Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has launched aviation consultancy services to leverage its expertise in airport development and operations beyond its own operations. According to reports from Business Standard, Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed shareholders at CIAL's 32nd Annual General Meeting, highlighting how the company's experience and technical capabilities would be deployed to provide specialised services to airports and aviation stakeholders across the country. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for CIAL to utilise its expertise beyond its own operations.
The consultancy services will be offered under CIAL ACES (Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services), a new division established by the company. As reported by Business Standard, the services will cover airport planning and development, runway development, cargo operations, ground handling and commercial activities. The division's first project will be the passenger verification system at Durgapur Airport in West Bengal, with CIAL undertaking projects aimed at developing Durgapur airport as a multimodal logistics hub. According to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, CIAL will also establish a Global Convention Centre in association with the airport, expand revenue-generation opportunities and enhance passenger experience through advanced technologies.
CIAL recorded total revenue of ₹1,220 crore and a profit of ₹502 crore during the financial year 2025-26. According to Business Standard, the airport handled 73,134 aircraft movements and 1.14 crore passengers during the year. The AGM approved the Board of Directors' recommendation to distribute a 55 per cent dividend to shareholders.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated CIAL ACES and CIAL's Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) service during the AGM. As reported by Business Standard, the BME service supplies electricity to aircraft parked at the airport, with the facility being provided free of cost to all aircraft, making it the first such free service in India. The CM emphasized that these initiatives would open up new avenues for deploying the company's expertise.
