Automobiles, Pharmaceuticals & Agriculture products were the top 3 categories of goods transported internationally via CSMIA’s Air cargo
MUMBAI, Apr 29 (The CONNECT) – With a connection to over 700 cargo destinations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has witnessed a noteworthy 6% year-on-year increase in the overall cargo volumes, marking a significant stride in economic recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic.
This boost was predominantly driven by a remarkable 10% surge in international cargo volumes. Notably, these volumes managed to attain a 93% recovery comparing to their pre-COVID levels.
This fiscal year saw a 20% increase in the total number of Cargo Air Traffic Movements (ATMs). This achievement showcases the airport’s dedication to efficiently and flexibly managing the rapidly rising cargo volumes.
CSMIA’s cargo facility manages a diverse array of goods, with pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and automobiles being among the primary categories.
On the international scale, the top three categories transported are automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural cargo. Domestically, the leading cargo categories include general cargo, engineering goods, and post office (PO) mail.
The surge in e-commerce significantly impacted cargo operations at CSMIA. The festive season of Diwali noticed a notable 87% year-on-year growth in e-commerce shipments. The demand for perishable items also experienced a noteworthy increase.
Mango exports were particularly prominent during the months of April to July 2023, apart from the export of seasonal cut flowers and chocolates during the Valentine’s Day period.
CSMIA has also successfully handled its inaugural shipment of frozen ready-to-serve food products, such as Idli and Vada, using specialized va-Q-tec containers bound for Amsterdam.
CSMIA’s international cargo volumes comprised 56% exports and 44% imports. London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Chicago, and Amsterdam were the top global destinations for outgoing cargo, while Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad led domestically.
Top International carriers handling cargo volumes from CSMIA included Emirates, Qatar, and Cathay Pacific, along with Indigo, Vistara and Akasa Air as top domestic carriers. This further reinforces the airport’s strategic position as a key facilitator in both international and domestic airfreight operations.
To enhance the infrastructure and facilitate the adoption of advanced technology, MIAL is in process of building PEB (Pre-Engineered Building Structure) to enhance its cargo handling capacity in imports. In addition to these efforts, CSMIA has pioneered innovations in cargo operations such as introducing the Air Cargo Community System, Adani MIAL Air Exchange (AMAX), the first of its kind in India.
With sustainability being an integral part of CSMIA’s operations, the airport has implemented various environmental sustainability initiatives such as LED lights, battery-operated cargo handling equipment, electric vehicles for staff movement, and solar panel installation to reduce electricity dependency, CSMIA has also prioritized the replacement of air conditioning units with lower GWP refrigerants.