By Aritra Banerjee
The first-ever Formula E Championship in India is set to take place in Hyderabad, with the GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) team playing a key role in the event’s success. The cargo division of the airport handled around 90 tons of race car components and eight racing cars on February 1st, with the first consignment arriving via a charter flight from Riyadh.
According to the CEO of GHIAL, Mr. Pradeep Panicker, the handling of this shipment established the airport’s capabilities in catering to the auto sector. The airport is equipped to handle the shipment of various goods, including temperature-sensitive goods and heavy machinery, and with the expansion of its cargo facilities and digitization, the airport aims to provide greater cost and operational efficiencies for customers.
The Formula E World Championship, certified with net zero carbon emission, will see 11 teams compete in all-electric racing cars, bringing excitement to the city. A multi-stakeholder team has been formed to assist with the efficient handling and movement of the cargo throughout the shipment process. A green channel was established for quick and hassle-free cargo transfer and special regulatory permissions allowed for immediate onsite custom clearance.
The cargo was offloaded using special cargo handling equipment and moved to an exclusive handling area in the GHAC terminal. The handling of this shipment marks a significant step for the airport in providing end-to-end seamless air cargo movement and highlights its capabilities in catering to the auto sector.