Question : AIR INDIA HANDING COCHIN AIRPORT



(a) whether Air India is handling Cargo and passengers at Cochin Airport (Nedumbassery);

(b) if so, whether Air India is making profit out of it;

(c) if so, the details of the income and expenditure therefrom during the past six months;

(d) whether more profit is expected after the Airport is declared International; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION

(SHRI SHARAD YADAV)

(a): Air India is handling passengers for its own flights, Indian Airlines and Jet Airways at Cochin. The cargo complex at Cochin is yet to be ready. However, Air India is handling its cargo in a temporary facility. Cargo handling for Jet airways and Indian Airlines is provided on a limited basis due to the above reason.

(b) and (c): Before commencement of the Cochin project, estimates of revenue and expenditure were drawn up according to which Air India is supposed to make profit. However, the rates proposed by Air India have been disputed by Jet Airlines as well as Indian Airlines and till date no firm agreement has been entered into with the above mentioned airlines. Under the circumstances, it may not be possible to work out the profitability at this stage.

(d) and (e) : It is expected that more airlines will operate to Cochin after it is notified international and bilateral negotiations are held. This will provide additional revenue and profits for Air India.