Garment industry hurt by flight reductions to HK

The garment industry is feeling the pinch of flight reductions to and from Sri Lanka.

The number of flights to and from Colombo had reduced by 31 flights by last week compared to April, according to the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR). “As of now the number of arrivals and departures per week at BIA is 267 compared to 298 pre 26 April, including cargo flights,” said a BAR statement.

While this flight reduction is not large, it is however, obstructing the activities of the country’s biggest export income generator, the garment industry, mainly due to the reduction of direct flights to Hong Kong. “This is a serious problem because direct flights to Hong Kong have reduced. At the moment only Sri Lankan Airlines is flying direct to Hong Kong and they have limited cargo carrying capacity,” said Joint Chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum, Logistics Committee, Rohan Masakorala.

Direct links with Hong Kong is important for the garment trade because of the industry’s heavy dependence on imported inputs.

“50% - 60% of accessory inputs for the garment industry are imported. Hong Kong is one of the main sourcing points. Previously Cathay Pacific had direct flights to Hong Kong. Now Cathay is no longer operating, so we have to find connecting flights. But these connecting flights are uncertain and many times our cargo has got off loaded at connecting airports. This is delaying the entire supply chain,” explained Masakorala.