Sky is the limit for BIAL

Sky is the limit for BIAL
The Times of India

Bangalore: With 21 months to go for the first flight to take off from Bangalore’s new international airport at Devanahalli, the man at the helm of affairs, BIAL CEO Albert Brunner, says red tape has been rough on the project. Some approvals are still pending from the Centre, but he predicts a bright future for the airport, which will contribute to Bangalore’s economic growth.

Q: One year into construction, what were the rough patches?
A: We had originally planned to open the airport in July 2005. But we only managed to start it then! Government processes were disappointingly slow. Result, the project was too small to meet the demand. As a professional, I realised the urgency for redesign. It has been very challenging.
Costs went up by Rs 550 crore, but the state and the Centre’s contribution remained the same. The state government signed all amended agreements for redesign, but the Centre still has to do it. We have also been asked to halt the selection of ground handling services provider until the civil aviation policy is announced.

Q: Are you happy with the pace?
A: At the site, twice the pace slowed — last October, when rain delayed work and this March, when redesign slowed down the pace. But we have made up for both patches, as we have a very good contractor. We are applying for licences from the DGCA, drawing up the safety and security manual, the operations manual and so on, which we should have done some time ago. Finding good manpower has also been difficult.

Q: How will the Bangalore airport deal with competition from Hyderabad?
A: We will be both competitive and complementary. The market in South India is big enough to accommodate both Hyderabad and Bangalore. In Europe, within a smaller radius, we have five airports — Munich, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris and Zurich — all bigger. New York alone has three airports, bigger and busier. Air traffic is expanding rapidly, two new airports in South India will benefit all. Competition will improve quality, give alternatives to passengers and airlines.

Q: How will Bangalore airport position itself ? A: As a mini-hub in India, with international flights from every direction flying in and out. We are talking to all international and domestic airlines. We are also looking at quality services by providing competition within our airport in all sectors — catering, ground handling, hotels and so on. We cannot compete with Singapore, Bangkok, Hongkong or Mumbai. But unlike Singapore, India has a huge domestic market and buying power.

Q: Where do you see the airport 10 years down the line?
A: A nice growth rate, with a strong impact on local economy as a creator of jobs. I am very sure it will happen. About two years from now, people should be able to check in at the local railway station, take their boarding cards and pick up their luggage when they get off the plane at their international destination. The airport city will also have small business centres and international shops, again creating jobs.