Business
FitsAir to launch low cost airline in Sri Lanka on October 5
By Hiran H. Senewiratne
FitsAir, part of Fits Aviation Pvt. Ltd., a member of the prestigious Aberdeen Holdings Group of companies, will launch a low cost airline in Sri Lanka. It will take off by launching commercial operations on October 5, the company’s Vice President, Passenger Services Peter Hill said.
‘At present Sri Lanka is going through a major economic crisis but we are looking at it in a positive way and that is why we launched this budget airline here. However, though outside factors for the industry are beyond our control, we are quite optimistic about operating in Sri Lanka, Hill told a media conference held at the Colombo Club at Hotel Taj Samudra yesterday.
Hill being a veteran professional and top aviation expert said that they are operating with three flights which have 152 economy class seats and eight economy plus seats, all hired on dry lease for this purpose. The technical and cabin crew are all Sri Lankan and comprise a unique blend of seasoned professionals and fresh fully -qualified young males and females, he said.
“From the outset, FitsAir had been designed to provide affordable scheduled air travel to customers operating between Sri Lanka and selected destinations within the SAARC, the GCC and South East Asia, he added.
“FitsAir will cater to the needs of the modern Sri Lankan traveler who wants competitive fares and in- flight services that are efficient without any frills. This will be combined with options of baggage allowance, where you do not pay for the weight of baggage which you carry and where there is no obligation to pay the full fare if your baggage is less in weight, Hill explained.
Hill added: ‘The premise is that we do not want to waste a passenger’s time, money or energy in the process of travelling. FitsAir, due to its pricing competitiveness, will make air travel a viable option for many Sri Lankans.
‘A free checked-in baggage allowance of 30 kg will be provided to all customers and a free carry-on bag of 7 kgs. Fits Air will also offer reduced fares for baggage of no more than 20 kgs. Passengers can purchase excess baggage at the airport subject to space availability.
‘The initial routes will take passengers weekly to Dubai, Male and Trichy. It is expected that those destinations will rapidly increase to daily frequencies.
‘We see several destinations in South India being introduced during 2023. Other key cities within SAARC are being studied as are points in South East Asia.
‘The airline has been operating through its predecessor, Expo Aviation, predominantly in the cargo sector for the past 25 years. A year ago the owners decided on the scheduled regional passenger market and now have a fleet of three Airbus A320-200 aircraft in its fleet.’
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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