Kochi (COK) | Cochin International Airport

[arundinil]

Air India is all set to restore its domestic service to Lakshadweep from the next winter schedule, to be effective from October.

Six flights a week

According to an airline spokesperson, its service in the Kochi – Agatti route would be on track with six flights a week on a 48-seater ATR type aircraft.

Earlier, it had operated the service four days a week with a 16-seater Beech craft – 1900D type aircraft which was suspended a couple of months ago on completion of the aircraft's lease period.

The Agatti service by the Indian Airlines was first launched from the older airport in Kochi, during the tenure of P.M.Sayeed as the MP from Lakshadweep.

Tourism package

The service also contributed to a particular type of tourism package in which the tourists were airlifted to the islands after spending a few days in ‘God's Own Country'. Presently, Kingfisher is the only airline operating an ATR service to the island.

Source:- http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/25/stor...2560990300.htm

[arundinil]

The newly constructed Airside of CIAL with 3 floors and glass gallery combined with traditional Kerala architectural formats



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The aerial view of CIAL (Apologies for long shot). One can clearly the extended remote bay parking, which now can accommodate 20 aircrafts at a time along with 5 aerobridges.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The Business Lounge operated by Oberoi in International terminal. (Pic is slightly older and now revamped to accommodate a dining and leisure space)



Uploaded with ImageShack.us



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[arundinil]

The Final Set

A detailed view of CIAL's airside: CC:- chrisaumue



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The Highlight of CIAL's management efficiency is that, they diversified themselves to Aviation allied services. CIAL Academy is one of the few higher education institutions in the country, providing technical and managerial education in field of Aviation



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The Airport Hotel near CIAL. There are 4 other 3 and 4
star hotels located nearby



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

CIAL's cargo Village is one of the largest in South India with 3 terminals, one for dry cargo, one for perishable goods and a transshipment terminal.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The Fire station of CIAL



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

A part of the land that belongs to CIAL Golf and Country Club. Cochin Airport is the only airport in India with a dedicated Golf course. Currently it has 10 hole golf course. The entire gild course will be 18 hole, which will be completed in its second phase by 2013. A club house and recreational centre is open now.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The land under CIAL SEZ Zone, where the Airport City is planned to come. Works for phase one has already started with a 3.75 lakh Trade and Exhibition centre and a Large aerospace museum. Apart from these, a multi-specialty medical center and a out-court shopping district along with industrial zone related to manufacturing of aircraft equipments and materials are planned here.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[arundinil]

The export of vegetables through the Cochin international airport (CIAL), particularly to the Middle Eastern countries, during the Onam season has registered an overall increase of 20 per cent despite a sharp rise in local prices.

“All the airlines operating international services from here allotted the maximum possible space for airlifting perishable goods even by using the space earmarked for general cargo while the narrow-body aircraft set aside the entire cargo space for these extra despatches,'' a senior cargo official said.

During the period, the export of perishable goods stood at 70 tonnes a day against the average daily volume of 50 tonnes.

According to him, the extra despatches this season began only five days before the festival unlike in the earlier seasons, as the exporters experienced a scarcity of commodities owing to the high prices available for famers in the local market. During the period, the airlines were successful in achieving their ex-Kochi cargo targets and special arrangements were made in the Customs department and the airport cargo section to process the outbound consignments speedily.

Vegetables and fruits of all the varieties cultivated in the State accounted for the largest part of the perishable goods traffic, along with processed food like banana chips, pappadam, and payasam. The airport, as the custodian of these exports, made special arrangements for the smooth despatch of the consignments.

While acknowledging the surge in the trade volume, export agents said they would not be able to reap its full benefits as the high prices in the local market would cut into their profits. The importers are not obliged to compensate them for the difference in prices under the long-term buying agreement signed by them.

Meanwhile, the export of fish and meat during the period went down considerably except for some special consignments, with the season factor playing a big role in determining the pattern of exports.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/27/stor...2760960300.htm

[zenith_suv]

Brilliant job Arun , you've single handedly kept the thread alive and the updates have been quite exceptional too. It's a lovely airport which does not deserve to be hidden.

Great work , thanks for the pics.

[arundinil]

Originally Posted by zenith_suv

Brilliant job Arun , you've single handedly kept the thread alive and the updates have been quite exceptional too. It's a lovely airport which does not deserve to be hidden.

Great work , thanks for the pics.

