Major boost for Delhi IGI airport's cargo handling capacity by 2012-end

Istanbul: Delhi IGI airport's cargo handling capacity will experience a major jump by the end of next year thanks to a total overhaul of its existing infrastructure. Facilities are set to be completely modernized through the addition of automated systems, efficient equipment and systematic storage.

According to Celebi Holding, a Turkish company with monopoly rights of cargo handling at the Delhi IGI airport, tonnage has increased by 27% ever since it took over cargo management in 2009.

The first phase of redevelopment has been commissioned with cargo being screened, new equipment brought in, the racking system being changed and bar coding introduced. Though efficiency has increased three-fold since modernization many services still cannot be made available as the terminal is in quite a poor state.

"Celebi generated $17 million from handling Delhi cargo and an additional $13 million from Mumbai's cargo unit in 2010," said Celebi Holding chairman Can Celebioglu.

The company, which also provides ground handling services to some airlines in both Delhi and Mumbai, has bid for the same at Kochi and Ahmedabad airports.

Announcing its intention to invest an additional around $100 million in India, Celebioglu said: "The company has already invested about $140 million in Delhi and Mumbai till the end of 2010. We have been in talks with several airlines for ground handling and will add Thai Airways to our list of customers this year. India has tremendous potential for growth in the aviation sector and while we are handling mostly international flights right now, we would also like to work for the domestic sector."