Hyderabad is in the geographic centre of India and this makes its airport a strategic hub for both domestic and international air traffic. The new airport has been developed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) and is located 22km from the city centre of Hyderabad. The airport is located on a Greenfield site and has been officially opened on 23rd March, 2008. A modular terminal building has been built to accommodate 12 million passengers annually with starting capacity of 7 million. Currently there are 13 international airlines and 7 domestic airlines operating from Hyderabad flying to 35 destinations. The airport is operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), a public-private joint venture between GMR Group, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, the state Government of Andhra Pradesh and Airports Authority of India (AAI), with GMR Group being the majority shareholder. GMR Group is one of the fastest growing and leading private sector organizations in India with interests in infrastructure and agri-business. Founded in 1978, by its present Chairman Shri G.M. Rao, the Group is well diversified and professionally managed. GHIAL has built the new Hyderabad International Airport, based on a unique public – private partnership model, the promoters led by GMR Group has firmly established Hyderabad as a preferred destination on the global map.