Mattala back on the radar
The government is planning to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from foreign investors to run the commercial operations at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).Under this, a master developer would be sought to hand over the commercial operations of the airport, Airport and Aviation Services Ltd. Executive Director Johanne Jayaratne told the Business Times on Friday.
He noted that as part of the plan the government would call for EOI for the development of Mattala within two months.
Proposed investors would be handling the commercial aspect of the airport as in the running of the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations, bringing in airlines and resort development as well.
Moreover, the government plans to carry out a promotional programme to attract increased airlines to the destination.
Currently, Mr. Jayaratne said FlyDubai has agreed to extend its operations into winter as well and in addition Rotana Jet has also resumed operations to the southern airport.
In future, Air Arabia which is currently in discussion with authorities is likely to resume operations to Mattala in the summer of next year, he explained.He also pointed out that they were currently offering incentives under a financial model with discounts to attract airlines to fly into the southern international airport.In addition, the state is looking at ensuring that internal flights could also land and operate from this destination in a bid to accommodate light aircraft.