Vizag Pushes to Become Key Air Cargo Gateway
Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Trade Promotion Corporation (APTPC), Dr. Sekhar Babu Geddam, on Friday called for stronger coordination among stakeholders to develop Visakhapatnam into a major air cargo gateway for Andhra Pradesh. He spoke at a review meeting held at the Visakhapatnam International Airport.
The meeting was organised by APTPC in coordination with AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS). The aim was to boost air cargo exports from the north coastal region. It also focused on improving logistics for time-sensitive shipments such as marine and agricultural produce.
Officials from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) attended the meeting. Exporters, freight forwarders, logistics firms, customs officials, and trade representatives also participated.
They stressed the need to expand cold storage and perishable cargo facilities. They also called for simplified documentation and faster customs clearance. They further sought improved airline links to key international markets and regular freighter services to reduce time and costs.
However, stakeholders raised several challenges faced by exporters. These included limited cargo space, handling delays, and weak last-mile connectivity to the airport. Therefore, they proposed setting up a dedicated export facilitation cell. They also suggested digital tracking systems to improve transparency and reduce turnaround time.
Dr. Geddam, in the presence of General Manager V. Hanuma Naik and AAICLAS manager Ilayaraja, said the state government would act on the suggestions. He added that APTPC will coordinate with AAICLAS and other departments to streamline operations.
Moreover, he said APTPC will work to build an integrated cargo ecosystem at Visakhapatnam. This will align infrastructure, policy support, and airline partnerships to boost exports and strengthen the state’s global trade presence.