BLR Airport helps export 1,425 MT perishables in April amid lockdown

May 06, 2020: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR Airport) processed 1,425 metric tonnes (MT) of perishable cargo during April 2020. The countrywide lockdown and subsequent blockade of district borders by Karnataka had a significant impact on the movement of cargo. As a result, perishables saw a 49% drop as compared to 2,770 MT processed during the same month last year.

This drop was largely owing to restriction on transportation, shortage of farmworkers and various other issues faced by farmers and shippers.

Doha was the top destination, for perishables from Bengaluru, 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.

#BLRairport successfully processed 1,425 MT of perishable goods in April, with Doha and Dubai being the major destinations. Using our cutting-edge tech-assets for cargo processing, we also ensured the freshness and quality of the products.
Read more- https://t.co/tPdTObj7ix pic.twitter.com/2eTlzQDPwJ

— BLR Airport (@BLRAirport) May 6, 2020

“Despite numerous 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,” says the release.

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. Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore, too, has a cold zone, measuring 8,500 sft with the capacity to handle 20 ULD (Unit Load Device) Pallets across temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Centigrade and 2 ULD Pallets across temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees centigrade.

To retain the freshness, all perishables at both terminals are received, stored, cleared and moved to the aircraft within the required temperature, on priority, reducing dwell time at terminals.