30/10/2017
PUNE: Pune
customs authorities are waiting for an upward swing in international cargo
exports in order to push for cargo imports. With the authorities stating last
month that they are stressing on international cargo imports too, sources said
that a formal request has been made to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
(BCAS) by Pune airport authorities.
“While the request has been sent to BCAS by AAI officials in
Pune, one needs a whole new infrastructure for the same similar to cargo
exports. Business, in terms of internal cargo exports, needs to pick up from
Pune. As far as customs is concerned, we have given licence to all airlines
operating international flights from Pune to carry out cargo exports. The
airlines include Air India, Jet and SpiceJet,” an official said.
In earlier talks, the authorities had said that cargo import
was expected to begin in six months. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), in
a meeting with the customs authorities last month, said that it will not have
any reservation even if a freight carrier registers itself with the customs to
carry cargo.
“Diwali time was pretty decent and around 5 to 6 consignments were
sent to international destinations. However, this is not enough, we feel.
Though consignments have started to come, they are not much. One has to think
as to why more consignments are not coming to the export facility despite Pune
being a good market for exporting goods like fruits, vegetables, machine parts
etc. BCAS will be taking the export business into account before allowing for
imports too,” the official added.
The export facility started in July this year and the cargo
volume was expected to achieve 40,600 tonnes per annum. Aviation expert and
analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar said that while the Indian Air Force, which
handles the Lohegaon facility, shouldn’t have a problem with imports, the need
of the hour was to create confidence among the business community about the
facility.
“Pune airport already witnesses domestic cargo movements and
international cargo export has started too. The goods which come are custom
cleared and I don’t see any reason for the IAF to raise an issue with imports.
I recently heard that a consignment of custard apples had to be cancelled due
to some logistical issues. These things break the confidence of businessmen who
have been using Mumbai airport for the same for more than a decade,” Vandekar
said.
When contacted, a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer from
South Western Air Command, Gandhinagar, under which Air Force Station Pune
falls, said, “Since Pune airport is monitored by Indian Air Force (IAF)
authorities, a decision with regard to starting new air operation will be taken
by the air headquarters and Director General Civil Aviation. Before giving
consent to a new proposal, both the agencies will not only focus on the
existing air traffic but also deliberate on the necessity of the proposed
requirement at the airport. Further, they should also verify whether new
operation would affect their functioning or not.”
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