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RYHURI5XVVLD VDQQXDODUPVVDOHVDQG ' $ 3KRQH   PDLQWDLQVPLOLWDU\WHFKQLFDO FRRSHUDWLRQZLWK )D[   RYHUFRXQWULHVZRUOGZLGH ZZZURHUX Aviation Voice X Aviation is a noble industry in the enhancement of world economy standards in many forums. Current debates in various ongoing forums align towards the enhancement of planning and development initiatives. Recent developments have seen more efforts incorporated from the private and public players in the industry. As a team of aviation professional and enthusiasts, we at Aviation Voice aim to disseminate the message of aviation with timelines, EDITORIAL BOARD accuracy and clarity in order to drive the potential for aviation industry. In Managing Editor addition, our focus is more towards enabling access to aviation packages Asitha Jayasinghe through the institution of stakeholder involvement, activating various levels of the aviation real life cycle, social approaches, economic aspects and recent technological applications in the sector. Our professional team have identified Deputy Editors that the communication gap between the industry and the general public is the Thashira Fonseka main cause for the restrictive reach and that dedicated voice for the aviation is the Chethiya Methmal requirement of the hour. Senal De Furthermore, operating as a legal body providing aviation trade updates to the general public along with the strong social media platforms will bring the pulse Photography of aviation to all our readers. We do not just aim to educate the world about this Kasun Prabath exciting industry and its latest news, but to benefit a larger population from the Supun Jayawardena arising opportunities in the industry. Ashan Wijesuriya Asitha Jayasinghe Design & Print NEO Graphics Minister Arjuna Ranatunga assumed duties Publisher Aviation Voice No.69/14A, Senanayake Mawatha, 2nd Lane, Nawala, Sri Lanka

T/P: +94 77 2204 499 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.aviationvoice.lk FB: www.facebook.com/AviationVoice YouTube: YouTube.com/AviationVoice twitter: twitter.com/Aviation_Voice VOICE

AVIATION MP Arjuna Ranatunga officially assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s new Minister 4 of Transport and Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla on 21 December 2018.

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Chongqing launches Non-stop flight services to

Starting from December 28, 2018, Chongqing Airlines will offer passengers to take advantage of non-stop scheduled three weekly services between Chongqing (Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport) and Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport). The flights will be operated by modern Airbus A320 neo with three-class cabin configuration – Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. Chongqing Airlines is represented by Hemas Aviation Private Limited in Sri Lanka alongside China Southern Airlines, situated at Level 01 - Hemas Building, York Street, Colombo 01. Sri Lanka. Customers may reach on the dedicated number +94 11 4731552 for any assistance. VOICE AVIATION 5 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS SIA’s first A350-900 medium haul China Eastern Airlines aircraft arrives in Adelaide takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-900

Singapore Airlines (SIA) welcomed the entry into service of its new Airbus A350-900 medium haul aircraft as it made its inaugural flight from to Adelaide. China Eastern Airlines, the largest Airbus operator in , has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900. The aircraft entered into service as SQ279. It departed Singapore The aircraft, registered as B-304D, a new registration at 2334hrs local time on 17 December and arrived in Adelaide format for China, was flown from Airbus’ Toulouse at 0815hrs on Tuesday. The return flight, SQ278, departed from facility, where the aircraft type is being manufactured, Adelaide at 1045hrs local time and arrived in Singapore at 1530hrs to the ’s home base in Shanghai. local time. The brand new aircraft features a four-class cabin Featuring new regional Business Class and Economy Class cabin layout with 288 seats and is equipped with on board products that were recently launched on SIA’s Boeing 787-10 fleet, WiFi connectivity. It will initially operate on domestic the A350-900 medium haul Business Class cabin has 40 seats routes, such as Shanghai to Beijing and Guangzhou, in a 1-2-1 arrangement that ensures direct aisle access for every followed by flights to international destinations, customer, while the Economy Class cabin has 263 seats arranged including Frankfurt, Sydney and Vancouver. in a comfortable 3-3-3 configuration. China Eastern has a total of 20 A350 airplanes on The new medium-haul Business Class seats have been order, which will be delivered from 2018 through manufactured by Stelia Aerospace. With each seat able to recline 2022. directly into a 76” fully-flat bed, customers can rest in more comfort, even on the shortest flights. The new Economy Class seats At the end of October 2018, Airbus has recorded a have been designed and manufactured by RECARO and also offer total of 890 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 47 customers an enhanced in-flight experience. different customers worldwide.

program, Sindbad has been named World’s Leading Airline Rewards Air wins double at Program 2018. The World Travel Awards 2018 were presented recently at a gala World Travel Awards event held at Pátio da Galé, in Lisbon, Portugal. Jamal Al Azki, country manager Oman, and Mourad Aoulad El Haj - manager Offline Sales & Global Contracting, , received the awards on behalf of Oman Air. Apart from winning a multitude of awards and accolades, Oman Air also added 7 brand new aircraft to its growing fleet and opened three new destinations namely, Istanbul in Turkey, Casablanca in Morocco and Moscow in Russia, as well as resuming operations to during 2018. By the end of this year Oman Air would have added five new MAX VOICE aircraft and three 787-9s to its fleet. Earlier this year, Oman Air was AVIATION Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, has named the ‘’s Leading Airline, Business Class’ and ‘Middle 6 been awarded World’s Leading Airline Economy Class East’s Leading Airline, Economy Class’ at the World Travel Awards at the 2018 World Travel Awards and its frequent flyer held in the lead up to Arabian Travel Market.

