GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) has signed agreement with MAT for the period August 2006-May 2008 to facilitate the airport transfer process, according to An drew Harrison head-airport operations. GHIAL MAI has been the ORAT consultant for some of the most prestigious airport projects like the Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, new Athens International airport and the KL International airport of Malaysia.

What it really means is that, on D-Day, all flights landing in Hyderabad before midnight will land at Begum pet and those coming in after mid night will land at Shamshabad. Also take-offs before midnight will be from Begumpet airport and those after 12 am will be from Shamshabad. Airline operators will also make minor adjustments in the timings to facilitate the transfer," he said.

"Irrespective of the volume of traffic in different airports, the efforts required for shifting an airport will be the same, asserted MrHarrison. With the date of shifting fixed, March 1, 2008. MAI will work backwards on the schedule of transfer process.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport staff and airline companies will also work with MAI in transition process. The entire process of transfer will begin with the planning, design and construction of amenities followed by testing, trail runs and actual relocation of people and resources before the new airport starts functioning

Broadly, the shifting of the airports requires the movement of equipment for aviation, security, cargo, IT systems, administration and human resources. 'There are different ways of undertaking the transfer process. We have chosen the most optimum and resource-saving method of airport transfer, Mr. Harrison elaborated.