RGIA commissioned a dedicated and exclusive Cargo Apron, capable of handling Code F ( e.g. Boeing747-8F, B747-400F, Airbus A380 types) aircraft. RGIA being the Pharma Hub of the country constituting 70% exports in pharmaceuticals, the dedicated cargo apron proved imperative in accommodating wide body aircraft (Boeing747-8F, B747-400F, McDonnell Douglas MD-11, Antonov AN-124, Ilyushin IL-76, etc.) thus helping RGIA to conveniently cater to heavy international freighters which require increased pavement strength. Also, the revamped apron space accommodate more number of Code-F aircraft, enhancing the Cargo apron capacity at RGIA. Again, it boosts and sustains the integrity of end to end cold chain from shippers premises to consignee premises.

A Cold Chain catering to the Pharma sector has to address to some special needs. End-to-End Cold Chain Integrity is very critical for this business at large. Temperature excursions in the cold chain can result in irreversible damage to cargo, loss of business and consequently hurt the organisation’s reputation. In an effort to bridge all the missing links and maintain cold chain integrity, RGIA through its unique Customer Feedback initiative called “VoC” (Voice of Customer) consolidated valuable feedback from its customers and stakeholders on improving business and service levels for the trade. Based on the feedback and interactive meetings it was learnt that Code-F aircraft parking stands in close proximity to the terminal would definitely ensure the cold chain integrity in addition to processing in Pharma Zone, as ambient temperatures and consequently tarmac temperatures can be quite high in India during most part of the year.

Lufthansa’s cargo aircraft was the first to use the New Caro Apron and on this occasion Mr Carsten Hernig, Regional Director, South Asia & Middle East, Lufthansa Cargo commented, “An excellent infrastructure is essential especially to transport temperature-sensitive goods. We are highly delighted at having such a strong partner as Hyderabad Airport, which meets precisely all the necessary requirements. This is another important step in the successful Pharma hub cooperation between Hyderabad Airport and Lufthansa Cargo.”

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