Aviation Voice

10/12/2024

Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air to Launch Tashkent-Colombo Flights from December 15

Centrum Air, a leading airline from Uzbekistan, has revised its launch date for flights to Sri Lanka. The Tashkent-Colombo route, originally scheduled to commence on 17th November 2024, is now set to begin operations on 15th December 2024.

This weekly service, operated on Sundays, will feature the state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Flight Schedule:

light C65509: Departs Tashkent (TAS) at 02:40, arriving in Colombo (CMB) at 09:10.
Flight C65510: Departs Colombo (CMB) at 10:30, arriving in Tashkent (TAS) at 15:40.

Source: Aero Routes

09/12/2024

US Imposes Sanctions on Two Rajapaksa Government Officials in Sri Lanka for Corruption!

The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two former Sri Lankan officials for their involvement in significant corruption.

Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, is accused of accepting bribes to ensure the airline purchased overpriced Airbus aircraft. Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, allegedly orchestrated a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force.

The U.S. Department of State, under Section 7031(c), has publicly designated both individuals and their immediate family members, barring them from entry into the United States.

Sri Lanka
Kapila Chandrasena, Former CEO of Sri Lanka Airlines

Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Kapila Chandrasena for his involvement in significant corruption. Chandrasena accepted a bribe while serving in his capacity as Sri Lankan Airlines CEO in exchange for ensuring Sri Lanka purchased Airbus aircraft for over market value. As part of this action, his immediate family members are also designated.

Udayanga Weeratunga, Former Ambassador to Russia

Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Udayanga Weeratunga for his involvement in significant corruption. Weeratunga orchestrated and personally benefitted from a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. As part of this action, his immediate family members are also designated. (News Wire)

09/12/2024

ගුවන්යානා වලට අනතුරු කරන, මොනවද මේ වායු කැළඹීම්?

ගුවන්යානා වලට අනතුරු කරන, මොනවද මේ වායු කැළඹීම්? Aviation Voice, කපිතාන් එල්මෝ ජයවර්ධන මහතා සමග කළ මුල්ම වැඩසටහන..𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜...

09/12/2024

Suranga Bolonghe Appointed General Manager of The Kandy Travels & Leisure (Pvt) Ltd.!

The Kandy Travels & Leisure (Pvt) Ltd has announced the promotion of Mr. Suranga Bolonghe to the position of General Manager. A dedicated professional with extensive experience in the travel and leisure industry, Mr. Bolonghe has been a key figure in the company's growth and success.

09/12/2024

Air India places firm order for another 100 Airbus jets

Air India has ordered another 100 Airbus jets as its continues its aggressive expansion under Tata Group ownership.

The firm order announced on 9 December – for 10 A350s and 90 A320neo-family aircraft – adds to the 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft for which Air India already placed firm orders last year. Of those previously ordered aircraft, 40 were A350s and 210 were A320neo-family jets, alongside 190 737 Max jets, 20 787s, and 10 777Xs.

“With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet beyond the firm orders of the 470 aircraft placed last year,” says the chair of Air India and Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Flight Global

09/12/2024

Sri Lanka's Tourism Shines: November Earnings Hit $273M with Record Arrivals

Sri Lanka's tourism industry achieved a remarkable milestone in November 2024, with monthly earnings reaching US$ 273 million, a notable increase compared to US$ 205.3 million in November 2023 and US$ 185.6 million in October 2024.

The country welcomed 184,158 tourists in November, up from October's 151,496 arrivals. Cumulatively, the first eleven months of 2024 have recorded 1,804,873 visitors, positioning Sri Lanka firmly on track to achieve its ambitious target of two million arrivals for the year.

09/12/2024

Carlyle Is Said to Revive Sale of World’s Biggest Seaplane Firm

A group of investors led by Carlyle Group Inc. is considering reviving the sale of Trans Maldivian Airways Pvt., people familiar with the matter said, amid a recovery in travel to the island nation.

Carlyle and co-investors King Street Capital Management and Davidson Kempner Capital Management are working with a financial adviser on the potential sale of the Indian Ocean island-based business known as TMA, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. The owners have started sounding out interest from prospective buyers, including other industry players and investment funds, the people said.

Full story >>> https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/international/2024/12/04/carlyle-is-said-to-revive-sale-of-worlds-biggest-seaplane-firm/

09/12/2024

Will Sri Lanka Pass 2 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2024?

Sri Lanka's tourism sector continues its robust recovery, with 1,828,831 visitors recorded from January 1 to December 4, 2024. India emerged as the largest source market, contributing an impressive 368,410 tourists. Following closely were the Russian Federation with 166,652 visitors and the United Kingdom with 161,174 travelers.

To reach the 2 million milestone, Sri Lanka needs another 171,169 arrivals in the remaining 27 days of December. Historically, December has been a strong month for tourism, driven by holiday travel and favorable weather. If the country sustains its momentum, bolstered by ongoing initiatives like the free-visa program for 35 countries, achieving this target is within reach.

08/12/2024

Garuda Indonesia plans to increase fleet by 15 to 20 aircraft in 2025

Garuda Indonesia, the largest carrier in the southeast Asian island country, has announced its intention to increase its fleet by 15 to 20 aircraft in 2025.

