The Mopa International Airport is all set to begin with the operations from tomorrow onwards. The domestic flights will begin with the operations first followed by international ones. If one takes a look at the apps used to book the flights, there is a high demand for the same. There are very few tickets left for the inter-State flights upto January 15 and those tickets too will probably be sold out by the time of publication. Understandably, many would be excited to experience their first air travel journey. Mumbai is closer to Goa and many would opt for flights not only during vacations, but also otherwise as a large number of Goans work in the neighbouring State’s capital. The local crowd is expected at the airport at least during the initial years.
Despite all this, it is a question of how much of Pernem will be seen or showcased at the airport. In recent times, passengers do not perceive airports just as a facility for transport but have come to see it as a great spot for shopping from duty-free retail outlets. Every airport tries their best to attract as many passengers as possible and the only thing that underlines their uniqueness is the variety of services provided there. These stores even include special products which have niche buyers.
It is only natural for the Manohar International Airport to have competition with Dabolim International Airport in this regard. Considering the competition part, preference should be given to the products from Pernem and Goa at the duty-free shops at Manohar International Airport. From simple footwear to designer clothes, from popular chocolates and coffees to premium brands of wines, from best-selling books and magazines to attractive jewellery; there is nothing you cannot buy at the airport anymore. And if the passengers get tired after all the shopping, they can refresh and recharge themselves by trying world-cuisine at various restaurants available at the airport itself.
As per the notable business reports, the turnover of duty-free trade goes up to more than 67 billion dollars. The Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest growing markets for retail business that takes place at airports. Also, many passengers are left with ample amount of time till the completion of safety procedures and they can very well utilise their free time doing the aforementioned activities. Mumbai International Airport is one that stresses a lot on providing wide variety in such services. Today at the Mumbai Airport, there are 16 duty-free shops at T2 Departure, 25 shops at T1 Departure, 33 shops at T2 International Departure and 48 shops at T2 Domestic Departure. These shops and showrooms sell world-class products at discounted rates. Indeed, there will be such services available at Manohar International Airport as well and along with that, local products should also be made available. Keep the parameters strict for quality measurement and control, but make sure to give the local products an opportunity at the international level. As compared to the shopping malls, the retailers at the airports enjoy more benefits. The business hours of the physical retail outlets are specific as opposed to the stores at the airport which provide 24x7 service. The airports witness huge crowds during weekends and vacations.
The airports will go through transformation in the upcoming years by including Value Added Services such as shopping to their priority list. This will not only generate more revenue for the airport but will also help in providing more options for the passengers. In all this, we must take time to find out how this airport will benefit the locals. One must understand that only jobs do not mean employment but business opportunities are employment too. The locals should be brought together for this in an organised manner. There is still time for international flights to take off from the Manohar International Airport and by then quality local products can be produced. Care should be taken about purchase of these products and that they are made available at the duty-free stores. The producers from unorganised sectors in the State should not stay limited to showcasing their talent only at exhibitions. The airport should be used to provide them with sustainable employment and only then one would be able to say that the airport has really opened its doors for development.