Business
Cinnamon Air celebrates 10 years of Excellence
“Cinnamon Air offering quick, safe, and comfortable transfers across the country,” – Bernard Goonetilleke, Director, Saffron Aviation
Cinnamon Air, Sri Lanka’s premier domestic airline, last week announced what it called “a decade of unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry.”
“Established in 2013, Cinnamon Air has become a pivotal force in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s reputation as a premier tourist destination,” the owners said in a news release.
“Cinnamon Air stands unique as the sole domestic airline with a dedicated passenger terminal and an advanced aircraft maintenance facility strategically located at Bandaranaike International Airport. This distinctive infrastructure reflects the airline’s dedication to providing a swift, secure, and convenient mode of transportation within the island.”
The airline’s inception in 2013 was undertaken by Saffron Aviation, a joint venture between John Keells Holdings PLC, MMBL-Pathfinder Group, and Phoenix Ventures. From the outset, the primary goal was clear—to deliver an exceptional travel experience to visitors exploring the beauty of Sri Lanka, with a special focus on high-end tourism, te release said.
Cinnamon Bernard Goonetillake
Cinnamon Air operates a fleet of three Cessna 208 aircraft, including two amphibian planes. These specialised aircraft offer “unparalleled flexibility,” enabling service to destinations that do not have land-based airports but are equipped with suitable water aerodromes.
“The amphibian aircraft also elevate the travel experience, providing passengers with the rare thrill of taking off and landing on water. Meticulously maintained and outfitted with luxurious interiors, each aircraft is operated and maintained by highly trained professionals,” the release said.
“Flying with Cinnamon Air has become synonymous with experiencing one of the best ways to behold the beauty of Sri Lanka. The airline’s flights promise remarkable aerial views, turning the journey into an immersive exploration of the island’s diverse landscapes, it added.
Cinnamon Air strategically operates scheduled flights to popular tourist destinations across the country, including the Central Hill Country, South Coast, East Coast, Cultural Triangle, and the Northern region.
The hub of its operations is located at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, complemented by the Colombo City water aerodrome at Waters Edge in Battaramulla. The inaugural scheduled flight took to the skies in July 2013.
Beyond scheduled services, Cinnamon Air also offers charter flights, providing passengers with unmatched flexibility, privacy, and the freedom to fly between any operational airport or water aerodrome in Sri Lanka.
Since its inception, Cinnamon Air has been a preferred mode of transportation for foreign travellers visiting Sri Lanka and the local business community, the release added.
“Sri Lanka possesses tremendous potential in the tourism industry, but swift access to famous destinations has been lacking—we founded Cinnamon Air to bridge that gap, offering quick, safe, and comfortable transfers across the country,” Mr. Bernard Goonetilleke, Director, Saffron Aviation, commented, marking the 10th anniversary of the airline. He continued, “Over the past decade, we have become a key player in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, enhancing the nation’s image as a high-end tourist destination”.
Furthermore, Mr. Sean Dwight, the Chief Executive Officer of Cinnamon Air, remarked, “While we have served over 80,000 passengers, including numerous high-profile clients, through scheduled and charter flights since the beginning of our service, we have achieved several notable milestones.
“In our peak financial year 2018/19, we served more than 15,000 passengers. Even after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the global aviation industry, Cinnamon Air has experienced a steady resurgence in demand. We take pride in our demonstrated excellence and remain committed to further elevating our services and expanding our destination portfolio. Our goal is to make Sri Lanka’s glory more accessible to all those who visit this magnificent island”.
Contact details – Reservations team: Tel: +94 112475475 or e-mail: reservations@cinnamonair.com.
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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