Tulsi Plan Would Hub India
 (New
Delhi Exclusive)—When writing about how women are changing
air cargo for the better, by in many cases, taking charge India-based
Blue Dart Express Managing Director Tulsi Mirchandaney must be considered
both world leader in every respect for her forward thoughts and hands
on approach toward building a great business.
She also operates with a sense of purpose
about her country and the air cargo community and in that she is above
all unique.
There are many in the cargo business here
who have been propagating that India establishes itself as a regional
cargo hub.
Now, with the downturn in the economy, that
thinking process is gaining momentum.
Tulsi Mirchandaney talking to Air Cargo
News FlyingTypers said:
“Cargo has been and is perceived by
both passenger airlines and most airports from the singular, narrow viewpoint
of short-term revenues.
“Perhaps, its role in facilitating
trade and business, and, therefore, having a major impact on the economic
development of the region is not immediately apparent.”
She pointed out that there are indeed a
few exceptions of governments and airports that have displayed foresight,
had a long-term vision and set up bustling centers of commerce.
These, she said, were now reaping the benefits.
She emphasized that India could get on to
a new growth phase
“That can be achieved by transforming
ourselves into a major regional hub.
“We are ideally positioned to stake
our claim to this position and should, before it is too late.
“The points in India’s favor
are our unique geographical location, ideally positioned between Asia
and Europe.
“Our economy is driven by domestic
consumption.
“Unlike most other hubs, India has
the power to consume and not just transship commodities through our airports.
“In addition, we have a well-developed
domestic air network and a large number of airports to service a wide
geography.”
She also said that the proposed FTA with
the ASEAN members is expected to boost bilateral trade from the current
estimated US$ 38 billion to around US$ 50 billion by 2010.
Blue Dart Aviation Limited is a public limited
Company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 having its registered
office at Mumbai and head office at Chennai.
Blue Dart, the only jet express India flag
carrier operates B737-200 and B757-200 freighters ex-Chennai, Kolkatta,
Bangalore, Delhi connecting Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi
and Kolkatta.
Blue Dart is a leader here in the domestic
air express market specializing in time-definite scheduled freight services
for overnight next day delivery of express and cargo.
“Most aviation pundits believe that
India has the potential to become a regional hub not unlike Dubai or Singapore.
“They say that India could take lessons
from the success of other hubs and adapt them to the Indian situation.
“Successful hubs like Singapore and
Frankfurt have registered steady growth despite world crises such as the
Gulf War, 9/11 and SARS, amongst others,” said Ms. Mirchandaney.
As to where such a regional hub could be
located, most industry stalwarts are of the view that two significant
catchment areas with important industries at close proximity are Navi
Mumbai and Chennai.
Both are important airports and seaports,
offering rail and road connectivity.
“But regardless of whether the manufacturing
is for export or domestic consumption, or whether it is for import or
re-export, domestic distribution, there will always be a requirement for
air connectivity.
“India, especially Delhi, has the
potential to become a global hub for air cargo.
“Delhi’s geographical location
and the substantial amount of international trade carried out in the city,
in addition to its growth in the manufacturing sector as well as in exports
and imports are all factors that could eventually see our success,”
Tulsi Mirchandaney said.
Tirthankar Ghosh
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