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Gihan
Karunaratne
Oman Air, Country Manager,
Sri Lanka and Maldives |
Oman Air buoyant in Lanka
Harshini Perera
Sri Lanka and Maldives are niche markets which have two different
appealing to business traveller and tourists. Sri Lanka and Maldives
will attract many passengers during the next six months of this year,
Oman Air, Country Manager, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Gihan Karunaratne
said. Excerpts of the interview.
Q: What was the performance of Oman
Air in the Sri Lankan market for the last six months?
A: The market in Sri Lanka
is picking up rapidly from January 14 this year and we had 80 percent of
load factor so far from Colombo to Muscat.
Q: What are the improvements of the
company?
A: We have expanded our
services network wise and Oman Air will employ four new aircraft and fly
to eight new destinations. They will be Italy, Malaysia, Kathmandu, Ras
Ulkhamiah, Alain, Lahore, Islamabad and Addis Ababa.
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Gihan Karunaratne. Picture by: Sudath Nishantha |
The total number of destinations will be more than 40 by April, this
year. Oman air is emphasizing on the flights and there has been positive
feedback from passengers.
We are more concerned about the specialty in the business class cabin
and many passengers are pleased with business class cabin service.
Q: What are the plans you have for
Sri Lanka?
A: Sri Lanka has a unique
blend of customers that consists of labour traffic, tourists, Sri Lankan
businessman and Sri Lankans travelling to Europe.
Oman Air will have daily flights from Colombo in the future and
maintains the standard and quality of the service provided in Sri Lanka.
We have many plans about Sri Lanka that are in the pipe line. At
present Oman Air has four flights a week flying from Colombo to Muscat.
Q: What can you say about the inbound
and outbound travelling in Sri Lanka?
A: Oman is the virgin
destination and we have been conducting presentations to almost all the
travel agents in Sri Lanka highlighting Oman and what Oman has to offer.
We have introduced Sri Lanka and Maldives to the Oman market. The
process of attracting passengers from both ends will take some time but
it will happen not only in Oman but also in other countries in the
Middle East.
The travel agents in Sri Lanka has been very positive whereas a
subsidiary of Oman Air, Oman Holidays is offering attractive package
holidays for those who willing to travel to Sri Lanka from Oman.
Q: What are the challenges you faced?
A: The main challenge is
the competition. We believe that we have a good product that we can meet
the competition. It is expected that a lot of people will visit Sri
Lanka in the next six months of this year.
Q: What are the security measures
taken by Oman Air to minimize the terrorist activities inside flights?
A: We have discussed with
the Air Port Authority Security over the protection of the Colombo
Airport. It is not only about the security of Oman Air but also the
whole country. We are happy with the security measures taken by the
Government.
Q: How do you compare Sri Lankan
market with the markets in the other countries of the region?
A: We have the largest
hold of customers from India and there are ten destinations in India
from Muscat. Bangladesh is the market that is similar to Sri Lanka. At
present, we are trying to activate the market in Maldives.
Our attention is drawn to every market where we are present. We will
concentrate on the value-added products that Sri Lanka can offer.
Q: What are the services Oman air
will offer for the different segments of travellers?
A: The business class is a
different segment that concentrates on punctuality and reliability.
Holiday maker will expect convenience and the labour segment wants to
get to the destination. Therefore, we are geared to handle all these
segments and adopt change and act accordingly with the market
requirements.
Q: What is your philosophy in life?
|
Profile |
Name:
Gihan Karunaratne
School attended: Ananda College, Colombo
Professional qualifications: Member of Chartered
Institute of Marketing
Experience: Over 30 years experience in the travel world
Civil status: Married and has one child
Sports: Played Cricket, Rugger, Tennis |
A: To lead a life that
will not harm anybody and help people whenever I can help them. I fear
God.
Q: What is your advice to young
people who want to climb the corporate ladder?
A: They need to have a
goal and focus on the goal. And they should work towards that goal.
Q: What is the place you wish to
visit in Sri Lanka?
A: Nuwara-Eliya
Q: What is the country you like to
visit?
A: Oman
Q: What do you do in your leisure?
A: Reading, watching TV
and doing exercise |
