Bengaluru, Feb. 14, 2022: Love is in the air and it’s raining roses at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport).
Enhancing its reputation as the airport of choice for perishables in India, BLR Airport cargo witnessed a near two-fold increase in rose shipments in the run-up to Valentine's Day this year.
Spreading the fragrance of roses across the globe, BLR Airport facilitated the movement of approximately 5.15 lakh kgs of roses to 25 international and domestic destinations vs. 2.7 lakh kgs shipped in 2021.
The demand for roses during the Valentine's season in the domestic market has seen a considerable rise this season. Domestic shipments have witnessed a significant improvement, having increased to 3.15 lakh kgs (~6.5 million stems) vs. 1.03 lakh kgs in 2021, recording over 200% growth. Around 2 lakh kgs (~7.3 million stems) were exported to international destinations this year vs. last year’s 1.7 lakh kgs.
“Bengaluru is the biggest exporter of roses in India. At BLR Airport, we take pride in becoming a channel to aid the local community, growers and shippers by facilitating shipment of their produce while maintaining freshness. We thank Bangalore customs for their continued support in our endeavor and expediting the processes so that we are able to provide the best of services. Our cargo infrastructure, powered by technology, provides rapid distribution of perishable cargo, making BLR Airport the preferred cargo airport in South India. We will continue to work with our cargo partners to introduce new initiatives and facilities that cater to constantly evolving demand,” said Satyaki Raghunath, chief strategy and development officer, BIAL.
The top domestic destinations for roses include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati and Chandigarh. Among the top international destinations were Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Amsterdam, Kuwait, Auckland, Beirut, Manila, Muscat and Dubai.
Aided with robust cold-chain infrastructure, operated by Air India SATS and Menzies Aviation Bobba Bangalore, and adequate airline capacities to key markets globally, BLR Airport has transformed itself as the preferred choice for perishable shipments in India. Through its cargo partners, the airport has invested in several tech-driven interventions to ensure there is no temperature excursion, reduce the handling time and speed up clearance of consignments. The Plant Quarantine Inspection and Certification facility at the terminal enables seamless and faster transit of flowers. All farm-fresh commodities reach their destinations within 24 hours of harvest.
In FY 2020-21, BLR Airport, with a cold-chain handling capacity of 60,000 Metric Tonnes, emerged as the No.1 Airport in the Country for perishable shipments, processing 48,130 Metric Tonnes of perishables. BLR Airport accounted for 31% of India’s total perishable shipments, and according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority's (APEDA) data for FY 2020-21, BLR Airport was the No. 1 airport for flower exports in India.
