Cochin Intl Airport sets Rs 122-crore target

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has targeted a turnover of Rs 122 crore during the financial year 2007-08, against Rs 110 crore achieved in 2006-07, CIAL managing director Sriram Bharath said.

Addressing the media at the airport duty-free shop, after a lucky draw held as part of its four month-long sales promotion programme, he said the turnover of the duty-free shop accounted for around 25 per cent of the CIAL's annual revenue. It was expected to rise to Rs 40 crore during 2007-08 as against Rs 32 crore earned during 2006-07.

The Cochin Duty Free, Bharath said, was the biggest shop in terms of area among the Indian airports.

The transactions spent per passenger at the Cochin Duty Free had risen to $41 during the last four months as against $38 per head till last year. This is a higher amount as compared with other airports in the country, he said.

The CIAL has planned to double the space for the duty-free shop at the airport by adding 14,000 sft floor space at a cost of Rs 40 crore, at the departure area by October-November this year.

The existing shop at the arrival lounge measures 14,000 sft of floor area.