New Zealand delegation reviews new terminal at Cochin airport

The trade delegation led by Prime Minister Rt Hon John Keyon visited the city's airport on Thursday.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and  wife Bronagh Key enjoying panchavadyam during his visit to CIAL, Kochi, on Thursday  | melton antony
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and wife Bronagh Key enjoying panchavadyam during his visit to CIAL, Kochi, on Thursday | melton antony

KOCHI: A trade delegation from New Zealand, led by Prime Minister Rt Hon John Keyon, visited the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) on Thursday.

During the visit, John Keyon inspected the baggage handling system set up by New Zealand firm Glidepath at the newly-built international terminal.

After reviewing performance of the baggage handling system, John Keyon said New Zealand had been shifting its focus from the tradition fruit industry to hi-tech manufacturing. The country is also keen on strengthening its trade ties with India.

“Glidepath has also set up a `100-crore X-ray-baggage screening facility that works on the computed tomography technology (CTX) at the new terminal. The CTX machines used here are among the first in Asia, and first in India. The outbound departure system set up by Glidepath is capable of processing 6,000 bags per hour. In addition, 17 integrated explosive detection systems (EDS) have also been installed at the new terminal. The 4.2-km conveyor includes 1.8 km of carousel conveyor,” said the officials. 

The delegation, including John Keyon’s wife Bronagh Key, arrived at the airport at 5.10 pm by a Royal New Zealand Air Force flight. The team left for Jakarta in Indonesia around 6.40 pm.   CIAL managing director V J Kurien, NZ’s High Commissioner to India Grahame Morton, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli and others were also present at the CIAL.

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