SriLankan Airlines joined the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) 2023, Middle East’s leading international travel and tourism event, from 1 – 4 May in Dubai, to boost tourism from the Middle East and North Africa. The ATM has been a mainstay on the SriLankan Airlines’ calendar as the event affords unparalleled opportunities to network with travel trade luminaries and highlight the airline in the Middle East. The region is an important source market for high-net worth tourists and SriLankan promoted its flight services from the Middle East to Sri Lanka and beyond for leisure travel at ATM 2023.

SriLankan Airlines currently operates over 40 weekly flights to the Middle East spanning the key cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; Doha in Qatar; Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; and Kuwait. The airline is now looking to further strengthen its operations in the Middle East with the anticipated new aircraft deliveries to its fleet in the near future. SriLankan’s plans for the Middle East include an increase in the number of weekly flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha and the relaunch of services to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

For Middle Eastern customers seeking the thrill and vibrancy of Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines is arguably the best choice of travel due to the airline’s convenient and direct flight options between multiple cities across the Middle East and the island. SriLankan Airlines further offers quick connections to passengers travelling beyond Colombo to the Maldives, India and the Far East, which are prominently covered in the airline’s network.

This year’s ATM drew travel and tourism professionals as well as media from all corners of the world. SriLankan Airlines is optimistic that its participation at this unique event will help mobilize support from the Middle Eastern travel trade for the airline and Sri Lanka, and entice tourists from the region to make Sri Lanka their next vacation stop.

Source: http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/srilankan-airlines-zeros-in-on-tourists-from-mena-at-atm-2023/

Source: https://www.facebook.com/flysrilankan

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2022 and for the full year.

Total traffic in 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 64.4% compared to 2021. Globally, full year 2022 traffic was at 68.5% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2022 total traffic rose 39.7% compared to December 2021 and reached 76.9% of the December 2019 level.

International traffic in 2022 climbed 152.7% versus 2021 and reached 62.2% of 2019 levels. December 2022 international traffic climbed 80.2% over December 2021, reaching 75.1% of the level in December 2019.

Domestic traffic for 2022 rose 10.9% compared to the prior year. 2022 domestic traffic was at 79.6% of the full year 2019 level. December 2022 domestic traffic was up 2.6% over the year earlier period and was at 79.9% of December 2019 traffic.

“The industry left 2022 in far stronger shape than it entered, as most governments lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions during the year and people took advantage of the restoration of their freedom to travel. This momentum is expected to continue in the New Year, despite some governments’ over-reactions to China’s re-opening,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 363.3% rise in full year international 2022 traffic compared to 2021, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 129.9% and the load factor climbed 37.3 percentage points to 74.0%. December 2022 traffic rose 302.7% compared to December 2021.

European carriers’ full year traffic climbed 132.2% versus 2021. Capacity increased 84.0%, and load factor rose 16.7 percentage points to 80.6%. For December, demand climbed 46.5% compared to the same month in 2021.

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 157.4% traffic rise in 2022 compared to 2021. Capacity increased 73.8% and load factor climbed 24.6 percentage points to 75.8%. December demand climbed 69.8% compared to the same month in 2021.

North American carriers reported a 130.2% annual traffic rise in 2022 compared to 2021. Capacity increased 71.3%, and load factor climbed 20.7 percentage points to 80.8%. December 2022 traffic rose 61.3% compared to the year-ago period.

Latin American airlines posted a 119.2% traffic rise in 2022 over full year 2021. Annual capacity climbed 93.3% and load factor increased 9.7 percentage points to 82.2%, the highest among the regions. December demand climbed 37.0% compared to December 2021.

African airlines’ annual traffic rose 89.2% in 2022 versus the prior year. Full year 2022 capacity was up 51.0% and load factor climbed 14.5 percentage points to 71.7%, the lowest among regions. December 2022 traffic for African airlines rose 118.8% over the year-earlier period.

