Chennai Airport is making big changes to its cargo terminal, and the upgrades are aimed at handling the growing export of Apple and other electronic products. The airport is preparing for the export of iPhones and other Apple devices that are made at the Sriperumbudur factory, with the first dedicated Apple freighter scheduled to start in January, according to a report by The Hindu.
These upgrades are expected to benefit not only Apple but also other electronics companies in Chennai, helping them expand their exports. One of the key upgrades is the creation of a dedicated corridor for trucks transporting electronic products. The upgrades also include the installation of four dedicated X-ray scanning machines and the setup of six built-up areas, specifically designed to handle electronic products, ensuring their safe and streamlined export process.
In addition to the dedicated corridor, the airport is also expanding the access roads to the cargo terminal to ensure faster cargo process. The news report also states that the airport is increasing its parking space to accommodate more trucks. The parking area is expanding from 20,471 sq.m to 27,971 sq.m, which will allow for an additional 200 vehicles.
Along with the road and parking improvements, the airport is also relocating its post office and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to make more room for cargo operations. These changes will make the airport’s cargo terminal more efficient and reduce delays.
The upgrades are expected to be finished by the first week of January, just in time for the first shipment of Apple products. Initially, the airport will handle around 70 tonnes of Apple products, with the ability to increase this to 100 tonnes in the future. These changes are expected to improve cargo traffic at the airport by 30%-35%, which will be a big boost to Chennai’s economy.
This upgrade is particularly important because Chennai Airport has recently seen a small decline of 2.6% in cargo traffic. The improvements to the cargo terminal will help the airport catch up with other major airports and make it a more important hub for electronics exports. The upgrades are expected to benefit both Apple and other electronics manufacturers, helping Chennai grow as a key player in India’s export market. These changes will also help boost Chennai’s position in the growing electronics industry, making it easier for businesses to export their products efficiently.
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