Deccan Aviation Lanka buys aircraft
Boost for domestic air travel, tourism:
Ramani Kangaraarachchi
Denham Schokman
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The new aircraft is set to create new leisure products
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Deccan Aviation Lanka will induct a new eight seater aircraft which
is scheduled to commence commercial operations in April this year.
Deccan Aviation Lanka CEO and Director Denham Schokman told Daily News
Business that the new aircraft is manufactured by Gippsaero Australia
and is a leader in its class of aircraft with the ability to land at all
airports in the country including unpaved runways and beach strips.
The aircraft has a published value of USD 650,000. Last year 35
percent of the Deccan flights were utilized by locals. This is an
improvement from the 25 percent in year 2009. Helicopter flights are
typically expensive all over the world and attract a clientele who are
willing to pay a premium.
“The new aircraft has the lowest operating cost of its class and this
will enable us to offer attractive airfares to the market,” Denham
Schokman said.
The Government has relaxed many restrictions to facilitate domestic
flight operations, this has attracted new applicants who has established
interest to start domestic flight services.
Deccan’s move to induct a new aircraft falls parallel with the
Government’s Visit Sri Lanka 2011 campaign.
The new aircraft is set to create new leisure products such as para
jumping and skydiving which is new brand of tourism that Sri Lanka is
yet to unveil.
This will also create new employment opportunities to the youth.
The aicraft’s slow and low flying maneuverability will enable the
company to conduct scenic flights such as whale watching, sunrise at
Adam’s Peak, Sigiriya and similar attractions. |