Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) inaugurates the world’s largest and fully automated Export Cold Zone

 (Agro & Pharma Excellence Centre)

Mumbai February 21, 2020: GVK Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) managing the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) announces launch of the world’s largest airport-based temperature-controlled facility – Export Cold Zone. The state-of-the-art terminal encompasses unique facilities for the processing and storage of Agro and Pharma products. CSMIA is the largest gateway for Pharma & Agro products in India. Operated by its business partner “Cargo Service Centre (CSC)”, the leading cargo handling service provider in India, having a combination of operational excellence and domain expertise is committed to ensure seamless handling.

The first-of-its-kind facility was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Hon. Smt. Sungita Sharma (Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Central GST) in the presence of Guests of Honour, Hon. Smt. Bhavna Singh (Deputy Director General, Ministry of Civil Aviation) and Hon. Smt. V. Rama Mathew (Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone – III). The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials from air cargo fraternity along with regulatory authorities.

The facility can hold over 700 tons at one-time with a combined annual throughput of 5,25,000 tons. The fully automated infrastructure caters to the ever-burgeoning demand for pharmaceutical and agricultural goods. The Export Cold Zone is equipped with Truck docks with dock-levellers, Spacious acceptance & examination area, Automated workstations, X-Ray machines, ULD storage, Ballmat system for ULD transfer and Cold rooms.

Understanding the rapidly changing climatic changes and compliance requirements, GVK MIAL has ensured that the Pharma Excellence Centre offers an optimal temperature-controlled solution to Export Pharma products and enables advance technology to expedite handling and quick aircraft connection for transit Pharma. The state-of-the-art facility handling both active and passive temperature-controlled Pharma movements, offer customer specific solutions, end-to-end integrated digital systems and has a team of experienced, dedicated and well-trained staff.

Furthermore, GVK MIAL, a strategic member for Pharma-Aero, recognize the criticality of life-saving drugs, hence introduced an indigenous temperature-controlled transport solution “Cooltainer” for pharmaceutical products on the airport tarmac region in December 2019. The Cooltainer, world’s largest cold chain solution on the airport tarmac can accommodate two main-deck or two lower-deck pallets or a combination of both offering temperature range of +15°C to +25°C or +2°C to +8°C as per product requirement.  GVK MIAL is the first airport in India and third in Asia to obtain “IATA CEIV Pharma” accreditation, a global industry recognition supporting the air transport industry and is in full compliance with the pharmaceutical manufacturers requirements. As a leading airport in terms of e-freight and Pharma developments, GVK MIAL aims to cement Mumbai Airport’s foothold further in air freight supply chain capitalizing on all the business opportunities. MIAL is creating a comprehensive digital and temperature corridor between Mumbai and CEIV certified airports powered by GMAX.

Serving over 500 cargo destinations across 175 countries and a customer base of more than 60 airlines, GVK Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) offers a fast, secure and reliable supply chain to its clients. With the inclusion of CSMIA's first air cargo community portal – GMAX, provide access to world-class technology enabling smooth flow of cargo and an increase in freight penetration. Besides, technology MIAL has enabled stakeholders’ access to custodian mobile applications that offer real-time tracking of shipment that helps in delivering customized handling solutions for its clientele.