Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has launched aviation consultancy services to extend its expertise in airport development and operations to airports and aviation stakeholders across India. The initiative was announced at the company’s 32nd annual general meeting in Kochi, where Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the new offering would create opportunities to deploy CIAL’s technical capabilities beyond its own operations.

The services will be provided through CIAL ACES, or Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services, a new division established by the company. Its first project will involve a passenger verification system at Durgapur Airport in West Bengal. CIAL will also work on developing the airport as a multimodal logistics hub, establishing a Global Convention Centre in association with the airport, expanding revenue-generation opportunities and improving passenger experience through advanced technologies.

The consultancy portfolio will cover airport planning and development, runway development, cargo operations, ground handling and commercial activities. The company said the new division would allow it to offer specialised knowledge gained from operating its own airport to other projects and aviation organisations.

CIAL recorded revenue of Rs. 12.2 bn and a profit of Rs. 5.02 bn during the financial year 2025-26. It handled 73,134 aircraft movements and 11.4 mn passengers during the year. Shareholders also approved the Board of Directors’ recommendation to distribute a 55 per cent dividend.

The chief minister inaugurated CIAL ACES along with CIAL’s Bridge Mounted Equipment service, which supplies electricity to aircraft parked at the airport. The facility can be provided free of cost to all aircraft and is intended to be the first service of its kind offered without charge in India. Minister of Higher Education and CIAL Director Roji M John, Managing Director S Suhas, Company Secretary Rajeev K and Chief Financial Officer Saji Daniel attended the meeting.