Malaysian Airlines adds frequencies to Colombo

Shirajiv Sirimane

Malaysian airlines in a bid to meet the growing passenger demand have added two additional frequencies to Colombo. This would increase their weekly flights to Colombo to ten.

Malaysian High Commissioner Azmi Zainuddin, Hemas Group Director Intiaz Esufally, Malaysian Airlines General Manager, Shah Irwan Shahizan Pictures by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa

Malaysian Airlines General Manager, in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Shah Irwan Shahizan said that currently they are maintaining high passenger growth at around 20% and they also see an increased demand from both countries in the future. "This is the reason why we decided to increase flights to Colombo", he added.

The two new frequencies would be day flights and the airline would be using a Boeing 737-800 flights departing from Colombo at 01 00 hours and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 07 10 hours and the Kuala Lumpur- Colombo day flights will depart at 1110 hours and arrive at 1200 hours. This would offer 480 seats per week for a route. "The daytime frequencies will offer better travel options for passenger," he said.

He also said that the award winning airline's Malaysian hospitality, traditional cuisine and competitive prices, and exceptional in-flight experience in another plus point for passengers flying Malaysian.

Hemas Air Services in Sri Lanka which is the GSA for Malaysian airlines initially services Colombo with a twice weekly frequency which was later increased to four per week.

"Malaysian High Commissioner Azmi Zainuddin said that this is a welcome move and it would help to increase travel and business among the two countries.

He said that there was an overall 35% increase of Malaysia tourists visiting Sri Lanka and a 55% increase of Sri Lankans", he said. He said that one of the main reasons for Malaysia to be popular among Lankans is that it offers attractions for the whole family.

Malaysian High Commissioner Azmi Zainuddin, Hemas Holdings Group Director Intiaz Esufally, Malaysian Airlines General Manager, Shah Irwan Shahizan and other officials at the event to announce the additional frequencies. Pictures by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa

When asked as to what the embassy would do to increase efficiency at the Embassy when people call for Visa he said that this is an area that is being currently addressed.

He said that Malaysia is gaining reputation as a popular tourist destination and the country recorded 25.03 million tourist arrivals in 2012 compared to 24.71 million in the previous year.

Hemas Holdings Group Director Intiaz Esufally said that though Malaysia is a developed country their Visa fee is still under five US and this too is a reason for passengers to select Malaysia over other Far Eastern destinations which are also more expensive.

Meanwhile, Counselor, Tan Li Lung, High Commission of Malaysia, Colombo said that 51,486 visas consist of Single Entry and Multiple Entry visas were issued from the High Commission last year compared to 49,431 in 2011. "We expect this trend to continue."