at it.

This interview first appeared in AVIATION WEEK

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

CIAL pact with Fujairah Airport a boon to Aviation Academy in Kochi

By Anantha Krishnan M | Aviation Week

Bangalore, India | May 06, 2010

In a first-of-its-kind of partnership among commercial airports, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has signed an Expression of Interest (EoI) with Fujairah Airport, Dubai. Sources say CIAL Academy would be the biggest beneficiary. The aviation academy, started by CIAL last September, is now fully operational. The center offers Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Technology (M.Tech) and diploma courses in aviation business, fire and safety, airport infrastructure design and construction, operations, security and intelligence. The academy is part of CIAL’s ambitious Aerotropolis project, spread across 450 acres. “The new arrangement would enable those enrolled at the academy to get trained at Fujairah Airport. In addition, the best of the wards would also be absorbed at the Fujairah,” a source says. AVIATION WEEK has learned that the Kerala government has donated 5 acres of land to set up a sprawling new academy campus.  (Photo below: CIAL Communication wing team members Ramesan T [sitting] & Selvarajan N [standing]. The 3rd member, not in picture, is Henish P.V.)

For full report, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

Passenger capacity at CIAL to hit 10 million by 2015

By Anantha Krishnan M.

Aviation Week, Kochi, India

Despite last year’s slowdown, India’s Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) managed a profit of Rs 100 crore ($22.1 million) during Fiscal 2010. Sales revenue grew 16% from the previous year. The sales revenues are expected to increase 20% in Fiscal 2011.In Fiscal 2010, domestic travel grew 15% and international travel 12%.

For full report, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

Navy, Coast Guard gear up to begin maritime operations from Kochi airport

By Anantha Krishnan M. Aviation Week, Kochi, India The Indian Navy and Coast Guard soon will have dedicated hangars for their current and generation-next maritime aircraft at Kochi airport. Ten 10 acres of land have been given to the navy free of cost, while the Coast Guard has acquired 5 acres of land from the Kerala government. The Southern Naval Command, the training wing of the Indian navy, is based in Kochi.

For full report, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

MRO facility at Kochi airport on fast-track; DGCA gives Phase-I nod

Kochi airport (above) and Airport Director and ED (Ops) A.C.K. Nair (below). Photos: Krishna Kumar  & AKM

By Anantha Krishnan M.
Aviation Week, Kochi, India

India’s Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) plans to complete the first phase of its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility by year-end, with construction in full swing on the Rs 18 crore ($4 million) project.  CIAL Managing Director C.G. Krishnadas Nair tells Aviation Week that the Director General of Civil Aviation has approved Phase 1 of the work. Construction will take place over two phases, each expected to cost Rs 9 crore ($2 million).

For full report, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

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