The airline’s new CEO, Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, who’s tenure at the helm of the airline started in November 2024, announced these plans during a press conference on December 6, 2024.

Garuda’s top executive also indicated that the carrier expects to receive two aircraft before the end of 2024 and another two in January 2025.

08/12/2024

FitsAir Touchdown at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

FitsAir Smooth Landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) | MLE - CMB 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪: https://www.youtube.com/chan...

08/12/2024

Another Sri Lankan girl working as a cabin crew member for Qatar Airways ❤️✈️

08/12/2024

Flights suspended at Damascus Airport as Syrian government falls!

Flights are suspended at Damascus International Airport following the collapse of the Syrian government.

On Sunday, Syria's Sham FM radio reported that the airport in the capital city had been evacuated and all flights halted after the city fell to rebel forces overnight.

A spokesperson for Fly & More Travel, a Dubai travel agent for Cham Wings Airlines, confirmed the news. "For now, there are no flights. We are awaiting further information from our company regarding the resumption of services," the spokesperson told The National on Sunday morning. - The National News

08/12/2024

1965

08/12/2024

Air Ceilao Applies for AOC, Eyes Flights to UAE, India, Singapore

The upcoming carrier of Sri Lanka, Air Ceilão has submitted an air operator’s certificate (AOC) application to the country’s civil aviation authority, targeting commercial operations by May 2025.

The carrier aims to leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical position as a regional aviation hub.

Air Ceilao AOC
According to the 'Ch-aviation' report, The startup plans to launch operations with two A320 Family aircraft, focusing on key destinations across the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

According to an Air Ceilão spokesperson, the initial network encompasses a comprehensive route strategy designed to connect Colombo with major international airports.

Proposed Initial Route Network:

Colombo (CMB) to Dubai (DXB) International: 5X weekly
Colombo to Doha (DOH): 5X weekly
Colombo to Chennai (MAA): 5X weekly
Colombo to Bangkok (BKK): 4X weekly
Colombo to Singapore (SIN): 4X weekly
Colombo to Malé (MLE): 3X weekly

Note: All of these are roundtrip flights.

At present, the Sri Lankan Aviation market is dominated by its flag carrier, SriLankan Airlines (UL). It is moving toward sustainable operations and restructuring as Sri Lanka’s government failed to privatize the carrier.

As per the FY2023-24 report, SriLankan Airlines has shown remarkable progress by reporting a positive net profit and flying 3.6 million passengers, however, this number is still down by around 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

But Sri Lankan tourism industry showing recovery with international passengers visiting the country to explore its rich landscapes and unique heritage sites. Air Ceilao can capitalize on these growing trends and find its place along with FitsAir.

However, Sri Lanka like India is a graveyard of airlines. Around 15 carriers have suspended their operations in the last 40 years. So Air Ceilao needs to have a solid business model and strategy to stay afloat.

Chairman Janith Kashan emphasized the country’s pivotal role as a regional aviation hub, highlighting the strategic importance of the new carrier’s planned network. The AOC application represents a significant milestone in Air Ceilão’s mission to establish a competitive presence in the international air travel market.

Source: Aviationa2z

08/12/2024

FitsAir Adds Thiruvananthapuram Service From Late December 2024

FitsAir is set to launch a new route connecting Colombo (CMB) to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) starting December 24, 2024. The service will be operated three times weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft, offering more travel options between the two cities.

Schedule Details:

8D873 CMB0855 – 0955TRV 320 24
8D871 CMB1230 – 1330TRV 320 7

8D874 TRV1045 – 1145CMB 320 24
8D872 TRV1420 – 1520CMB 320 7

Source: Aero Routes

07/12/2024

2,500 panda sculptures displayed at Hong Kong International Airport

Thousands of giant panda sculptures have been on display at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

The launch ceremony for PANDA GO! FEST HK exhibition took place on December 2, 2024. It featured 2,500 panda figures displayed at HAECO’s hangar at HKG Airport, adjacent to a Cathay Pacific aircraft.

The panda sculptures were created from recycled materials such as rubber barrels and resin. This exhibition is inspired by the six pandas that live in Ocean Park, an animal theme park in Hong Kong. Two of them were born in August 2024.

The event is the biggest panda-themed exhibition in Hong Kong, as the city is working to become one of Asia’s main tourist attractions.

The panda sculptures will be shown at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui starting December 7, 2024, and then at three other locations in December 2024.

In September 2024, Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 747 freighter transported two giant pandas to their new home at Ocean Park.

Aero Time

07/12/2024

සිංගප්පූරුවට පුළුවන් වෙලා, අපට බැරි වුණු හැටි?

(සිංගප්පූරු ගුවන්සේවය - ෆ්ලයිස්කූට් | ශ්‍රීලංකන් - මිහින් ලංකා)
එයාර් සිලෝන් වැහුණු හැටි..

සිංගප්පූරුවට පුළුවන් වෙලා, අපට බැරි වුණු හැටි?(සිංගප්පූරු ගුවන්සේවය - ෆ්ලයිස්කූට් | ශ්‍රීලංකන් - මිහින් ලංකා)එයාර්...

07/12/2024

Centigradz on Board with SriLankan Airlines ✈️