New domestic airline to be launched soon
 

by Ramani Kangaraarachchi

A new domestic charter flight operation / Air ambulance is to be launched by Daya Group of Companies shortly under its subsidiary company Daya Aviation (Pvt) Ltd which will be the latest domestic airline in Sri Lanka. Three twin engine Dornier 228 Aircraft with a passenger capacity of nineteen each would join the fleet very soon to increase capacity and flexibility of the service. Director Daya Group, Mahinda Wijesundara said.

The company owns a Twin Engine Baron (BE 55) with a passenger capacity of four. at present in Ratmalana maintained by a team of experienced engineers.

Wijesundara said that there is lot of potential for a means of quicker, efficient and flexible mode of transportation within the country for Sri Lankans, expatriate tourists and business people which has not been explored satisfactorily so far and Daya Aviation is well prepared to meet the challenge with a sound financial background which is essential for a sustainable market. He said that the Group initially obtained licence for Private Operator Status last year to meet inter company needs minimising the transport time of their buyers in the apparel sector.

Since then many inquiries came from people for commercial trips where they identified the need and converted to Private Commercial Status stepping into travel and leisure sector opportunities.

The company is positive of providing tour packages to any destination in the country with a minimum of 24 hours notice for Rs 7000 upwards per person for a two day package.. "We have the advantage of flying to all airfields available in Sri Lanka and our fleet of aircraft has been specially selected to operate even into and out of unpaved rugged surfaces within confined areas. Highly personalised professional service could be provided to satisfy the customer in all aspects cheif pilots Captain M.Izadeen said.

The company has two entities to handle sales and ticketing . They also offer the aircraft for round trips or overnight stopovers to cover the cultural triangle ,excursions to cover safaris and for airport transfers leaving more leisure time for their customers. Services are also available for patients requiring immediate transfer to Colombo hospitals from rural areas.

Daya Group of companies consist of 11 companies which has a turnover of Rs 8 billion per year.