“Let us hope that 2022 becomes known as the year in which governments locked away forever the regulatory shackles that kept their citizens earthbound for so long. It is vital that governments learn the lesson that travel restrictions and border closures have little positive impact in terms of slowing the spread of infectious diseases in our globally inter-connected world. However, they have an enormous negative impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, as well as on the global economy that depends on the unfettered movement of people and goods,” said Walsh.

Source: Global passenger demand recovers in 2022 | Daily FT

Qatar Airways will be the title sponsor of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar

 Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline is now the Global Partner and Official Airline of Formula 1^®(F1^®), the pinnacle of motorsport and the world’s most technologically-advanced racing series. Qatar Airways and F1^® will be partners through the 2027 season, bringing thrills and exciting speeds to fans globally.

Today, the leading global airline announced an expansion of its sports partnership portfolio at a captivating event that brought astounding entertainment and special appearances to Doha. In addition to the global partnership, Qatar Airways will be the Title Sponsor of three Grands Prix this year: The Qatar Airways Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (19-21 May), the Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand Prix (21-23 July), and the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix (6-8 October).

This season, Formula 1^® boasts its most global racing calendar to date with 23 races across 21 countries and five continents, mirroring the motorsport’s rapidly growing footprint worldwide and the extensive global connectivity offered by the Qatar Airways oneworld Alliance, which serves over 150 countries.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The best partnerships thrive because of mutual values. Both Qatar Airways and Formula 1^® are global brands that share a passion for innovation, precision and luxury. As a brand, we believe in the power of sports to unite people, and as such, we have been selective with picking the most thrilling sporting events and sponsoring a variety of new and prominent sporting initiatives.”

 “With 23 stops in the 2023 World Championship, F1^® is a global sport, requiring a Global Airline partner that offers extensive global connectivity. Hence, Qatar Airways demonstrates the perfect companion for one of the most desirable sports series in the world.” 

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1^®, said: “As the pinnacle of motorsport, it makes sense for Formula 1^® to partner with the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways. We are two brands committed to delivering the best experiences to our fans and customers, and our combined global reach makes for a perfect match. We are delighted to welcome Qatar Airways as our Global Airline Partner.”

On his part, Mr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al-Mannai, QMMF’s President, said: “We are pleased that Qatar Airways is joining as the Global Partner and Official Airline of Formula 1^®, as well as a title sponsor for both Formula 1^® Qatar Grand Prix and Qatar MotoGP. We strongly believe that this partnership will place Qatar at the forefront of the motorsport ecosystem through hosting such prestigious events, in addition to positioning the country as a global hub for sports and entertainment tourism. This will contribute towards pushing the wheel of our society’s growth and development and will pave the way for tremendous business and investment opportunities.”

To commemorate this partnership, Qatar Airways hosted a special evening for the public at Doha’s iconic Lusail Boulevard, to mark the F1^®announcement and raise awareness about all the motorsport events taking place in Qatar this year. H.E. Minister of Sports and Youth, Mr. Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali inaugurated the official partnership along with QMMF’s President, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, Formula 1® President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, and MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The event featured a special appearance from the Qatari rally champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, former Red Bull Formula 1^® driver, David Coulthard, KTM MotoGP rider, Dani Pedrosa, stunt rider, Mike Jensen, a Red Bull drift car driven by Abdo Feghali and a static display of an FIA World Endurance Championship Hyper car. Spectators were also treated to a dazzling performance by the best-selling R&B artist, Akon.

For only the second time in history, motorsport fanatics will have the chance to watch their favourite teams and drivers push their cars to the limit at the Lusail International Circuit when F1^® heads back to Qatar for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix on 6-8 October, 2023.

In addition to the Formula 1^® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023, the Lusail International Circuit will host the Qatar Moto GP on 17-19 November. Other motorsport events in Qatar include the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar in October 2023 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship in 2024.

To celebrate this partnership, Discover Qatar, the Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways, are the first to offer tickets to the Formula 1^® Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023. Today, Discover Qatar have exclusively launched a comprehensive range of hotel and ticket-inclusive packages to their global retail partners, which include Grandstand and prestigious Paddock Club tickets. All packages include a free entry pass to the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar taking place in Doha from 5-14 October, courtesy of Qatar Tourism.