Yes, CIAL is a role model airport. The highlight of the airport is that, the cost of entire 5.86 sq ft terminal and allied facilities never crossed be 400 Crore Rs. The management strictly controlled the cost elements, to ensure that it can keep provides all its services at lower costs. Unlike other Private airports, there is no User Development fees, despite of continuous expansion program and charges for aircrafts is too lowest

The CIAL management has embarked on an very ambitious project- ZERO LANDING CHARGES for all flights by 2015, once it achieve 60% revenue from non-aeronautical streams. I believe no airport ever thought of such a project

Ofcourse there is no promotion for the airport and the airport doesn't have any swanky looks. Not a single penny is utilized to create swankiness, to ensure costs at minimal level and increasing satisfaction and utility services to passengers.

CIAL is also the only Private airport in India that donot work on concession agreement model with states/central. It is a regular corporate body with perpetual existence and no joint tariff sharing models. Also it has ensured voluntary reservations for jobs for those who lost land in airport land acquisition as well as provided taxi cars with a subsided interest. I think, rarely an Indian Airport operator, indulged in these kind of social welfare schemes.

Surely CIAL is a role model for all other airport operators, especially those who believe in lower costs and higher profits.

Thanks

[arundinil]

Originally Posted by zenith_suv

Brilliant job Arun , you've single handedly kept the thread alive and the updates have been quite exceptional too. It's a lovely airport which does not deserve to be hidden.

Great work , thanks for the pics.

Forgot to mention my heartfelt thanks for your comments. Its a honour and inspiration for continuing my presence here. Thank you very much

Thanks

[arundinil]

CIAL is likely to partner with Air India for leasing CIAL's Maintenance-Repair-Overhaul (MRO).


CC:- The Hindu Newspaper

CIAL MD Krishnadas and other officials recently met Air India Chairman Aravind Jhadav to discuss all matters in ensuring Air India to make as Anchor Airline of CIAL. In these process, the chances of leasing CIAL's MRO facility to Air India on partnership basis has emerged. Details are yet to known.

As per eariler announcement, CIAL was looking an airline company to take 49% stake in the venture. If the discussions are likely in the way, AI may take up 49% stake in the MRO. Apart from AI, CIAL plans to provide MRO's services to other airlines for repair and mainteance activities

The delay in commissioning AI's MRO facility in TVM, along with concessions offered by CIAL may likely to have AI considering Cochin for its MRO operations

The new MRO has 2 hangars for narrow body aircrafts, with built up space of 1.35 lakh sq ft in 32 acres of land and authorized for all checks upto A level. The facility is planned to expand for another 2 wide body aircrafts with B and C level check facilities, within 3 years.

Source: http://www.thejasnews.com/?tp=det&de...07125184900258

[skyscrapercity101]

beautiful airport

[rahul86]

Hi arundinil. It is nice to see this post being active by you. The last update which I had posted was a chartered flight to be operated by Condor Airlines from Frankfurt for the winter session. I see a very big potential in Jet Airways to start with European operations. They have a scissor hub at Brussels and from there connections to American airports like JFK.

If Jet could start European operations from COK to Brussels, it is going to profitable when we take into the account of European tourists and NRK's. But I guess this is only going to be a dream. Their code sharing flights also have very good connections for travel.

Regards,
Rahul R

[arundinil]

Originally Posted by rahul86

Hi arundinil. It is nice to see this post being active by you. The last update which I had posted was a chartered flight to be operated by Condor Airlines from Frankfurt for the winter session. I see a very big potential in Jet Airways to start with European operations. They have a scissor hub at Brussels and from there connections to American airports like JFK.

If Jet could start European operations from COK to Brussels, it is going to profitable when we take into the account of European tourists and NRK's. But I guess this is only going to be a dream. Their code sharing flights also have very good connections for travel.

Regards,
Rahul R

I don't think, Jet will ever consider direct European flights from Kochi. This is because of the tremendous lobbying activities of ME airlines especially Etihad and Emirates. Jet has a code-sharing activity with Eithad and currently majority of passengers bound to Europe or US, use Emirates of Etihad or Qatar Airways from Kochi. A direct flight from COK, hamper their growth.

Cochin has a strong influx of tourists. Last year more than 3 lakh foreign tourists arrived COK via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, thro' their respective airlines. It also serves reason why these ME airlines uses wide-body aircrafts to Kochi along with Business class, whereas use only narrow body aircrafts to other airports like TVM or Calicut. I don't think the lobby pressures of Emirates or Etihad will allow Jet or Air India to start direct flights.

