CSMIA's vision for AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURAL EFFICIENCY

The aviation industry over the pandemic has evolved to become dynamic and resilient and over the course of time has also emerged as one of the fastest growing industries of the country. In November 2021, India became the third largest domestic aviation market in the world and is soon expected to overtake UK to become the third largest air passenger market by 2024, says a report published by International Air Transport Association (IATA). Being a gateway to economic activities, airports play a significant role in the national economy and are known to be a country's window on the world. Therefore, the quality of the airport infrastructure plays a vital role in the overall transport network as it represents its country internationally, thus, bringing in the flow of foreign investment. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), being one of the world's busiest single runway airports, has catered to nearly 49 million passengers annually in the pre-pandemic era. Even with the ongoing travel restrictions due to the pandemic, CSMIA in CY2021 catered to around 20 million passengers, which is 21% more than CY2020, where the airport witnessed a movement of nearly 16 million passengers. This gradual increase in passenger traffic is a testament of boost in passengers' confidence in air travel.

New facilities

Currently, Indian airports are constantly evolving as per passenger needs, which has led to a major shift in the perception of design and aesthetics. Various attributes such as efficiency, energy, technology, and ambience are considered, and airports have transformed from being a mere mode of transport to an experiential avenue which relieves passengers from stress and makes their travel fun and enriching. Being one of the busiest airports in the country, CSMIA is built with a sole focus on user perceptions and innovative design, giving every individual who walks into the airport a sense of warmth, comfort, and ease. Even when the aviation industry stood at the cusp of making paradigm shifts, CSMIA, along with all its employees and stakeholders, worked resiliently towards facilitating operations smoothly and introduced various technological innovations to ease passengers travel experience through the airport. CSMIA throughout the pandemic complied with norms and protocols in line with the central and state government that while prioritising the health and safety of passengers. Various touch-less features such as Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) kiosks for passengers to check-in and generate a baggage tag themselves, Self-Baggage Drop (SBD) counters and e-gates that allow passengers to scan their boarding pass to proceed to security check were installed. At security handling area (SHA), passengers are scanned with the metal detector in adherence to the social distancing and COVID-19 norms. The airport also promotes social distancing through measures such as the re-arrangement of seating area across both the terminals, installation of plexi-glass to minimise face-to-face interactions amongst others.

An iconic terminal

CSMIA's iconic Terminal 2 (T2) is one of the most advanced vertical passenger terminals of the country that integrates world-class design, architecture, infrastructure, and operational efficiency, with a rich infusion of Indian heritage and cultural character. Being a recipient of numerous accolades and awards for outstanding performance in sustainability, operations, and efficiency, CSMIA continually maintains and renovates the colossal infrastructure so as to enhance passenger safety and wellbeing at the airport.

The T2 since its genesis has set an international benchmark in terms of infrastructure for being the first to house a museum within its walls. The iconic 'Jaya He' Museum, which is the largest public art initiative in the country offers a safari through the various traditional arts installations from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The museum encapsulates the grandeur of states through thousands of artefacts encompassing cultural display and has worked diligently towards enhancing its offerings for the enjoyment of the customers. CSMIA's lounge over the years has transitioned into a lifestyle space for all passengers with handpicked services like relaxing pods, business spaces, delicious meals, well-stocked bars, spas and among facilities. With over 200 well-renowned retail and F&B outlets, CSMIA envisions creating a transformational-aviation platform that is a 'Gateway to Goodness' for the passengers arriving and departing the airport. CSMIA is one such experiential avenue with magnificent architecture and traditional and modern interiors combined with a myriad of curated retail and F&B choices.

green initiatives

In recognition of the airport's tireless efforts in sustainable and green initiatives, CSMIA in 2021 won the 'Energy Efficient Unit' Award by the Confederation of India Industry (CII) and in 2022, CSMIA's T2 was recertified as PLATINUM rated Green Existing Building Project by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Many initiatives such as carbon management system, carbon neutrality, renewable energy installations, wastewater recycling, effective waste management system, enhancement in renewable energy capacity, are undertaken to achieve CSMIA's sustainable goals.

Looking beyond challenges

Even with the new mutation of Covid-19 hampering travel around the globe, we are optimistic that in the coming years, aviation industry will soon recover and reach the pre-pandemic passenger footfall. Passengers over the last few months have shown increased confidence in air travel because of rise in vaccination rates and gradual decline in Covid cases. CSMIA throughout the course of the pandemic has set up various contingencies to mitigate any crisis that may come in the way. In the coming years, CSMIA will stay determined to look beyond the challenges by putting passengers at the core of every initiative while offering a wholesome travel experience. CSMIA aims to undertake various measures, along with its stakeholders, to increase the overall efficiency of the airport while keeping in mind the safety, security and wellbeing of passengers and its personnel.

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