Airport Authority of India found huge potential for the terminal, but seemed unsatisfied with single flight operation.
The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (SGCCI) dream of getting a fully functional cargo terminal in Surat remains unfulfilled as of now, after the AAI (Airport Authority of India) demanded better air connectivity before providing the required facility. The AAI is ready to prepare a terminal but only if the city airport gets more flights connecting more number of cities.
The two member team of AAI comprising of D P Singh, GM (AAI) and Y K Goyal, GM (AAI) was in the city to find out the potential of air cargo terminal at Surat Airport. The team conducted a survey of industries located in the city, their daily export and imports and also the infrastructure available at the airport. They found good business potential available in Surat, but were unhappy with the terminal's single flight operation of Surat-Delhi.
The team felt that without proper air connectivity, the terminal would prove unproductive, making the investment useless. "We know that air cargo terminal is necessary for a business hub like Surat, but AAI also needs some assurance before making the investment. It's encouraging that business community in Surat is awaiting the terminal and we have found many positive inputs here. Apart from Surat, there is lot of potential for cargo business from Bharuch to Vapi. We hope things will work out in the right direction in future," DP Singh, said.
YK Goyal said that although Surat has the required infrastructure for developing the terminal, proper flight frequency is missing.
"There is a vast market for terminal and with agri-produce having business of only 54,000 metric ton. Surat can emerge most lucrative cargo business spot after Mumbai, if developed properly.
The team has also promised to raise the issue of providing international air connectivity at Surat airport, before AAI. The SGCCI has organised a meeting with the leading flight operators of the country on September 16.
"We are holding a meeting with Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air and Kingfisher airlines. We are planning to demand minimum eight flights connecting major cities from Surat everyday. I hope something positive will emerge from the meeting," Ajoy Bhattacharya, president of SGCCI, said.
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