Jan 28, 2017: The Biju Patnaik international airport re-commenced international air cargo operations with two export-bound consignments recently. Equipped with custom clearance facilities, the consignments carrying marine products by Mahalaxmi Exports and spices from Bharat Spices were booked for exports.
Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, who inaugurated the services, said export facilities through air route would boost production, processing, packing and other allied activities in many sectors and would create more employment opportunities in the state.
International air cargo operations had started from the Bhubaneswar airport in 1995 and continued till 2003. But the service was stopped for some unavoidable reasons. Cargo facility at the airport has resumed with modern equipment and the consignments can be directly dispatched to different countries.
An official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said the air cargo operations will help export of high value, perishable cargo.
Initially, the consignments will be routed through Delhi or Mumbai and later, they can be shipped directly to different countries with the commencement of international flight operations.
Air Asia has confirmed to run the first direct international flight from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on March 27, added the official.
In 2015-16, Odisha exported products worth Rs 20,591 crore. In the current fiscal, exports have already touched Rs 18,300 crore by the end of October. Restarting of air cargo operations is expected to benefit the exporters in various sectors.