Bonded Trucking Operation introduced in Trichy airpor

The much-awaited Bonded Trucking Operation (BTO) was introduced for the first time from Trichy airport on Friday. Air Asia was the first airline to lift 2.2 tonnes of finished leather goods that was transported to Trichy by road this morning after customs' clearance in Chennai. The goods were destined for Hanoi.

Bonded Trucking from Trichy was long considered a boon since exporters could transport their cargo from the region by road to the nearest bigger airport such as Chennai from where the consignment could be air-lifted to faraway western destinations by wide-bodied 747 aircraft that does not fly from Trichy at present due to a shorter runway. Bonded Trucking Operation has extended a helping hand to Chennai exporters, and it has also become a boon to Air Asia that recently increased its direct services to Kuala Lumpur to 11 a week from the earlier seven.

Airport director S Dharmaraj told TOI that he wanted to keep it a low-key affair since it was only in-bound cargo. "However, we are ready to operate BTO for outbound cargo, and all facilities are ready. Should anybody approach us, we are more than willing to help," Dharmaraj said.

By BTO, fleet owners execute a bond with the Customs to carry goods from to designated places in sealed trucks. They also enter into an agreement with airlines they cater to. Air Asia has benefited more from the introduction of this operation.