11 International Airlines Fly Back to Sri Lanka since the End of War in 2009

06th January 2012, www.news360.lk

Sri Lanka says, after the end of the conflict in the year 2009, 11 international airlines have started operations to the country.

Accordingly, the Airlines, which have started or recommenced flight services to Sri Lanka are Gulf Air, Oman Air, Flydubai, China Eastern, Aerosvit Airlines, Finnair, Hainan Airlines, Nova Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, SpiceJet and Aeroflot.

The entry of these Airlines to Colombo also comes in the wake of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry showing signs of greater growth.

Visitors to the country during the year 2011, is estimated to have reached over 800,000.

Tourists from Western Europe to Sri Lanka during 2011 have increased by 37%, Indian tourists increased by 20%, East Asian tourists has risen by 11% and the Middle Eastern tourists by 7%.

Related Info :

• Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals in December 2011 Up by 15.2pct

China Eastern Airlines to Up Frequency to Sri Lanka from Shanghai & Beijing with Increase in Travel between China & Sri Lanka

21st January 2011, www.dailynews.lk, By Indunil Hewage

China Eastern Airlines is expected to increase frequency to Sri Lanka from Shanghai and Beijing in the near future. “With the prevailing peace in Sri Lanka and the close bi-lateral relationship between Sri Lanka and China in economic and political arenas has led to the increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan businessmen are also visiting various destinations in China for business activities,” China Eastern Airlines G.S.A Dart Aviation Executive Director S Mohanadas said.

He said mega tourism related infrastructure facilities projects taking place in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country will definitely create many opportunities for Sri Lankan aviation industry.

China Eastern Airlines G.S.A Dart Aviation Director and General Manger Eustace Silva said the Chinese Government is planning to put up the largest single airport in China before the end of 2011.

This airport is capable of catering to the entire Asia. It is expected that with the opening up of this airport more opportunities will be created for Sri Lankan aviation industry.

With the assistance of reputed local travel agents, the Chinese Embassy and Sri Lanka Tourism are planning to attract more Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka.

“In addition we are planning to encourage more Sri Lankan travellers to go to China,” he said.

“China is considered as a preferred destination for business activities for local and global businessmen,” Silva said.

China Eastern Airlines opened its new office premises at no 72, Park Street, Colombo 2 yesterday.

China Eastern Airlines is one of the largest carriers in China and currently operates three flights per week from Kunming to Sri Lanka and going back to Male.