Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has expanded its national footprint with the start of ground handling operations at Cochin International Airport. With plans to scale its manpower as traffic grows, AISATS has deployed an initial team of 150 at its second station in Kerala and eighth airport across India.
AISATS has launched operations at Cochin International Airport to support its airline customers, starting with Batik Air and Thai Lion Air, and all other international and domestic carriers planning to fly through this key aviation hub with over 28 airlines operating at the airport, nearly 60,000 tonnes of cargo handled and more than 10 million passengers recorded in FY24.
Speaking on the commencement of operations, Ramanathan Rajamani, Chief Executive Officer, AISATS, said, “Our entry into Kochi marks a pivotal step in AISATS’ commitment to supporting India’s fast-evolving aviation landscape. Kerala continues to witness strong growth in passenger movement, cargo demand, and global connectivity, and Kochi stands at the centre of this transformation with its strong connectivity, especially with Gulf and Southeast Asian markets. As we begin operations here, our focus is to bring world-class safety, technology, and service excellence to the airport while creating meaningful employment and skilling opportunities for the local workforce. With CIAL, we look forward to building a future-ready operational environment and deliver a superior experience to airlines and passengers alike.”
S Suhas, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) added, “The core of CIAL’s operations lies in its focus on efficient passenger handling and delivering services on par with international standards. An association with Air India SATS, a company with a proven track record, will further strengthen our mission to achieve operational excellence. This collaboration will contribute to Kerala’s aviation growth, open up new employment opportunities and keep CIAL among India’s most efficient and passenger-friendly airports.”
AISATS’ expansion into Kochi comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with Kerala playing an increasingly strategic role in the Gulf–India–Southeast Asia air corridor. The company is also the first ground handler in India to receive the DGCA Safety Clearance under the newly implemented national framework.
Beyond ground handling, the company is investing heavily in building India’s next-generation of cargo infrastructure, including the AISATS BLR Logistics Park in Bengaluru and the upcoming 87-acre Multi-Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport.
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