On Saturday (10 December), Cochin International Airport Limited's (CIAL) new Business Jet Terminal was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.  

It is the largest Business Jet Terminal in the country. This 40,000 square foot terminal is noteworthy because it has first-rate "safe house" facilities for people with security exemptions and is suitable for both domestic and international business jet operations.

CIAL has officially joined the select club of four airports in the country that run specialised terminals for business jet operations, with the commissioning of the new facility. 

During his inaugural address, Chief Minister Vijayan said, "Upgradation and modernisation of transport systems are indispensable for industrial development in Kerala. The kind of industrial progress we envisage is only possible through simultaneous advancements in all sectors like road, rail, water and air transport. The state government is moving ahead with strategies and plans to elevate these four areas", reports Economic Times. 

The terminal offers a luxurious setting for the passage of high net worth individuals with exclusive private parking area, a drive-in porch, a grand lobby, five lavish lounges, a business centre, a duty-free shop, a foreign exchange counter, and a high-end video conferencing room.

"CIAL is one of the primary reasons for Kerala's success in the world of aviation. CIAL handles around 65 per cent of the state's aviation travellers. Even throughout the COVID crisis, the corporation planned and performed numerous infrastructure development initiatives that contributed to increased efficiency," he said.

"The state hopes to integrate the hospitality and aviation sectors through these projects, including the recently launched Business Jet Terminal," Vijayan added.

The old domestic terminal, Terminal-2 (T-2), is renovated by CIAL. Previously, domestic activities were conducted out of T-2, which has a built-up area of one lakh square feet.

The 30 per cent built-up area of T-2 is converted into an exclusive business jet terminal to accommodate both domestic and foreign business jets as part of the renovation's cost-effective design.

The business jet terminal's restoration began in September 2021. The project’s estimated cost is Rs 30 crore. 

The goal is to maximise the use of available areas near the operating terminals by transforming T-2 into three utility blocks as part of the business jet terminal, which will include a VVIP safe house and a budget transit hotel.  

The construction on the budget transit hotel is yet to commence. CIAL intends to construct 50 low-cost rooms for passengers who intend to stay  temporarily at the airport.

Business Jet Terminal will provide five-star amenities to passengers on chartered flights in both the domestic and international sectors.

The authorities have planned many projects to increase revenue from the non-aero segment and increase it from 40 per cent to 60 per cent.