Videh Kumar Jaipuriar
COVID-19 accelerating innovation opportunities in the air cargo business
D
elhi airport resumed operations recently after remaining suspended for about two months following the nationwide lockdown imposed to constrain the COVID-19 pandemic. Please elaborate on the safety arrangements made to ‘Move Cargo’ in times of this crisis. Post-announcement of the nationwide lockdown effective midnight of March 20 |
July 2020
24, 2020, the airport’s passenger services remained suspended. However, the cargo services at the airport were operational as per the guidelines issued by the Government of India. To remained committed and ensure uninterrupted air cargo operations at the airport during these testing times, the airport has implemented several measures to keep the cargo facilities safe and secured. Some of the major initia-
From becoming a major hub supporting ‘Lifeline Udan’ flights and handling the supply of medical cargo and essential commodities even to the remotest locations, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) remained committed to its services during this difficult hour. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, DIAL in an exclusive interview with Ritika Arora Bhola, talks about safety arrangements and other strategies adopted to keep cargo moving through the airport in times of this pandemic disaster, and rising need for the air cargo industry to adopt digital technologies to alleviate current pain points.
tives undertaken include: Compulsory thermal checks of all persons entering the cargo complex. Provision of hand sanitisers for all the employees and visitors. Compulsory use of face masks while entering the cargo terminals. Social distancing measures across the cargo handling area/warehouse – export, import and domestic by making sign boxes and ensuring compliances. Fumigation/disinfecting of entire cargo complex, gates, warehouses, offices at intervals. Regular disinfection of all vehicles/ machinery at cargo terminals. Strict instruction to employees to download ‘Arogya Setu’ application in their mobiles.
Amid lockdown, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched 'Lifeline Udan' flights to ensure a steady supply of medical cargo even at the remotest locations. Kindly elaborate on the strategies taken to ensure safety and speedy transportation. During the COVID-19-led lockdown period, Delhi Airport has been actively managing domestic and international cargo operations and handled all types of cargo, primarily essential medical commodities, pharmaceuticals and other critical goods. The Airport recorded 1449 freighter movements in the month of May 2020, which is the highest ever witnessed. This was possible only with the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders working together. The corona warriors at Delhi
