Trade organization call for operation of medium sized aircraft

KOZHIKODE: Trade and business organisations today demanded that government permit operations of medium sized aircraft from nearby Karipur International airport even as protests mount over AAI's decision to partially close it during runway recarpetting works from May 1.

The organisations, including Malabar Development Society, Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Calicut International Airport Development Society and World Malayali Council said in a release that authorities should allow operation of medium sized aircraft like Airbus 330, Boeing 767-400, Boeing 787 Dreamliner during the 15 month period.

"Emirates Airlines has expressed willingness to operate mid-sized aircraft. Trade forums, expatriates and political parties should come together at this juncture, instead of launching agitations against the works", MDS President C E Chakkunny said in the release.

A meeting of the organisations noted that partial closure of the airport would have an adverse effect on export of food materials to Saudi Arabia and UAE, it said.

In case the regulations continue indefinitely it would also put the international accreditance of the airport at stake, the meeting noted.