Landmark Cargo Operation at Goa's Manohar International Airport

Manohar International Airport in north Goa successfully handled its first freighter aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its cargo capabilities. The operation demonstrated the efficiency of GMR Goa Air Cargo Logistic Terminal, paving the way for future cargo operations in western India.

Manohar International Airport in north Goa has successfully handled its first freighter aircraft carrying 22 tons of goods, underscoring GMR Goa Air Cargo Logistic (GGACL) Terminal's capacity to manage substantial freight operations, an official disclosed on Thursday.

The A321 freighter aircraft service, organized by Chapman Freeborn Air charters with BBN Airlines Turkey, landed early Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for MIA remarked.

"This operation marks the first commercial freighter activity at GOX (MIA) and in Goa utilizing an MDL/LDL (main deck loader/lower deck loader) for cargo offload. The airport management coordinated the offloading, storage, and clearance with GMR's state-of-the-art cargo facilities, marking a significant milestone," he stated.

This sets a benchmark for airlift operations of heavy and unusually shaped freighter cargo, creating opportunities for carriers to use GOX as a preferred cargo hub in western India," he added.

MIA began air cargo services on September 8 and has since managed approximately 5,000 MT of domestic and international air cargo through various airlines, including Air India, Oman Air, IndiGo, Akasa, Vistara, and SpiceJet.

The integrated GMR Goa Air Cargo Logistic Terminal was initially built to manage 25,000 MT of cargo annually in Phase I, which can scale up to 200,000 MT per annum. GGACL's robust cargo infrastructure and skilled workforce have established a new cargo destination at GOX, ensuring rapid turnaround for freighters," the spokesperson explained.

(With inputs from agencies.)