‘Silk Route’ to be launched next month:

BIA targets 60% increase of business travellers

Lumbini EDIRISINGHE

The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) will launch the Commercial Important Passenger (CIP) Service under the brand name ‘Silk Route’ next month.

The BIA is targeting a 60 percent increase of business travellers within the next five years and Silk Route would be one of the products that would be offered to them, said Head of Airport Management H.S. Hettiarachchi.

“The Silk Route service facilitates business, corporate clients and VIPs. It provides a comprehensive service for clients from the aircraft right up to the vehicle,” he said.

While the regional airports are offering similar services as an effective marketing strategy, the Colombo International Airport had so far not focused on this niche market segment.

“The BIA facilitates international business clients and also caters to transit passengers and is considered a hub in the region. With the CIP services, the BIA would be on par with other international airports in the region,” he said.

“The Silk Route service would add more glamour to the Colombo international airport which is already earning the reputation as one of the most preferred airports in the region.

“We have an experienced staff who would attend to the needs of fast track clearance formalities for passengers under this service,” he said.

“This would also be a new revenue generating strategy to increase the profit to the Colombo international airport,” said Deputy Head of Commercial and Properties, Air Port and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, R.M. Piyadasa.

“The airport industry is very competitive globally and it is the major source of revenue in the industry. With peace on the horizon, we expect more international airlines to patronize the BIA and we are getting ready for the new situation in the country with a better response from the world.

The Silk Route is a personalized service which offers the best for customers’ requirements. Under this service the Colombo Airport will offer fast immigration and customs clearance services.

In addition, the CIP service will also provide conference facilities, Internet, e-mail, fax, telephone, photocopy facilities and all other associated services at a nominal fee.