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS Emirates takes Sri Lanka’s popular culture to the skies

titles like Bimba Devi alias Yashodhara, Dr. Nawariyan, Porisadaya and Nilanjana. The choice of Sinhala music on ‘ice’ is eclectic, ranging from the classics of Pandit W. D. Amaradeva, Victor Rathnayake and to the evergreen hits of Clarence Wijewardena, Keerthi Pasquel, Jananath Warakagoda, Freddie Silva and C. D. Fonseka; and the vocal stylings of Deepika Priyadarshani Peiris, Shanika Sumanasekera, Priyani Jayasinghe, and Shashika Nisansala. For Tamil speaking passengers, ‘ice’ also features 10 Tamil movies, two Tamil TV shows and two music channels, including the hits of A. R. Rahman that are enjoyed by many Sri Lankans. There’s nothing quite like watching a movie in one’s own “For a global airline flying to over 160 destinations, language, or listening to the music of a favourite local artist to catering to local and regional tastes is not an easy task, feel at home even at 35,000 feet, a fact that Emirates, the world’s but Emirates continues to show how much it cares largest airline, has invested in with an award-winning inflight about making passengers feel at home with its inflight entertainment system that caters to hundreds of nationalities entertainment system,” said Emirates Area Manager for including Sri Lankans. Taking Sri Lankan popular culture Sri Lanka & Maldives Chandana de Silva. “Not many Sri to the skies across the world, Emirates’ ‘ice’ (Information, Lankan passengers are even aware of the effort made to Communications, Entertainment) inflight entertainment system offer Sinhala and Tamil content, and while some would offers four Sinhala movies and 13 channels of Sinhala music, choose to watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters catering to a wide palette of genres and styles that will surprise featured each month, the availability of local music and and delight travellers from the paradise isle. The selection, movies is a great touch, and something that will make Sri featured in the latest Emirates ‘ice’ Guide on board Emirates Lankans feel proud.” flights and viewable at www.emirates.com, encompasses movies in the comedy, historical drama, and romance genres, with

Jaffna branch, Mr. Suzan Kariappar-Fly Freedom IndiGo familiarization for Sri Travels, Mr. Shakir Sahabdeen-Meera Travels Kandy, Ms. Menaka Kalimuthu-SB Travels, Ms. Janani Lankan Travel Agents Paramasivam-Ceylon Air Wings Travels, Ms. Manori Kannangara-The Traveller Global Kurunagala branch, Mr. Papu Naidu Selvanathan accompanied by the IndiGo Manager, Sashini Muthuthantri. They were given an experience in to visit few temples in Kanchipuram, the famous silk weaving center, Shore temple, Five Rathas in Mahabalipuram, sightseeing covering Kapaleshwarar temple, Santhome church & Marina beach. Thereafter they flew to on IndiGo where they visited Chamundhi temple, summer palace & Mysore palace in Mysore. The Agents were able to enjoy the experience of flying IndiGo while participating in an educational tour of Chennai & Bangalore and appreciating the vast mix of people, races, languages, customs & traditions of and also getting the opportunity to meet the

IndiGo sales teams in Chennai & Bagalore. VOICE IndiGo hosted 11 travel agents to their 1st familiarization tour from Colombo to Chennai & Bangalore on the 06th – 10th July IndiGo is represented by Hemas Aviation (Pvt) Ltd in AVIATION 2018. The 11 agents were Mr. Faiz Naheer-Metro Travels, Mr. Sri Lanka. 7 Kalhara Ekanayaka-Hemas Travels, Mr. Suresh Kumar-BOC Travels instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice

Events SLAC holds 3rd edition of ‘Colombo Aviation Quiz’ SriLankan Aviation College (SLAC), the country’s premier aviation training institution, successfully completed the 3rd edition of Colombo Aviation Quiz, in which teams from 28 schools demonstrated their knowledge of the global aviation industry Colombo Aviation Quiz 2018 was held on Saturday 3 November at SriLankan Aviation College premises, Katunayake. The objective of the quiz is to enhance knowledge among the younger generation on aviation and create awareness of the rewarding career possibilities in air transport which is one of fastest growing industries in the world. VOICE AVIATION 9 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS Air Arabia Launches Etihad Airways celebrates 15 Inaugural Flight to Prague years of successful flying

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North ’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), has launched its inaugural Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, marked 15 flight to a new European destination, Prague in Czech years since its inaugural commercial flight to on 12 Republic, direct from , UAE. November 2003. The launch flight departed Sharjah International Airport In a fitting tribute to the first flight, guests travelling on on December 11, and landed in Prague Václav Havel flight EY535 to the Lebanese capital enjoyed a cake-cutting Airport. ceremony at the departure gate this morning. The six hour 50-minute flight operates five times a week, The airline also presented each guest with a limited-edition every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and cabin crew scarf and tie set, designed by iconic fashion Sunday. designer Diane von Furstenberg, while younger flyers were Air Arabia, currently operates flights to more than 150 gifted Etihad teddy bears by cabin crew wearing the airline's routes across the globe from four hubs located in the first-ever uniform from 2003, in addition to its current style. Middle East and North Africa.

