Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has launched CIAL ACES, an aviation consultancy division that will offer airport planning, runway development, cargo operations, ground handling and commercial services beyond its own airport operations. The initiative was announced at the company’s 32nd annual general meeting and will begin with a passenger verification system project at Durgapur Airport in West Bengal.
According to a statement cited by Business Standard, CIAL will use its experience in airport development and operations to provide specialised services to airports and aviation stakeholders across India. V D Satheesan said the company’s technical capabilities could be deployed in new markets through the consultancy division, creating an additional avenue for CIAL to use its operational expertise.
The first CIAL ACES assignment will form part of a wider plan for Durgapur Airport. CIAL said it would work on developing the airport as a multimodal logistics hub, establishing a Global Convention Centre in association with the airport, expanding revenue-generation opportunities and improving passenger experience through advanced technologies.
The expansion places airport operations, logistics, passenger systems and commercial development within a single consultancy offering. The listed service areas cover both physical infrastructure and operational functions, including runway development, cargo handling and ground services. The company has not disclosed the financial value or delivery timeline of the Durgapur project in the information available.
CIAL’s move follows a financial year in which it reported total revenue of Rs 1,220 crore and a profit of Rs 502 crore. The airport handled 73,134 aircraft movements and 1.14 crore passengers during 2025-26, according to the company. These figures provide the operational base from which CIAL is seeking to market its airport-management capabilities to other locations.
The annual general meeting also approved the Board of Directors’ recommendation to distribute a 55 per cent dividend to shareholders. The company’s new consultancy business will therefore operate alongside its existing airport operations and shareholder-return obligations.
The Kerala-based airport operator also launched a Bridge Mounted Equipment service at its airport. The facility supplies electricity to aircraft parked at the airport, and the statement said it could be provided free of cost to all aircraft, making it the first such free service in India.
The CIAL ACES launch was inaugurated at the meeting, which was attended by Minister of Higher Education and CIAL Director Roji M John, CIAL Managing Director S Suhas, Company Secretary Rajeev K and Chief Financial Officer Saji Daniel. The Durgapur passenger verification system and the broader logistics-hub plan are the next identified steps for the consultancy division.