The only alternative is European airlines to operate directly. Condor is part of Lufthansa group and a premium tourist airline. If its initial services make profits and good response, I believe Lufthansa itself may consider Cochin for a regular service.

Earlier British Airways was considering Cochin back in 2005 before the recession struck. I do expect them to consider Cochin sooner or later, as for BA, India is the second largest market after US. Infact, I personally think, Emirates and Etihad offers better rates and easy connectivity to Europe than most of the Indian airlines and even European for that matter.

A trip from Kochi to Paris in Etihad costs less than Rs 30,000 , whereas Air France direct flight from Mumbai or Bangalore costs more than Rs 54,000. Even passengers doesn't wait more than one hour in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, as the connecting flights are arranged in a very logical manner and ME Airports provides more hassle free travel than Indian airports.

The only chance now is Air India's plan Cochin-Frankfrut route. Lets wait and see. I also believe the marketing team of CIAL is doing good works by arranging meetings and seminars for other European and US airlines to start. The recession is the only damper now.

Thanks

[arundinil]

courtesy:- kochinow.com


A view of CIAL golf course

An experience at the newly built golf course is really enchanting and romantic. I happened to visit the club with my friend Shyam who is a golfer member of the new club. Surely, it was a mesmerizing experience. A vast expanse of greenery, 5 large artifical ponds with well designed walkway, a beautiful garden and a superb Club house. Surely its a wonderful retreat. Since I had no idea of playing golf, the course and its 10 hole field was not much interest to me, though my friend Shyam was stating to be of high quality and world class.


courtesy:- babsin20000

I happened to have a small chat with the Club Manager. The second phase of the club would be started in October 2010 and would be complete by Dec 2011 or Feb 2012, making it an 18 hole course. The company has plans to bulid 36 designer glof course villas which could be sold to public and brought back on lease for expanding Airport hotel. A swimming pool and recreational center is under construction and will be opened by June 2011. Apart from it, 20 acres of land is leased to Kerala Ayurvedics to start an Ayurvedic herbal garden and spice village. Currently a small coffee shop is operating in the club house. Plans to start a sports bar and multi-cuisine restaurant are underway and will be started as soon as they get Bar license.

An Indoor sports area meant for chess, carroms, cards etc is now available and will be expanded for accommodate a tennis table.

The happy news is that, the golf course has already break-even with its membership subscriptions and there was tremendous response for membership. However they have restricted for new membership which will be resumed only after completion of remaining phase.

Thanks

[rahul86]

Hi arundinil.

Well, I mentioned it as my wish . Jet is one of the airlines which I admire due to its efficient management of resources and routes. I find it a very big potential since most of the tourists who come into Kerala are Europeans and Jet currently has special packages promoted by kerala tourism. If they can start a direct flight it could be beneficial.

http://www.keralatourism.org/jetairways/

ME airlines have a very strong lobby as you have mentioned. I still remember that the Civil Aviation Ministry Of India and the MEA were forced to give permission to a ME airline after their govt had issued an ultimatum to cancel the flight originating from India by Indian airlines. They know how very important and profitable the Indian market is.

Some of the other potential routes which can/may be started are:-
COK - BKK (Thai Airways)
COK - HGK (Cathay Pacific)
Currently, Silk Air/Singapore Airlines offers one stop connections to these locations from Cochin.

Regards,
Rahul R

[arundinil]

Originally Posted by rahul86

Hi arundinil.

Well, I mentioned it as my wish . Jet is one of the airlines which I admire due to its efficient management of resources and routes. I find it a very big potential since most of the tourists who come into Kerala are Europeans and Jet currently has special packages promoted by kerala tourism. If they can start a direct flight it could be beneficial.

http://www.keralatourism.org/jetairways/

ME airlines have a very strong lobby as you have mentioned. I still remember that the Civil Aviation Ministry Of India and the MEA were forced to give permission to a ME airline after their govt had issued an ultimatum to cancel the flight originating from India by Indian airlines. They know how very important and profitable the Indian market is.

Some of the other potential routes which can/may be started are:-
COK - BKK (Thai Airways)
COK - HGK (Cathay Pacific)
Currently, Silk Air/Singapore Airlines offers one stop connections to these locations from Cochin.

Regards,
Rahul R

CIAL's marketing plan envisions to reach 10 million mark within next 4 to 5 years, in regard to total users. The entire Malayalees NRKs living outside Kerala is less than 10 million and with TVM, CCJ and upcoming Kannur airport, it would be difficult to see only native users.