Gulf Air expands codeshare agreement with Thai Airways Krešimir Kučko said: “Gulf Air has a longstanding commercial partnership with Thai Airways that we are proud of. Gulf Air passengers can now have greater choice, convenience and a seamless travel experience from to local Thai destinations as well as international destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Gulf Air looks forward to growing the broader bilateral relationship with Thai Airways.” Gulf Air will start operating its latest fleet of Boeing 787- 9 Dreamliner on the Bahrain-Bangkok route this month. Thai Airways’ President Sumeth Damrongchaitham said: “The codeshare agreement between Thai and Gulf Air will increase our capacity through the route network and sales, as well as make travel convenient for passengers traveling between and Bahrain in addition to the Middle East. The codeshare expansion provides more opportunities for Thai’s passengers to travel to Bahrain and the Middle

VOICE Thai Airways and Gulf Air have expanded their codeshare agreement East on Gulf Air. On the other hand, it will also make so that Gulf Air passengers can fly beyond Bangkok on Thai Airways more traffic volume from the Middle East to Asia AVIATION to Hong Kong with immediate effect, and to Singapore, Tokyo and and by Thai Airways. This cooperation will 10 Melbourne in the coming months. Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer strengthen a good longstanding relationship between both airlines.”

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS Silkair to boost Malindo Air launches “Get Singapore-Cairns services Comfy Kit” to daily flights

Malindo Air, has introduced its “Get Comfy Kit” on-board to their passengers. The comfy kit contains a 100cmX150cm fleece blanket and high quality stereo earphones in a “Get Comfy Kit” bag, sold at a bundle price of RM30 each. SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will be Pre-booking is also available on www.malindoair.com with increasing flight frequency to Cairns, Australia. With RM5 savings - at RM25 each. The items are sold separately effect from 2 June 2019, Cairns will be served with a as well on-board, at the price of RM10 for earphones and daily flight, up from the current five flights per week. RM25 for blanket only. In addition to Cairns, SilkAir operates flights to Darwin in Australia. Parent company Singapore Airlines serves Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Flydubai launches European Sydney, while low-cost subsidiary Scoot serves the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. operations with Naples and Budapest flights Qatar Airways launches flights to Mombasa, Kenya

Government-owned low-cost airline flydubai will operate up to five direct flights a week to Naples and Budapest in from June 4 and June 27, 2019, respectively. Emirates will codeshare on both routes strengthening the partnership between the two airlines, which aims to provide more options for traveling to passengers.

Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight from Doha Both routes will operate from Terminal 3 at to Mombasa, Kenya landed on Sunday at Moi International (DXB). To offer passengers more comfort and International Airport, marking the airline’s second an enhanced travel experience, flydubai will operate the gateway in Kenya. new routes on the brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8. The new cabin offering features a flat-bed in Business Class, while Qatar Airways flight QR1333, operated by an Airbus the Economy Class offers new RECARO seats, which are VOICE A320, departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) designed to optimize space and comfort. flydubai also offers on Sunday 9 December at 02:30 and arrived at Moi exceptional inflight entertainment with a full HD, 11.6-inch AVIATION International Airport at 08:40, where it was welcomed screen, featuring a wide selection of movies, TV shows, 11 with a celebratory water cannon salute. music and games in English, Arabic and Russian. instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS

airline industry and are based on votes by national travel Qatar Airways clinches ‘Best editors who have a combined experience of over 150 years. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said: Business Class’ and ‘Best “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded these accolades in the AirlineRatings’ Airline Excellence Awards Catering’ accolades 2019. Our patented, revolutionary Qsuite has left an indelible impression on passengers who have experienced it, and we are delighted that the editors at AirlineRatings concur. Qsuite represents our commitment to innovation and exceptional passenger experience as it continues to set the global benchmark for the Business Class experience.” Airlineratings.com Editor-in Chief Geoffrey Thomas said: “Qatar Airways has always been a trendsetter by raising the bar, and its new Qsuite is the epitome of that drive and a natural choice as AirlineRatings.com best Business Class for 2019. Qsuite is a first-class experience in Business Class. Our judges rated it as one of the best overall business-class Qatar Airways continues its winning year as its revolutionary products they had seen. It sets a standard to which some Qsuite was named ‘Best Business Class’ in the AirlineRatings’ airlines can only aspire. Airline Excellence Awards 2019. The airline’s renowned dine-on- “But it’s not just business class where Qatar sets the demand in flight cuisine was also named ‘Best Catering’. standard; its win for Best Catering 2019 is another example The annual Airline Ratings Awards, one of Australia’s most of its attention to detail throughout the aircraft. The airline trusted travel industry awards, acknowledges the best in the is rightfully in the Airlineratings.com Top Ten for 2019.” With launching Banjul flights, Turkish Air China Airlines keeps its expansion in Africa Christmas Party 2018 Annual Christmas Party organized by the Air China City office Colombo was successfully held on 07 December 2018 at Waters Edge Float Restaurant, Battaramulla. Air China best former for the year, Air China King and Queen and many fun games were there for the day. There were few main guests including Jetwing Group Chairman Mr. Hiran Cooray. Turkish Airlines flying to more countries and destinations over the world, keeps its expansion by launching flights to Banjul which is the capital city of Gambia. As of 26th November 2018 , Banjul flights will be operated twice per week and it will be in connection with Dakar flights. Banjul that is the capital and important port city of Gambia , is located along with the Atlantic Ocean. With Banjul flights ,Turkish Airlines has increased its flight network to 54 in Africa by strengthening its presence in the continent . Following the addition of Banjul , Turkish Airlines now reaches 123 countries with 305 destinations worldwide. At the opening ceremony , Senior Vice President of Sales (2. Region) Mr. Kerem Sarp pointed that ; ‘’We believe that the Africa will increase its importance for world tourism and trade in medium and long-term and we

