MOPA to boost exports of perishables, pharmaceuticals

Aimed at boosting air connectivity in the coastal Indian state of Goa, the newly-inaugurated Mopa International Airport, or Manohar International Airport, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is ready to start operations on January 5th next year. According to several reports, the new airport has the potential to serve as a significant logistics hub. It could directly connect several domestic and international destinations. Efficient multimodal connectivity is also planned for the airport. The first phase includes the construction of a single three-and-a-half kilometer runway (09/27) alongside integrated passenger terminal buildings and a cargo terminal. The airport may officially announce about the cargo carriers which will operate at the new airport and its dedicated cargo facility soon. “The New Goa International Airport shall be starting operations from January and will begin with domestic cargo operations by February followed by International Cargo operations by March. There is great potential for Air Cargo Agents in the coming months and would warrant having a Goa and Pune Region team,” said the minister. “This airport shall cater and increase the exports of perishable items and also the pharma products which had to be transported to Mumbai and other international airports,” the minister added.