Pune: The much awaited international cargo facility was inaugurated at Pune International Airport on Tuesday by Anil Shirole, MP and Chairman of Airport Advisory Committee (AAC). Jagdish Mulik, MLA and member of AAC, Ajay Kumar, Director, Pune airport and Anant Sardeshmukh, Director General, Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), were also present.
“It’s been for three years now that Pune Airport Authority has carried out various developmental and commuter friendly activities at Lohegaon airport, in association with Ministry of Defence and also Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. As per our discussion with Jayant Sinha, Minister of State Civil Aviation, on June 12, 2017, we at airport authority committee have decided to bring in more transparency to our work,” said Anil Shirole.
The customs officials of the airport were waiting for the final approval of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to start the facility, which was given recently.
Anant Sardeshmukh, Director General, MCCIA, expressed happiness after the inauguration. He said, “This is the beginning of a new era at Pune airport. Nearly 30 per cent of the cargo that goes out of Mumbai originates in Pune. With the starting of these operations, a major chunk of this cargo will move to Pune’s airport. Kolhapur, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Aurangabad will also benefit from this cargo terminal.”
Dhairyashil Vandekar, aviation expert and analyst, said, “It is a matter of great relief for the industry that at last, AAI has been able to commence the facility for international cargo movement from Pune airport. For promoting this facility and to make it popular amongst the stakeholders, apart from using modern equipment, AAI must ensure that the professional standards of services are maintained by all agencies involved, and the charges at this facility are also attractive so that the companies find it profitable to use this facility, instead of routing their cargo via Mumbai, as is being done presently. This facility will save both time and money for the industries that export and import their goods.”