Qatar Airways Holidays further elevates the partnership with a limited number of all-inclusive travel packages, allowing global fans around the world to attend the event and partake in exclusive experiences such as pit lane walks, guided track tours and access to special events with appearances by top F1^® drivers. The Ultimate F1^® Experience packages include return flights with Qatar Airways, premium hotel options, race tickets and other exciting experiences and benefits. To secure packages, customers can visit the dedicated link, qatarairways.com/f1.

Both Qatar Airways and F1^® are committed to working together to reduce the environmental impact of their respective industries through responsible practices. As part of the partnership, both entities aim to collaborate on sustainability-focused initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and strive for a greener future.

Qatar Airways as a brand is committed to supporting global sports, helping fans travel to their favourite events wherever they may be. The airline is a leading global football supporter, with partnerships including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern, Concacaf and CONMEBOL. Additionally, Qatar Airways is the official airline of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, Official Airline Partner of the United Rugby Championship (URC), Global Kitesports Association and multiple other disciplines including equestrianism, padel, squash and tennis.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. The airline continues to stand alone at the top of the industry having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ 2022.

Source: http://news.traveltalkasia.com/wp/2023/02/23/qatar-airways-hits-the-circuit-as-the-official-airline-and-global-partner-of-formula-1/

These efforts were rewarded when ‘Project Mathaka’ won the Best Aviation Sustainability Program Award at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (SMBR) Global Aviation Awards, beating 118 other submissions recently.

“This initiative helps us to save Rs. 500,000 annually which is used to discard waste and reused material,’’ said Capt. Anushad Liyanagoda of SriLankan Airlines. “Prior to the launch of ‘Mathaka’, this waste ended in landfills, costing the airline millions in disposal costs and significantly more pollution to the environment. It also helps to save a sizable amount spent annually on the purchase of corporate gifts.”

“The concept behind ‘Mathaka’ is to artistically fashion fragments of people’s memories of air travel into the tangible. Project ‘Mathaka’ accomplishes this by repurposing remnants of yesterday’s onboard product to create entirely new products, allowing Sri Lanka to “take its planet-friendly corporate philosophy to a new level.

“SriLankan has been binning waste material such as unusable aircraft seat covers, blankets, uniforms, and other items originating from the aircraft and process of flying to the tune of 16 tons each year.

“Project ‘Mathaka’ is one of several initiatives undertaken by the airline’s Environmental Affairs and Sustainability team to support the environment in measured and impactful ways.

The only way to combat climate change is to work with like-minded partners and be a part of the solution,” he said.

Founder and CEO of the House of Lonali, Lonali Rodrigo told Sunday Observer  business, “To bring the project  to life, SriLankan AirLines collaborated with House of Lonali. House of Lonali is a local, conscious lifestyle brand that designs and manufactures upcycled lifestyle products. Under the ‘Mathaka’ brand, an exclusive range of products and accessories, including travel bags, wallets, books, key tags, photo frames, and jewellery, will be developed collaboratively.

 “Mathaka products will be introduced for sale onboard Sri Lankan Airlines’ flights and through the website and retail partners of House of Lonali. SriLankan Airlines will empower women from low-income communities to earn a living and support their families through the House of Lonali,” she said.

Source: https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/12/18/business/srilankan-wins-global-award-recycling-project

Source: https://www.facebook.com/1570792983169553/posts/pfbid06EDAJ5V5HC7dEyo2sj9rNdjpoBzb5Ak5nDYwPxeFivAPVVo9sJFynxNEqvgqmh41l/

The Government has approved the Russian flag carrier – Aeroflot to operate in Sri Lanka, increasing the number of registered airlines to nearly 30.

“We issued approval for Aeroflot on Monday and we are expecting the first flight to arrive on 10 October,” Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Upul Dharmadasa told the Daily FT.

He said the airline will operate to Colombo initially with two services per week on Friday and Monday. The Chairman also said they were open for business now and are exploring opportunities to expand the number of airlines operating in Colombo.