VOICE also keep to invest to potential of Africa. Banjul is the 54th destination of our network in Africa. So, we believe that Banjul flights will contribute to discover AVIATION the potential of Gambia for world. As a flag carrier of Turkey and airlines that 12 flying to the more destinations in Africa, Turkish Airlines keeps to present its service quality to all over the Africa .

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS Srilankan Airlines wins big Peace Air ties up with at Social Media Summit in Chinese company to Dubai purchase 8 Bell helicopters

Peace Air Pvt. Ltd signed up a helicopter purchase and maintenance agreement with Chairman, Jinlianan SriLankan Airlines won the award for Middle East’s International Investment Consultant (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Social Media Campaign of the year 2018 at the recently Chongqing, China. This is to launch a domestic Helicopter concluded Social Media Summit and Awards that took aviation service in Sri Lanka. place at the Ritz Carlton DIFC in Dubai. Vice President, Peace Air Pvt Ltd, Ireha C. Wethasinghe Globally recognised MNCs, large and medium-sized said that they hope to purchase 8 Bell helicopters (5 and 18 companies as well as PR and digital agencies from around seater) under this agreement and two would be delivered by the Mena region participated in the awards and were early next month. “Our total requirement is 8 helicopters judged by an elite panel of top regional experts who and we hope finalize the complete deal by end 2019. The consider the excellence and effectiveness of social media domestic operations would be operated under Peace Air work from across the region. Helicopter Service.” CINEC Campus and Air Seychelles join hands in aircraft maintenance training Chairman, Managing Director and President Captain Ajith Peiris in the presence of the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer Charles Johnson and the CINEC Vice President Professor Nalaka Jayakody. Air Seychelles was established in 1978 and began long-haul services in 1983. The airline currently offers international flights to , Johannesburg, Mauritius and . Air Seychelles also offers more than 350 domestic scheduled flights a week throughout the archipelago, including domestic charter services. As the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, Air Seychelles is a pillar of tourism, the island nation’s strongest and growing economic sector. The airline maintains a strategic Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the Seychelles, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and 40% stakeholder. CINEC is the with the Colombo International Nautical and Engineering largest and most diversified non-State higher education institute College (CINEC) based in Sri Lanka to provide internship that also provides a Higher Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance opportunities in aircraft maintenance to students from Engineering, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority Sri VOICE the academy. The agreement was signed last Friday at Lanka (CAASL). AVIATION the CINEC Campus in Sri Lanka by the Air Seychelles 13 Chief Executive Officer Remco Althuis and the CINEC instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS Dubai Airports welcomes billionth passenger

Dubai Airports and representatives luxury and modern Arabic hospitality. leading aviation sector with top-flight from across the aviation sector and the At the airport this afternoon, Sheikh airport infrastructure,” he added. emirate of Dubai gave a warm welcome Ahmed said; “This landmark billionth The billionth customer is arguably to the airport’s billionth passenger, passenger achievement is the result the most significant in a long litany nine-year-old Arjun and his family, of teamwork and collaboration, and of achievements since the airport first who arrived last week from Orlando, special thanks goes out to each and opened on September 30, 1960, with Florida on Emirates flight EK220. At a every member of the airport community a tiny terminal building and a runway celebration held in Dubai International who have played a role in this journey.” of compacted sand. Today the hub is Airport (DXB), Arjun along with his “Of course, we would not be in this widely considered a benchmark for mother Ramya, father Venkatesh position if it weren’t for the visionary its quality infrastructure, passenger and 13-year-old brother Varun, were leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed and cargo volumes and high service personally greeted by Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mohammed levels despite unrelenting growth. bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President DXB handles an average of 7.5 million Dubai Airports and warmly welcomed and Prime Minister of the UAE and customers every month and this year on this, their first visit to Dubai. They Ruler of Dubai, both of whom foresaw broke its own traffic record thrice with were also delighted with details of the development of Dubai into a global more than 8.3 million customers in a an unforgettable and surprising set centre for trade, tourism and commerce month. of experiences that showcase Dubai’s enabled by a fast-growing and world- longstanding reputation for excitement, Jet Airways exclusive Airline Sponsor for the French Spring Festival in Sri Lanka Jet Airways enter in to its fourth consecutive year of sponsorship as the Exclusive Airline Sponsor of the French Spring Festival, with the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka for the year 2019. The French Spring Festival comprises of a series of events spanning a period of 1 month; with artists, musicians & other participants flown in from France to headline the events, within the colorful Spring Festival calendar. The Spring Festival is the biggest event of its kind to be organized by a VOICE diplomatic mission within Sri Lanka and seen tremendous growth

