The company CIAL is beginning to provide aviation consulting services to leverage its experience in airport development and operation for entry into new markets.
The Chief Minister of Kerala, V. D. Satheesan, stated that CIAL's technical capabilities and expertise will be utilized to offer specialized services to airports and aviation stakeholders across the country.
Speaking before shareholders at the 32nd Annual General Meeting of Cochin International Airport Limited, the minister noted that this initiative will open up new opportunities for applying the company's competencies outside its own operational activities.
The general meeting approved the Board of Directors' proposal for a dividend payout of 55 percent to shareholders.
Proposed Services and New Division
According to the statement, CIAL will offer consulting services in areas such as airport planning and development, runway development, cargo operations, ground handling, and commercial activities.
These services will be provided through a new company division named CIAL ACES (Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services). The first project will be the implementation of a passenger verification system at Dumgarapur Airport in West Bengal.
The minister emphasized that CIAL will undertake projects aimed at transforming Dumgarapur Airport into a multimodal logistics hub, establishing a Global Convention Centre in collaboration with the airport, increasing revenue generation capabilities, and improving passenger experience through the use of advanced technologies.
Financial Performance and Service Launch
In the fiscal year 2025-26, CIAL generated a total revenue of 1,220 crore rupees and a profit of 502 crore rupees. During this year, the airport handled 73,134 air movements and received 1.14 crore passengers.
Present were the Minister of Higher Education and CIAL Director, Rohini M John; CIAL Managing Director, S Sukhas IAS; Company Secretary, Rajiv K; and CFO, Sajee Daniel.
The minister also inaugurated CIAL ACES and the CIAL Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) service, which provides electricity to parked aircraft at the airport. It was announced that this service can be provided free of charge to all aircraft, making it the first such free service in India.