“We are negotiating with Cathay Pacific and Kuwait airlines to resume services to Colombo again soon,” he said.

Noting that at present around 28 airlines are registered with the CAA including 17 scheduled passenger carriers, he said more likely to start services to Colombo very soon. Dharmadasa also revealed they will hold discussions with Philippine Airlines officials this week to crack a deal to commence operations to Colombo.

“Philippine Airlines is a very lucrative opportunity to attract a lot of US tourists or passengers,” he added.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, only eight international airlines and 15 charter carriers were operating into Sri Lanka. Thereafter, air traffic to Sri Lanka rose sharply with multiple international airlines operating into Colombo. Post-pandemic a total of 37 international airlines operated into Sri Lanka.

However, given the ongoing economic crisis, several airlines were contemplating suspending their operations in Sri Lanka, as no credible solution was in sight to resolve the jet fuel shortage and the fund repatriation issues faced by the country’s aviation industry.

The situation compelled several international airlines including the national carrier – SriLankan Airlines to have utilised Trivandrum, Chennai, and Kochi airports in South India as a refuelling base before continuing to Sri Lanka. The fuel shortage also prompted airlines to cut down on capacity to Colombo.

The jet fuel shortage also threatened the triple-hit tourism industry’s recovery, which depends largely on-air connectivity.

When asked if the Government can assure uninterrupted supply he said, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced that the State-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has entered into a one-year supply agreement to secure jet fuel.

“Every operating airline is equally concerned about the guarantee Sri Lankan authorities could provide to assure uninterrupted fuel supply for their operations. We have been informed by the CPC that they have sufficient jet fuel at present and they will provide continuous supply,” he added.

The country’s main international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport has the capacity for 7.8 million liters of Jet-A1 fuel. However, the airport has managed to secure an average of just 250,000 liters per day.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/More-airlines-to-resume-flights-as-Govt-approves-Aeroflot-s-return-from-10-October/44-740375

The partnership provides enhanced connections and convenience to customers of both airlines. Each airline will place the other airline’s marketing code on its flights operated between Colombo and Kuwait with the alliance coming into effect.

In a statement to the media, SriLankan Airlines said the new codeshare partnership will strengthen and take to new heights the cordial commercial relationship that has existed between the two airlines.

Passengers may essentially expect to gain all the benefits of codeshare flights including seamless connectivity and the convenience of having their entire journey managed by one airline from the point of purchasing tickets until they arrive at their final destination with the launch of this partnership.

Furthermore, passengers of both airlines will enjoy increased alternative flight options, specifically to the Middle East and Europe via Kuwait and to the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East via Colombo. 

Both SriLankan Airlines and Kuwait Airways are also working on incorporating the Frequent Flyer Program for codeshare flights, and plan on exploring other avenues for future mutual co-operation and expansion of their partnership.

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business/SriLankan-Airlines-Kuwait-Airways-launch-codeshare-partnership/215-240377

SriLankan was bestowed the 2022 Passenger Choice Awards for Best Cabin Service for the first time and Best Wi-Fi for the second time in Central/Southern Asia by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).
One of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX, partnered once again with TripIt from Concur, the world’s highest-rated travel-organising app, to gather anonymous passenger feedback and ratings on categories such as seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment and Wi-Fi.

The wins over competing airlines, based on customer ratings, exemplify SriLankan’s longstanding commitment towards its vision to be Asia’s most customer-centric airline. The airline draws upon insights from its own passenger survey as well to enhance the quality of the onboard product, introducing incremental changes to the meals, entertainment, inflight connectivity and overall comfort presented on board on a constant basis.  

SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Richard Nuttall stated, “Our efforts have paid off yet again and it’s wonderful to receive confirmation from our passengers that we are doing things right. SriLankan Airlines has always sought to elevate the customer’s journey and that is central to the decisions we make and embodied in our employees who go the extra mile to provide a real Sri Lankan welcome to all our guests.”