AVIATION since its launch; in terms of participation of local audiences as well as 14 the scope of the cultural aspects on offer for connoisseurs of all things French”.

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS IWS inaugurates first privately- Fits receives brand owned aerodrome with helicopter new Cessna 208 servicing facility Caravan EX

FitsAir’s brand new Cessna 208 Caravan EX has arrived straight from the Cessna Company on 09 October 2018. The Aircraft received a special water salute at . Aviation awareness programme by RC With the view of improving the domestic aviation industry in Sri Lanka, Falcons by providing better infra-structure facilities in order to attract tourists from foreign countries and local passengers IWS Aviation inaugurated their new aerodrome with helicopter servicing facility at Welisara. The Canadian- made sophisticated Bell 505 jet Ranger X, was demonstrated at the launch. The inauguration ceremony of the facility built at a cost of Rs. 200 million was held on Wednesday (14) at Welisara chaired by IWS Aviation Chairman Arthur Senanayake with the participation of Major General G.R.H. Dais Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, A.M. Jaufer, President, Chamber of Tourism and Industry, N.M. Ameen Senior Journalist and several others. Speaking at the ceremony IWS Chairman Arthur Senanayake said that Special awareness programme on Aircraft the facility has been built to the international standard to cope with the Building and Flying was conducted by the growing domestic and regional air travel industry. He said that this is RC Falcons for the enthusiastic students the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and that it will serve foreign air travel in Nambapana Vidyalaya, Ingiriya on 28 operators for servicing and demonstration such as the one held for October 2018. All the kids as well as the- Bell 505. He further said that the companies using the facility which is teaches of the school were very happily to accredited by international air travel operators pay in foreign currency. participate to the event and they gained lots Plans are underway to set up a helicopter school in the near future with a of knowledge about planes. Swiss company where local and foreign youth will be enlisted for training. There are no helicopter schools in operation in our region and the closest available is in Japan and the UK. He said that if the Government takes necessary steps to wave off VAT on air travel it would be beneficial for the industry. In his address Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M. Jaufer said that the launch of the new facility and introducing economic and world renowned helicopters will boom future domestic tourism. There are 11 domestic airports in the country to facilitate local air travel for the tourists. VOICE Also following the end of the three-decade-old civil war there are 10 domestic aviation companies including six companies operating helicopter AVIATION service while four companies operate aircraft. Only two companies are 15 engaged in operating daily schedule flights, he said. instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Approach Procedures

Slow the ELT before you finish the Pre-Flight Calling & Directing Slow down; walks don’t run. There is no Briefing or get into the helicopter. • When you contact the pilot use the need to rush. HEAR THIS! - Protect your ears! Wear last three call letters in the name Eye contact hearing protection when working of the aircraft. E.G. You are flying Ensure you have made eye contact and around loud machinery. Make sure you in C-GABC - Call: Helicopter ABC, have been acknowledged (given the ok) keep your eyes open and are aware of Helicopter ABC this is John Smith. prior to moving towards a helicopter or your surroundings. • Direct the pilot using the 12 hour exiting one. HEAR THIS! - Protect your ears! Wear clock. Always tell the pilot where Approach hearing protection when working you are in relation to the nose of Approach, in a crouched position, as a around loud machinery. Make sure you the helicopter. E.G. The helicopter group, from the front of the helicopter keep your eyes open and are aware of is straight in front of you, the nose NEVER the rear. your surroundings pointed towards you—you are at 12 O'clock. If the nose was facing Slope Entry & Exit away from you, you would be at 6 Pay attention to the slope, always enter ALWAYS SECURE CLOTHING O'clock. from and exit to downhill. Know where & OTHER ITEMS PRIOR TO the rotors are. APPROACHING A HELICOPTER! • Limit radio chatter on the frequency used for communicating with the Ignition • Prior to boarding or exiting, ensure pilot. Ensure all ignition sources are you have the ok from the pilot. extinguished prior to approaching the Always use controlled deliberate helicopter (this includes cigarettes!). movements near to and on Check with your pilot prior to loading helicopters. ignition sources or pressurized • One person should open and hold containers (including bear spray, the door (so it doesn't fly open) ammunition and flares!) Ensure they are until all people are seated. This in the rear cargo hold or basket. person will enter and firmly close Cargo AND secure the door. Fasten your Make sure your cargo, equipment and seatbelt and put on the headset. clothing are secure (watch out for loose Double check that the door is closed flagging tape, lunch bags, hard hats or properly and let the pilot know scarves, etc.). Always carry tools and when you are ready. equipment below your waist. Designate • Exiting is the same thing but in one person to load the cargo. Never reverse. Make sure the seatbelts are VOICE Bimal Wickramasinghe throw items around a helicopter (inside done up and the door is secured Head of Sales & Marketing

