AVATION

Airsenok dominating local skies

Turning a new chapter in domestic aviation, SENOK GROUP OF COMPANIES recently launched its Domestic helicopter charter service under the name of ‘AIR SENOK’ recently.

The launch has already attracted the attention of the corporate, foreign agencies and as well as the high flying tourists. The company hopes to provide an excellent service to potential investors, high-end tourists that seem to pour into the island with the expansion of tourism and related services. In line with such enormous development AIR SENOK aptly fills the vacuum that exists in the Sri Lankan aviation industry.

The company, having looked at many options purchased Eurocopter’s AS 350 B3 helicopters as it was in the fore front where speed, power, comfort and reliability was concerned. The aircraft weighing 2250 Kg maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft flies at a cruise speed of 130 nm/ 235 Kmph, making it the fastest helicopters currently in Sri Lanka.Purchased brand new from France, this high performance variant of the AS 350 B3 Ecureuil (Squirrel/Astar) series, the single-engine B3 outclasses all other six seat helicopters for power, flexibility, safety and low maintenance of costs.

It is specially made to measure for hot weather conditions and very high altitudes and would easily tackle altitude changes in areas such as Pidurutalagala, Nuwara Eliya, the knuckles range and even Sigiriya.

A standard production model recently made history by landing on Mountain Everest. Its VIP configuration offers all the amenities of an executive jet without the annoying need for a landing strip. All seats are forward-facing for comfort.

The baggage compartments are easily accessible to allow for quick loading of bulky luggage and parcels.

The flexible design of the AS 350 B3?s enables it to be configured for many different missions, allowing for one aircraft to perform the role of many. Much of the special mission equipment added to the B3?s is removable, allowing the aircraft to quickly switch between roles such as Medical Evacuation Services in Emergencies. This is the only aircraft that?s fitted with the original Medical evacuation systems.

The helicopter can also be configured with the ?enhanced cargo handling system?.

The system consists of an under sling which can carry up to 1300 kilos. The company within a few days of its launch carried out its first Emergency Medical Evacuation making it the first such evacuation carried out by a private company in Sri Lanka.

The AIR SENOK hangar is at Ratmalana Airport. SENOK GROUP OF COMPANIES, in its last 33 years has covered many lines of business representing brands such as Kobelco, JCB, Mitsubishi, Liebherr, Sakai, UD Trucks, Ferrari, Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Nissan Diesel and more.

SriLankan check in time change

In a move to ensure a swift and smooth check in for passengers, all SriLankan Airlines economy class check in counters are now closing 60 minutes before scheduled time of departure.

The change is expected to achieve optimum utilization of the infrastructure at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.

SriLankan Airlines opens check-in counters, three hours before flight departures and boarding gates 90 minutes before departure. This would enable all passengers who check in on line to also enter the boarding lounge well in time for their flight.

“This will be a vital step to ensure better efficiency and on-time scheduled departures, for total customer satisfaction for our valued passengers. This will also allow us to provide them with a seamless and a very smooth travel experience,” said Chief Marketing Officer, G.T. Jeyaseelan.

SriLankan Airlines provides ground services for all airlines that operate through Bandaranaike International Airport and an average of 70 departures are handled by SriLankan staff daily.

Emirates offers special student fares to Australia

Emirates has introduced special fares for students travelling to Australia, as part of the airline’s continuing support to Sri Lankans travelling overseas for higher education.

Two all-inclusive, one-way student fares to Melbourne and Sydney on Economy Class are priced at just Rs 58,349 and Rs 64,095 respectively, more than 10 per cent lower the standard fares, and are valid for purchase and outbound travel up to 14th June 2012.

Also on offer are competitive return fares to these two destinations from Rs 102,394 upwards inclusive of taxes, and attractive one-way fares to Brisbane and Perth from 71,015 up, the airline said. All-inclusive return fares of Rs 109,649 to Brisbane and Rs 146,440 to Perth are also being marketed by Emirates during this period.

The announcement of the special fares coincides with the Australian Education Excellence Showcase 2012, an event organised by Austrade/Australian Government to exhibit the education options and opportunities in Australia for Sri Lankan students with the participation of 20 institutions from Australia.

Emirates is the Associate Sponsor of the Showcase for the second consecutive year. Last year’s event drew more than 350 students and was one of the most successful of the events that profiled Australian education capabilities.

This year, the Australian Education Excellence Showcase 2012 will be held on Saturday, 25 February 201 at the Taj Samudra Hotel.

“Emirates is a preferred choice of students travelling overseas, not just to Australia, because we make a special effort to provide them with the best travel options,” said Devika Ellepola, Emirates Sales Manager in Sri Lanka. “These include price, destinations, connections, and our award-winning in-flight service.”

She added that Australia was a key destination for Emirates as large numbers of expatriates and leisure travellers fly the airline to that country in addition to students.

Emirates flies to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane with ultra-modern, super-luxury Airbus A380 Superjumbo and Boeing 777 aircraft. The Airbus A380 currently operates to Sydney and will serve Melbourne from 1st October 2012. All aircraft are equipped with Emirates’ bespoke and award-winning in-flight system ‘ice’ (information, communication and entertainment) offering over 1000 channels of on-demand entertainment -- the largest selection of programming in the sky.

Passengers including students who avail of the special fares announced will also benefit from the generous Emirates baggage allowance of 30kg on Economy Class.

The number of Sri Lankans studying in Australia continues to increase, with over 6,000 Sri Lankan students enrolled in 2010-11 (September year-to-date), according to statistics of Australian Education International (AEI).

The winner of more than 500 top international awards, Emirates operates 70 flights a week to four cities in Australia and offers connections to 28 other points on the continent in collaboration with Virgin Australia. The Emirates network now comprises 118 destinations in 70 countries.

AFP

Singapore Airlines staff visit Gamini Matha Elders’ Home

The staff of Singapore Airlines took some time off to share and spend some time with the residents of Gamini Matha Elders’ home recently.

General Manager for Singapore Airlines Aldrin Arumugam, Managing Director (Aitken Spence GSA) Mr Keethi Jayaweera took part in this project along with the various department heads to share and mingle with the members of the elders’ home. SIA contributed some items and made arrangements to offer some snacks along with tea for the elders living there.

The residents started the evening by conducting religious prayers and thanking god for giving this opportunity to be happy and joyful. All staff members present made sure that these elders had a good time. Mrs. Shihana Cader – Public Relations Manager Singapore Airlines coordinated the project on behalf of Singapore Airlines.

AFP