COLOMBO : Maldivian national airline, Maldivia commenced international regional flight operations between is main hub at Velana International Airport and Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana from Thursday,March 9

Initially, the airline will operate scheduled flights, (Dash-8 aircraft with 50 seats) between Sri Lanka and the Maldives (Colombo) three times a week and the frequency will be increased up to five from May 2022 onwards.

Moving ahead with the long-term objectives of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited to develop the airports and aviation industry of Sri Lanka, Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR) implemented an aggressive strategy to utilize its resources effectively to contribute to the development of the aviation industry in Sri Lanka. As a result of pursuing the opportunities to re-commence regional flight operations to the Maldives, the Island Aviation Services Limited, wholly owned by the Government of Maldives.

This is a remarkable achievement of the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana as it is commencing international flight operations after a period of 50 years.

Time Schedule

Q2 944 MLE 0600  RML 0840  SUN / TUE / THU

Q2 945 RML 0940  MLE  1120 SUN / TUE / THU

A media briefing launched at Colombo International Airport ,Rathmalana (CIAR)  State Minister of Aviation and Development  Exports Zones  D.V. Chanka,  Maldives  High Commissioner Omar Abdul Razzak,  Janaka Sri Chaadragupta,   Major General (Rtd) G.A.Chandrasiri Chairman AASL,  Vice Chairman AASL Rajv Sooryarachi,   Ms. Deridre De Livera Director of AASL, Ramly Vilcassim, General Manager  Nawaloka Aviation, Shamith  Wijethilaka  Head Business Nawaloka Aviation were present at  the press conference .

State Minister of  D.V. Chanka said that the Attidiya project of 42 hectares was completed at a value  LKR 42 million,  The Eastern  Taxiway an Apron Overlay project estimated at LKR 200 million is due to be completed shortly.

The is first time a complete Ground handling services will be provided by AASL’s own team. Banking, Hotel andTaxi services , Tourists Board communication and restaurant  catering by the Vanilla pod of Sri Lanka  catering and Duty free shopping would also be made available on Arrival & Departure.

Omar Abdul Razzak High Commissioner Maldives said: “,More than 12,000 Maldivians are residents in and around  Mount Lavniya, Dehiwela, close proximity to CIAR which is an added advantage to theses residents travelers .

Major General (Rtd.) G. A. Chandrasiri, Chairman AASL stated that the strategic location of the airport with proximity to government institutions, embassy offices, prominent business centers, luxury hotels, luxury apartments, condominiums, and shopping malls etc. will enhance the strategic value of the airport. Furthermore, commencing international regional flight operations to the Maldives will contribute immensely towards the development of the airport and the aviation industry of Sri Lanka. With this new development and long-term strategic goals of AASL Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR) will work closely with domestic airline operators, relevant ministries to uplift the airport status and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Ms. Deirdre De Livera, Director AASL for Domestic & Regional Airports CIAR/JIA /BTIA & CATD, said “While we are developing new connections with new markets with Maldivian Air, we are in the process of continuing dialogues with prospective other regional airlines to encourage and facilitate the commencement of regional flight operations from Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana to other prospective destinations in South-India. Further, Ms. Livera stated that the airport will be developed and positioned as a gateway for a new experience for both Sri Lankans as well as international travelers too. Adventure and leisure-seeking enthusiasts could use CIAR as a new gateway to experience the diversity of nature, culture, wildlife and beaches of Sri Lanka by reaching any destination conveniently saving ground travel time.”

Under the strategic initiative to develop the domestic aviation industry, CIAR has introduced charter and or scenic flights directly from Ratmalana to any of Sri Lanka’s 20 airports including waterdromes thereby connecting to any part of the country within a short travel time.  As a part of this initiative, the concept of scenic joy flights have been introduced at BTIA in collaboration with domestic airlines. Joy rides will allow passengers to enjoy the spectacular ariel view of the amazing Batticaloa city and surrounding areas. More such packages are due to be introduced shortly.

Source : https://www.colombotimes.net/maldivia-launches-regular-flights-to-male-from-colombo-international-airport-ratmalana-ciar/