AVIATION

SriLankan to acquire new aircraft

To explore new markets:

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

SriLankan Airlines will embark on a major upgrade in service with the leasing of new aircraft to its fleet.

This will provide more facilities and comfort to the traveller.

It will expand its business in several areas including the purchase of new aircraft, introduction of new destinations, increase frequencies and the commencement of air taxi operations, SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe said.

"Sri Lanka will explore new markets for the leisure sector. The country could capitalize on the fondness of Americans for new experiences and could be the land for pleasure seekers from the USA and Canada", he said.

The first ever visit by a group of leading North American and Canadian tour operators on a familiarization tour was organised by SriLankan Airlines to promote Sri Lanka as a new tourism destination for tourists from the USA and Canada.

With the positive climate prevalent in Sri Lanka, the country has a strong base to provide capacity for tourism growth. The country is ready to embark on this expansion program to cover top ten tourism generating markets and to spread its wings as far as North America, SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gunawardena said.

"Final plans will be made in a few weeks to bring in new type of tourists from places where we did not have access before. Sri Lanka is a good product and value for money", he said.

The USA and Canada tour group was of the opinion that Sri Lanka is a fabulous place to visit. They were delighted that they were a part of the visiting team.

"Sri Lanka is the best place to visit. The country is amazing and incredible. We are privileged to be here.

There is much potential in adventure, culinary, eco and photography tourism. The memories of Sri Lanka will last for a life time", they said.

"We need to sign joint venture agreements for more tourists to visit this country. The destination is wonderful and hospitality is second to none. The smile of friendly people is a plus point and it is true that people make destination special", they said.

SriLankan Airlines is currently working together with its interline partners - American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Etihad Airways and Malaysia Airlines to provide connections to the airline's gateway points in Europe and the Far East.

It is working together with Sri Lanka Travel Inc. and Sri Lanka Tourism on a strategic plan aimed at North American and Canadian leisure markets.

Cathay Pacific Airways miles promotion

Cathay Pacific Airways rewards business and leisure travellers with a 'Double Miles' promotion this season, presenting bonus miles to all Asia Miles and Marco Polo members when they travel to the vibrant cities of Bangkok or Singapore.

New and existing Asia Miles Members and Marco Polo members travelling on an Eligible Economy Class round trip between Colombo and Bangkok or Singapore on Cathay Pacific Airways will accrue double Asia Miles. Members can purchase their round-trip tickets before November 15.

Travellers must register between October 1 and December 31 to avail themselves of this promotion by visiting the 'Special Offers' page at www.asiamiles.com, and travel before December 31, 2010.

Bonus Asia Miles will be credited to members' accounts four to six weeks after the promotion ends. Once earned, Asia Miles will be valid for three years and members can redeem free tickets at any time during the validity period.

To earn Asia Miles, quote your membership number when you book your flight online or with your travel agent, and present your membership card at check-in.

Cathay Pacific Airways Sales and Marketing Manager Ruhan Abbas said members also get to enjoy a host of opportunities to earn Asia Miles with non-air partners such as hotels, restaurants, banks and rent-a-car. and redeem Asia Miles for free tickets, flight upgrades, companion tickets and a variety of other offers.

Cebu Pacific goes for IPO

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific said Friday it hopes to raise up to 26.83 billion pesos (620 million dollars) in what could be the Philippines' largest initial public offering this year.

In a letter to the Philippine Stock Exchange the airline said the final offer price would be 125 pesos per common share.

The company, the country's largest budget carrier by fleet and sales, is selling up to 214.63 million common shares to raise funds to expand its fleet.

Its offering will start Tuesday, and the shares will be listed on October 26.

Cebu Air Inc. is majority-owned by the local conglomerate JG Summit Holdings.

Listed JG Summit closed 0.20 percent higher at 25.30 pesos on Friday.

Cebu Pacific, with a fleet of 29 planes, is the second largest airline in the Philippines and flies mostly to domestic destinations but also has routes to China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore. AFP