AVIATION or out). prior to letting the pilot know you e-mail: [email protected] 16 Know are all clear. Senok Air, Senok Aviation (Pvt) Ltd Know how to use seatbelts, doors and Colombo Airport

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INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TICKETING ACADEMY Estd 1991

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• DIPLOMA IN AIRLINE - LKR 30000 FARES / E TICKETING, RESERVATIONS, MARKETING GDS – Amadeus, TOURS, AIRPORT OPERATIONS & AIR CARGO 3 month course – Classes conducted once a week Saturday/ Sunday/ Tuesday /Thursday • AIRLINE CABIN CREW TRAINING - LKR 30000 • GALILEO - LKR 8000 • WORLDSPAN - LKR 8000

• SABRE - LKR 8000 • IATA / UFTAA FOUNDATION LKR 110000 (6 INSTALMENTS) Open book exam will be held in march or june or september or december • IATA CONSULTANT - LKR 75000 • IATA MANAGEMENT - LKR 127000 • IATA MANAGING THE TRAVEL BUSINESS - LKR 75000 • IATA GDS - FARES AND TICKETING - AMADEUS - LKR 45000

First IATA AUTHORISED TRAINING CENTER in Sri Lanka 11, 4th Floor, Arthur’s Place, Colombo 04 (Next to Majestic city) Call Mayoni on 0112657342 or 0112657767 24 Hours Call Deepal on 0777331150

[email protected] Online www.webstation.lk/airline Open on all www.airlineacademy.tk www.facebook.com /deepal.perera1961 www.facebook.com/IATA1991 7Days www.facebook.com/deepalperera.airlineacademy NO BRANCHES Events 84th Airline Academy Get-together 84th Airline Academy Get-together organized by the INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TICKETING ACADEMY was successfully concluded on 02 December 2018 at the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo. VOICE AVIATION 19 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Thai Air Asia starts flights to Sri Lanka

AirAsia marks another foray into South Asia by offering direct services between Colombo in Sri Lanka and Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok. This 4-time weekly flight service was commenced operations on 14 December 2018 with special promotional all-in fares starting from LKR 13,999 one way to experience the vibrancy of Thailand. John Keells Airline Division - Mack Air is the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Thai Air Asia.

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS Commander Accepts Six Brand New PT-6 Aircraft at Katunayake Force Board of Management and other officers as well as representatives of the Aviation Engineering Division of the M/S CATIC of China, the manufacturer and vendor of the Aircraft. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy initially signed the acceptance of 6 Brand New PT-6 Aircraft on 15 May 2018 at AVIC Hongdu in Nanchang, China. The aircraft, painted in the recently introduced colour scheme of the SLAF, were inspected and flight tested by SLAF Engineers and Pilots, after which they were deemed to be in conformance with the specifications prior to being The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila inducted into the SLAF Fleet. Jayampathy signed the formal final acceptance of Six brand new PT-6 aircraft after they were assembled at the Aircraft The aircraft will be utilized at the No1 Flying Training Engineering Wing (AEW) at Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Wing at the SLAF Academy, China Bay for the ab initio Katunayake this morning at a simple ceremony at Katunayake. training of newly enlisted pilots. The aircraft will also form The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff of the Air the nucleus of an aerobatic display team to be formed in Force, Air Vice Marshal Sumangala Dias, members of the Air the SLAF.

Los Angeles to Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Charlotte, China Southern Airlines and Phoenix, and from San Francisco to Dallas and Phoenix. Tickets will be available on China Southern’s official American Airlines announce website and authorized third party ticketing platforms. As part of this partnership, passengers of American Airlines codeshare partnership may connect by China Southern flights to Guangzhou, Shenyang, Changsha, Dalian, Shenzhen, Harbin, Changchun, Chongqing and Nanning through Beijing. Since its very presence in the American market, China Southern has successively launched four routes connecting China and America, specifically Guangzhou-Los Angeles, Guangzhou-San Francisco, Guangzhou-Wuhan-San Francisco and Guangzhou-New York. In March 2017, a strategic partnership was established between China Southern and American Airlines with American Airlines investing $200 million in purchasing the H share issued by China Southern. Both sides agreed to work together to cover more destinations in China and America. The establishment of this strategic partnership is welcomed by senior managements of both airlines with confidence to Since its very presence in the American market, China Southern build on the extensive global network and provide greater has successively launched four routes connecting China and convenience to passengers traveling between the two America, specifically Guangzhou-Los Angeles, Guangzhou-San countries. This endeavor serves as another milestone for Francisco, Guangzhou-Wuhan-San Francisco and Guangzhou- China Southern in particular as this largest airline in Asia New York. dedicates itself to expanding the international operation China Southern Airlines and American Airlines jointly announce with qualified air service in the North America region and codeshare partnership effective on 18th January, 2018, adding to the global marketplace as a whole. new momentum to the international operation by both airlines China Southern Airlines in Sri Lanka is represented by with more diverse and travel options for passengers traveling

VOICE Hemas Aviation Private Limited. Search #CZCMB or could between the two biggest air travel markets. be reached on mail [email protected] and telephone AVIATION Starting from 18th January, 2018, passengers of China Southern (009411) – 4731552 and is located in Level One, Hemas 22 may book seats on connecting American Airlines flights from Building, Colombo 01.

