Daya Aviation to expand domestic operations
Anjana Samarasinghe
The Daya Air Lines the newest entrant to Daya Group of Companies
under Daya Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, will purchase new air craft to strengthen
their domestic operations. Group Director of Daya Group of Companies,
D.T. Kingsley Bernard told Daily News Business this will be a passenger
aircraft and the company has made arrangements to purchase the aircraft
this year.
Since there are restrictions on traveling to Jaffna overland there is
a huge demand created for air travel.
Talking about the local aviation industry Bernard said though there
are number of players in the industry it is less competitive. "There is
a shortage of experienced pilots and aircraft engineers in the industry.
It is important to have experienced aircraft engineers to maintain
high standards in flight safety.
Not in Sri Lanka even in India industry need over 5000 pilots", he
said. "Local aviation industry needs to focus on establishing pilot
training schools and technical colleges for aircraft engineers. Industry
has the potential of training pilots and aircraft engineers to fulfill
the regional requirements.
Local aviation industry could earn a large amount of foreign exchange
through this sector", he said.
Bernard said the company also expects to expand its operation to
regional level. "This year we will be focusing on strengthening our
domestic operations and company will have more new investments in this
year", he added.
Talking about the future plans of Daya Group of Companies Bernard
said they will venture into bio fertiliser business and leisure industry
this year.
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