AAI Cargo Logistic and Allied Services Company has development plans spanning over 10 years to give cargo trade from the region a surge, according to its CEO Keku Gazder.

In an interactive session on Business Promotion and Development of Air Cargo organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries here, he said the focus on new businesses, new products and new verticals in cargo trade were being looked into, besides development of pack house, ICD, bonded trucks and offshore facilities.

Automation of cargo handling will be implemented in Coimbatore airport by November end and the company aimed to extend its services beyond the airport premises.

Efforts to increase the runway length and development of apron for cargo docking and landing of wider bodied aircraft were also being considered, he added.

Higher authorities from Aviation Ministry and AAI are expected to visit the city next week.On the immediate challenges faced by the industry with regard to customs clearance and drawback settlement, he wanted the industry to take part in the cargo facilitation committee meetings held on the first Friday of each month and interact with the authorities.

A discussion would be held soon with all airlines on issues concerning perishable and semi-perishable cargo like flowers, vegetables and sweets.

With the announcement of recent direct flights between Coimbatore and New Delhi and Singapore by Air India Express, the industry from the region had created enough goodwill for the Government to consider it as a hub for air transport, he added.