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| Saturday, 18 December 2004 |
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Air Arabia to expand services by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Air Arabia will continue to further expand its services amidst a resounding success within nearly one year since commencing operations in Sri Lanka, Air Arabia's Chief Executive Officer Adel Ali stressed on Tuesday. The Airline marks first year of operations to Colombo in February 2005. "We have had a fantastic response since we started operations and there are much potentials to grow further," Ali told a press briefing. The event also marked the signing of an MoU. Air Arabia's Chief Executive Officer Adel Ali and Deputy Chairman of Nawaloka Aviation Jayantha Dharmadasa signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand Air Arabia operations including air cargo handling. Nawaloka Aviation (Pvt) Ltd is the General Sales Agent(GSA)for Air Arabia in Sri Lanka. Air Arabia offers the lowest air fares in the region and is the first low-cost airline of its kind in the Middle East and North African region. "We have just doubled our frequencies to Sri Lanka and we are now offering daily flights for locally based travellers whether for business, leisure or for Haj and above all to allow Sri Lankans working in the Gulf to come home more often. We cater to all individuals by offering affordable yet safe and reliable travel," he added. Ali said Sri Lankan authorities were much supportive. "Our partners in Sri Lanka are also much cooperative." Ali added. Referring to the low cost air fares offered by them, Ali said airfares of Air Arabia is 40 per cent cheaper than the conventional airlines. "Everyone wants to travel, but the high cost prevents them doing so. In this context, low cost airlines will stimulate the market.If the fares are cheaper, more people will travel," Ali noted. Responding to a question posed by a journalist on the emerging competition in the airline market, Ali said " the competition is good as it helps to expand the market and would result in bringing down the prices." Ali explained that Air Arabia is committed to growing the Sri Lankan economy by enabling more Sri Lankans to travel to the Gulf whether for business or long-term employment opportunities and also encouraging Gulf travellers to Sri Lanka for tourism. "With unique natural beauty, Sri Lanka has got to offer many things for the tourists. Our objective is to promote Sri Lanka as a famous tourist destination.We have got many plans in this regard." he added. To further encourage tourist travel to Sri Lanka, Air Arabia offers a range of holiday packages from shopping and city tours to heritage and golf packages from as low as USD 173 per person for a 3 night package. To further emphasise their commitment to the local market, Air Arabia recently introduced a new addition to its Sri Lankan team by appointing Mayank Dhingra as Country Manager, who will assist in the development of the Sri Lankan route and support the team in the region. However, Ali was critical about the high cost incurred for ground handling in Sri Lanka."This is very high and authorities should look into this." Now operating over 60 flights a week to fifteen destinations, the next six months will see Air Arabia offering additional destinations as it continues with plans to fly to India, Jordan and Pakistan. |
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