HAL’s Ojhar airport commences air cargo operations
21 Sep 2011
The infrastructure developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) at its Ojhar airbase at Nashik will now be utilized for air cargo services including export and import activities. The cargo services have been launched by HALCON, a joint venture of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Container Corporation of India Ltd (Concor) and terminal operator, Clarion Solutions.
Clarion Solutions is part of India's leading shipping and logistics conglomerate – Transworld Group. The entire state-of-the-art facility is managed and operated by Clarion Solutions, which has been designated as terminal operator, ground handling operator and regulated agent.
Commenting on the launch of services, Ganesh Krishnan, CEO, Clarion Solutions said, ''We strongly believe that Nashik has all the potential to develop as a hub for air cargo services in western India. Being situated at the centre of various industry verticals and its proximity to Mumbai-Agra National highway, Ojhar airport becomes a real viable alternative solution for the EXIM trade.''
''Ojhar airport going operational for air cargo services will act as a cost effective and single window clearance facility for the importers and exporters community across various industry segments in Maharashtra. It will also help in de-congesting the existing air cargo complexes that are presently struggling for the desired space in and around the state,'' Krishnan further added.
According to PV Deshmukh, managing director (MiG), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, ''Our airport is extremely well equipped and capable of handling AN-124 which is the heaviest aircraft in the world. We have invested nearly Rs70 crore to upgrade the existing infrastructure, like creating additional parking space, enhancing the fire category from CAT V to CAT X which, as per ICAO standard for airport is the maximum fire category which any airport has, medical facilities etc, thus making Ojhar as a desired destination for air cargo services.
''The airport facility has modern radar, ATC, met services, airport aids, parking space and most importantly night landing facility. Being strategically located and having state-of-the-art infrastructure, Ojhar airport will definitely have an edge, in view of the congestion that every airline faces today at Mumbai airport for night parking, landing and cargo movement.''
