The long-standing demand of the traders and industrialists of North Karnataka fulfilled with the launch of air cargo service from Hubballi. The Airport Authority of India has given a green signal for the freight service and at present Indigo and Spice Jet passenger fights are carrying goods from Hubballi to major cities of the country.
The government-owned Air India is also thinking on these lines and it may also start the similar service soon.
Speaking to DH, Hubbali Airport Director S K Ahilya said, permission had been granted to Indigo and Spice Jet to carry cargo in their passenger flights. Necessary facilities had been provided for this additional service. Businessmen from Hubballi could transport their products to other cities and similarly, they could also get products from other cities to Hubballi. "Efforts are being made to construct a separate building for the cargo service in the airport," she said.
Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)'s Honorary Secretary Vinay Javali said, there was a lot of opportunities for import and export of goods and materials from Hubballi. The new service would benefit industrialists, businessmen and farmers as well. There were four flights operating from Hubballi daily now. The demand for cargo service through flight had a lot of scopes. This was realised after starting the flight service from here.
He said, transporting goods through planes would be a bit costly. But the service would be fast and efficient. Some representatives from Chennai had come to Hubballi to conduct a survey of the demand for air cargo service. This indicated that the network of cargo service would widen in the days to come.
Indigo was offering the cargo service at a competitive price and it was giving a special offer for the regular customers.
Those who are interested in the air freight service can contact: 84482 91481 (Indigo) and 79078 28152 (Spice Jet).