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NEWS Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup played Third Time in Sri Lanka Turkish Airlines, a global leader in civil aviation, brought its ever-growing Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup to Royal Colombo Golf Club in Colombo on Sunday 16th September, 2018. The airline, first in terms of countryand international destinations that reached worldwide, prides itself on its award-winning Business Class service and its commitment to the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, which has more than 8,000 invited guests competing in more than 100 tournaments around the world, together with many other innovative and distinguished services, performed for offering its passengers an unparalleled flight experience. Turkish Airlines is firmly committed to the aspirational vision of sporting competition and trusts in its ability to unite people from different nations. That support extends from football, basketball, rugby and golf at all levels and the amateur series is a fine example of this from the carrier, which offers a multiple award-winning Business Class service and allows guests to take clubs for free. Sri Lanka event was well supported by the local business community were among the competitors at Colombo. With this year’s tournament is backed by The Financial Times, National, Titanic Hotels and clothing partner Ruck & Maul, the winners of the qualifiers progress to the Grand Finals in Antalya in November, when they have the chance to secure a place in the Turkish Airlines Open pro-am, will fly Business Class in Turkish Airlines and stay at the five-star Titanic Golf Deluxe Hotel. Mr. Druvi Sirisena will represent Colombo there after winning the competition with 45 points, while Mr. Praveen Dias was runner-up, Mr. A.W.M Reza was third. The Nearest the Pin competition on the 9th hole was won by Mr. Druvi Sirisena for the men and Ms. Irene Scarth for the women. Mr. Druvi Sirisena won the lowest gross score with 36. “We would like to thank all of our guests who made the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup here in VOICE

Colombo a huge success,” Murat Baydar, General AVIATION Manager for Turkish Airlines Sri Lanka said. 25 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice events Metro Travels Annual Cricket League 2018 Metro Travels Annual Cricket League Annual Cricket League organized by the Metro Travels was successfully concluded at the Shalika Ground, Colombo 05 on 02 September 2018. VOICE AVIATION 26

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Events Edelweiss/ Swiss start Flights to Sri Lanka SWISS codeshare with Edelweiss is more backrest recline. Economy Class world. With a fleet of fifteen aircraft in commencing direct nonstop flights from comprises 211 comfortable latest- 2018, the airline operates flights to 70 Sri Lanka to Switzerland from today. generation seats that provide for a destinations in 34 countries. Every year, It will be a twice weekly operation on relaxing and carefree travel experience. some 1.8 million passengers fly with Fridays and Sundays from Colombo to Edelweiss to and from their holiday All of the travel classes feature a modern Zurich. destination and enjoy a relaxing travel inflight entertainment system with large experience. This includes great service The route will be served with the HD touchscreens and a choice of 180 on board provided with the warmth, recently converted that movies and TV programmes, music reliability and hospitality that Edelweiss seats 314 passengers. Business Class channels and games. is known for. is equipped with 27 seats that can be Edelweiss is Switzerland’s leading easily converted into two-meter-long leisure travel airline and flies to the beds. Economy Max encompasses 76 most beautiful destinations in the seats with 15 cm more seat pitch and VOICE AVIATION 27 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice events Bollywood Night - Air India, Colombo Bollywood Night function was held to thank for the support given by the Travel Agents towards the growth of Air India Sri Lanka.

Travel Outlook Christmas Party 2018 Christmas Party organized by the Travel Outlook was successfully concluded on 21 December 2018 at ME Colombo. VOICE AVIATION 28

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Events Rossiya Airlines Inaugural Flight to Colombo Rossiya airlines starts flights to Sri Lanka from today, 18 December 2018. Rossiya Airlines is a member airline of the Russian national carrier Aeroflot. With the beginning of the winter timetable, Rossiya has significantly updated its route network. One of the main innovations of the winter season are flights to Bangkok and Colombo. Flights will be operated on Boeing 777-300 liners. Direct flights to Colombo will be operated 5 times a week. Maldiviana Aviation (Pvt) Ltd. is the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Rossiya Airlines. VOICE AVIATION 29 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice events Christmas Party - International Airline & Aviation College Christmas Party organized by the International Airline & Aviation College - IAAC Sri Lanka was successfully concluded at Light House Galley, Colombo recently. VOICE AVIATION 30