Hence if CIAL has to reach its target, it should focus more on tourists and business travellers. Tourism is a sure bet for CIAL, as it can help CIAL in reaching its aim. Hence more services from South East Asia airlines will be one among top priority.

Thai Airways has proposed the route eariler in 2004, but could push forward mainly due to recession. Today there is a strong tourist boom from Kerala to Thailand, Malayasia etc. I found the Air Asia flight to KL was almost 85% full in load factor. Moreover AI is planning to launch both AI and AIE flights to SE countries soon. Surely there can be a strong boom. I think, Kerala tourism can tie-up with Maldives, Sri Lanka to form a Tourist circuit, helping Cochin to better share.

Thanks

[arundinil]

The Himalaya Drug Company, a leading Indian herbal health and personal care company, has opened its exclusive ‘Himalaya Herbal Healthcare' outlet at Cochin Airport's Duty Free.

Inaugurated by Dr C.G.Krishnadas Nair, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Ltd, the outlet will serve as a one-stop-shop for safe and herbal products. Himalaya's range includes over 200 products that span the entire wellness spectrum – healthcare, personal care and animal health.

[scorpiogenius]

Arun, hats off for the wonderful efforts! Superb shots of the Airport and all the associated infrastructure developments.

[arundinil]

Another possible happy news for CIAL's future development

There is a news (NOT CONFIRMED) from a good internal source in Emke Group, that Lulu is looking forward to establish an International Convention center and a 5 star Hotel near to CIAL within its Airport city project. The company which will be commissioning its largest project- the Lulu Mall in Nov 2011 in Kochi, is now looking for another major project in Kerala. Lulu is already into MICE business with its facility at Thrissur (slated to be 2nd largest conventional center in India), since 2003.

Since there is enough scope in MICE business in the city, the company has appointed a leading international consultants, for a feasibility report. The idea was put forward by CIAL MD Krishnadas in last directorial board meeting to Emke Group MD Yousf Ali, who happens to be a director of CIAL.

The terms of reference for the feasibility study includes a 2000 seating capacity conventional hall along with 200 room hotel. The other terms include establishing a retail space (probably meant for expansion of Lulu hypermarket/department store brand in Kerala) as well as a spa village. Other details of the feasibility study is not known yet. Its heard that they wish to finish of the feasibility study and decisions on the project, intended to be announced during the inaugural ceremony of Lulu Mall, probably to increase the brand valuation of the company in India.

As the source of information is highly reliable, it would be a major boast for the airport and its allied development. Surely it benefits entire Kerala.

Thanks

[rahul86]

Hi arundinil.

The news what you have published is true. Two weeks back, when I was passing through CIAL to go to Bangalore, there was construction activity going on near the end of the railway bridge and a 'LULU' banner was covering the front. I am sure that they have plans to have a convention/hotel on this site.

There would be one main advantage of such a move:-
- The convention at this location can help chief guests like politicians and other big shots to go back by the earliest flight back to their place(for them time is very precious). Travelling to the city is a very big nightmare right now.

[arundinil]

Originally Posted by rahul86

Hi arundinil.

The news what you have published is true. Two weeks back, when I was passing through CIAL to go to Bangalore, there was construction activity going on near the end of the railway bridge and a 'LULU' banner was covering the front. I am sure that they have plans to have a convention/hotel on this site.

There would be one main advantage of such a move:-
- The convention at this location can help chief guests like politicians and other big shots to go back by the earliest flight back to their place(for them time is very precious). Travelling to the city is a very big nightmare right now.

No, thats just a banner of Lulu Mall put before the construction site. I don't think, they have launched the project. There are just into feasibility study. Infact only last monday, the terms of reference for the study was finalized. Don't ask me which company doing so.... I will disclose it later.

Perhaps, Lulu might have land bank/reserves in that area, which I am not sure. Anyhow if the feasibility study is positive and decisions is passed, surely you can expect a mega hotel/convention center project in front of the airport area.

Thanks

[arundinil]

Qatar Airways increases the Kochi flights frequency from 7 per week to 9 per week. 2 additional flights are now launched, one on Monday and another on Wednesday. The flights is scheduled in Mornings at 8:45 am, reaching Doha at 10:15 am local time

Qatar airways plans to increase the frequency to 14 per week by end of year, subjected to permissions from Ministry. This is mainly to thwart the competition from Emirates and Etihad which has more flights than Qatar.

Thanks