CM Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the import cargo terminal of Cochin International Airport Limited and launch DigiYatra software

In addition to launching the DigiYatra software created by CIAL and the modernization of the airport emergency service, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will open the import cargo terminal of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) on October 2 at a ceremony set for 4.30 p.m. The first phase of the international terminal development, a golf tourist initiative, and aero lounges will all have their foundations laid by the chief minister. These initiatives are a part of the CIAL's 'Flying into Tomorrow' infrastructure development agenda.

According to a statement from CIAL, the airport was preparing to fulfil the infrastructure needs as it anticipated a considerable increase in the number of travellers. This phase ushers in a new age designed to accommodate future requirements. It includes a new apron of 15 lakh square feet along the northern side of the terminal-3's current pier and a terminal extension measuring 5 lakh square feet. A total of 44 aircraft parking spaces, including eight more aerobridges, will be available.

According to the letter, South India will become a major freight centre thanks to the new import cargo terminal, increasing CIAL's yearly cargo capacity to two lakh tonnes. Only export operations that would boost the government's engagement in marketing the State's agriculture products might be used for the existing international cargo space. After receiving regulatory agency approvals, the freight terminal will start up right away.

The '0484 Luxury Aero Lounge' at CIAL will be the largest airport lounge in the nation and have a 50,000 square foot floor space. This transit lodging facility has 42 guest rooms and connects the domestic, international, and business jet terminals with conference rooms and workspaces to enable smooth business operations inside the airport's boundaries.

CIAL is implementing the DigiYatra system in a special way that aims to give travellers a smooth, paperless airport entrance, as per the letter. The IT and communication section of CIAL created the software utilised in facial recognition technology. The fundamental DigiYatra platform and the main software platform are integrated with airline and airport systems. It will be installed at 22 domestic terminal e-gates with imported gates. It will get rid of manual inspections.

CIAL has launched a number of projects in the past two years after being the only airport in the nation to have made a profit in the post-pandemic era. It started two energy projects (a 4.5 MW hydro plant in Kozhikode and a 14 MWp solar plant in Payyannur) as well as a business jet port.