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Events Top Agents Awards Ceremony Singapore Airlines Top Agents Awards Ceremony of Singapore Airlines, Colombo was successfully concluded on 12 October 2018 at The Hilton Colombo. VOICE AVIATION 31 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice events Korean Air Year End Agent’s Get-together Korean Air Year End Agent’s Get-together successfully concluded on 07 December 2018 at Jaic Hilton, Colombo. VOICE AVIATION 32

instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice Events Cathay Pacific Airways Celebrates 25 years in Sri Lanka A celebration to mark Cathay Pacific Airways 25 years of service to the Sri Lankans and appreciation of the top Travel and Cargo agents in the island was successfully concluded on 19th October at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. VOICE AVIATION 33 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice

Events

The volunteers started rebuilding the neighborhood Korean Air Volunteers to Renovate by repairing damaged homes and they will finish their work on December 24. The flight attendants in the Damaged Homes in Sri Lanka group also spent time with local children by playing traditional Korean games, as well as face painting and balloon games. Expenses for the volunteer work were paid by Korean Air’s company fund and donations from members from the volunteer groups. Korean Air volunteer groups have contributed to the underprivileged communities in and Cambodia this year. The airline also helped to build homes in typhoon-struck Bicol, . Currently, Korean Air has a total of 25 volunteer groups actively helping with projects and community programs at orphanages, rehabilitation centers for the disabled, as well as senior care centers to support disadvantaged groups. Korean Air’s volunteer group flew to Sri Lanka on December 17 to As a leading global carrier, Korean Air will continuously perform volunteer work for the underprivileged local community support global volunteer activities in order to perform in the suburbs of Colombo. The area was severely damaged by the its corporate social responsibility as part of the heavy floods in 2017 and is still prone to floods. company's initiatives to give back to the society.

Kuwait Airways Annual Staff Get-Together - 2018 Annual Staff Get-Together organized by the Kuwait Airways, Sri Lanka was successfully completed at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC), Colombo on 27th December 2018. VOICE AVIATION 35 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice

Events Cathay Pacific Airways Celebrates 25 years in Sri Lanka - BIA EVENT Cathay Pacific Celebrates 25 years in Sri Lanka Cathay Pacific Airlines Celebrated 25 years of service to the Sri Lankans on 20th October at Bandaranayake International Airport Katunayake, Colombo, Sri Lanka followed by a cultural dance to entertain all the travellers at BIA.

LOUIS PRESTON Christmas Night 2018 VOICE AVIATION 37 instagram.com/aviation_voice www.aviationvoice.lk www.facebook.com/AviationVoice NEWS

its interactivity, appearance, information content and AASL launched its redesigned ensure that the website will be responsive on all devices irrespective of the user’s device whether it be a computer, and improved Website laptop, mobile or tablet. The new design features add much more modern look and feel to showcase our services to our valued customers providing more information. The website is easier to navigate through a series of tabs such as flight information, passenger guide, shop dine and relax, services, lounges, and provides useful information links for the passengers. Further, the new website introduces a new real-time Complaint Management System, developed by the IT Division, to enable airport users at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited re-launched its Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Colombo Airport company website, www.airport.lk The updated website includes Ratmalana, Airport and all AASL staff to secure changes to navigation, structure, and also has both mobile and prompt attention to their complaints. In addition to desktop compatibility. that, it has introduced questionnaire to obtain feedback The new web site has been redesigned to provide the user a real and measure passenger satisfaction which enables the value: more user friendly experience for our website users with measurement of satisfaction levels and thereby improve information at their fingertips in a more mobile-friendly way. passenger satisfaction on a continuous basis. The main objectives of redesigning the website were to enhance AASL Secures a Silver Award Forum to Revisit the Strategic at NBEA – 2018 Plan of AASL

In order to re-visit all key important components starting from Vision and Mission up to Action plans where AASL's future direction is crafted to achieve sustainable business success, a Strategic Planning Forum was held recently at Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL) BIA premises. The Board of Directors of AASL and Senior bagged the Runner-up Award under the “State Services Management Team participated in this Brain Storming Sector” at the recently concluded “National Business session which took place on 06th of December at airport Excellence Awards (NBEA) – 2018” on 5th December 2018. premises. NBEA which is conducted by National Chamber of Director and Treasury Representative of the Board Mr. P B Commerce is considered to be one of the most prestigious S Noniswas the key Resource person throughout the forum awards competitions in Sri Lanka which recognizes the and there were two rounds of Team discussions followed business entities who excel in overall Business Excellence. by presentations. With the enthusiastic involvement The degree at which an Organization is excelled in Overall of all teams, the forum got concluded with a complete Business Excellence is measured in 07 perspectives revamp of the Strategic Plan starting from a new Vision. namely; Excellence in Leadership, Excellence in Corporate Since further fine-tuning was required to finalize the Governance, Excellence in Capacity Building, Excellence VOICE key components of the Strategic Plan, two more sessions in Performance Management, Excellence in Local and were conducted at AASL Board Room on 12th and 18th AVIATION Global market Reach, Excellence in CSR & Environmental December, 2018 with the participation of all team leaders 38 Sustainability and Excellence in Business and Financial who were appointed at the above forum held on 6th Results. December.

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