SriLankan Cargo keeps it fresh

Sri Lanka’s fruit, vegetable, cut flower and fisheries product exports jumped a massive 34 percent in the first three months of 2007 over the same period a year before, according to a statement by SriLankan Cargo. Combined export proceeds from the four sectors topped Rs. 5.3 billion in the quarter, up from about Rs. 4 billion in 2006. SriLankan Cargo said it carries some 60 percent of Sri Lanka’s perishable cargo to over 51, destinations in 28 countries, including to the Maldives and 10 key cities in India.

Head of Cargo at SriLankan Airlines Nalin Rodrigo says, “We have had a firm understanding with the local fruit, flower and vegetable growers in a very interdependent business. Perishable cargo exporters, including the smaller exporters have been enjoying extremely preferential rates. Tariffs have also been maintained at the same levels for over a decade and the fuel surcharge adjustments have been extremely moderate and far below the level of fluctuation.” SriLankan Cargo said it met the increasing demand for air freight service by redesigning the palates to gain over 15 percent more carrying capacity. The strong growth from the East Asian bloc is also drawing on SriLankan Cargo’s strength in the South Asian region.