AVIATION

UL earns over Rs 20 m from SL diplomats’ air travel

SriLankan Airlines has earned a revenue in the excess of Rs 20 million by arranging air travel to Sri Lankan diplomats and their staff based overseas.

Chairman SriLankan Airlines Nishantha Wickramasinghe told ‘Daily News’ business that Sri Lankan diplomats based overseas were requested to purchase their air tickets to travel to Colombo from SriLankan to attend the diplomatic training programme in Diyatalawa. “We want this programme to continue and will make a request to the government to request all Sri Lankan embassies based overseas to purchase SriLankan airline tickets for their overseas travel.

“This would not only bring additional revenue to the airline but would also save foreign exchanging to other overseas airlines. There is no disadvantage in flying SriLankan.”

The Chairman said that with the airline being invited to join Oneworld Alliance, one of the top three aviation ‘unions’, SriLankan would get the opportunity to sell tickets even to ‘off line’ destinations,” he added.

He said that this proves that an airline don't need hundreds of aircraft to earn profits. “What is needed is novel thinking.”

Meanwhile Chairman addressing Travel Agents in Beijing said that they should try to promote weekend packages to Colombo.

Currently many Chinese travellers fly to Genting Highlands in Malaysia and Singapore on Fridays mainly to patronize casinos and for entertainment.

“The travel agents should try to sell Colombo to this market,” he said. This could be done from June 15 as the airline would be launching daily flights to both Beijing and Shanghai.

Currently many travellers from Chennai, Mumbai and the Maldives flies to Colombo on Friday's mainly to use casinos and returns on Sunday night.

SIA to add fourth daily to London

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will introduce a fourth daily flight between Singapore and London Heathrow from October, providing enhanced travel options to their customers.

SIA currently operates three flights per day between Singapore and London Heathrow, all with Airbus A380s.

The additional flight, which will have a late-night departure from Singapore, will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, also featuring the Airline’s latest cabin products.

The increase in frequency will be carried out progressively, starting the week of 9 September when the number of flights per week will rise to 25 from 21.

The full complement of 28 flights per week will take effect from the week of 21 October.

“We have been looking for opportunities to increase our London flights for many years and are pleased that we can now do so, to provide even more travel options to our customers,” said Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Commercial, Mak Swee Wah.

“Not only are London and Singapore popular destinations in their own right, the additional flights will allow for more convenient connections beyond London to other points in Europe, and beyond Singapore to other points within Asia and South West Pacific.”

Emirates unveils ‘Do More in Dubai’ offer

Emirates is offering its passengers a chance to ‘Do More in Dubai’ with a sensational offer for children accompanying parents to the airline’s home base till September.

Coinciding with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the offer enables two children under the age of 12 to fly at 50 per cent of the adult fare to Dubai, and up to two children to stay, eat and play in Dubai for free when travelling with two paying adults.

A large number of hotels in Dubai are also participating in the promotion, giving Emirates passengers a choice of hotels to suit every family’s budget and preference.

In addition to discounted flights and free accommodation and meals at these hotels, two children up to the age of 12 years will have free entry to a wide range of Dubai’s most exciting attractions, ensuring an action packed family vacation, the airline said. “Here is a opportunity for families to experience one of the world’s finest airlines and an effervescent destination, at a significant saving,” said Devika Ellepola, Emirates Sales Manager in Sri Lanka.

The offer is valid for packages with a minimum duration of three nights with free accommodation for two kids under 12 years for every two paying adults.

It includes free meals for two kids under 12 years for every two paying adults at the hotel booked to stay in, free Dubai City Tour and Dhow Cruise with Dinner for two kids under 12 years for every two paying adults and many more attractions.

Members of Skywards, Emirates’ award-winning frequent flyer programme, earn a 20 per cent bonus on their Skywards Miles when they book a minimum of three nights.