The Kerala government has advanced plans to develop Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) into an integrated aviation ecosystem, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Monday. He inaugurated the first phase of the CIAL Aero Park, which will be implemented in multiple stages. The initial phase focuses on maintenance, repair and overhaul, training and technical support, with later phases planned to include an IT park and an Aero City.

The Chief Minister observed that development initiatives succeed when they adapt to changing circumstances and noted that CIAL had taken timely decisions to deliver facilities that meet global standards. The Aero Park has been designed as a dedicated hub for aviation maintenance, training and technical support services, with direct connectivity to both the airport operational area and the city side. Infrastructure created for the venture amounts to Rs 1.01 billion (bn).

Facilities completed include aircraft maintenance and parking bays, engine storage units, training halls and classrooms. The project is expected to generate direct employment for around 2,000 people, with indirect employment estimated at nearly three times that figure. The Aero Park will operate with features resembling a special economic zone to encourage industry clustering and investment.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the CIASL Business Centre at the Aero Park, constructed at a cost of Rs 300 million (mn) and adding 40,000 sq ft of space, and opened a technical services unit for airside operational safety and an Aviation Breathing Apparatus Training Gallery. Construction of a third aircraft hangar costing Rs 450 mn is under way. Further works have commenced on an Aviation Pressure-Fed Firefighting Facility and an Underwater Rescue Training Facility.

The underwater rescue facility is reported to be the first of its kind at an airport in India and is intended to strengthen aviation safety training. State Industries Minister P Rajeeve said CIAL was among the first airports in the country to recover from the Covid-19 impact and return to profitability, attributing the recovery to a strong focus on business diversification. Officials expect the phased development to support long term economic activity in the region.