The SriLankan Air taxi service that re-commenced operations December last year is likely to witness an increased demand by about 30-40% for this winter season.
SriLankan Airlines Product Development Manager Sanjeeva Jayatileke told the Business Times on the sidelines of a media briefing held in at the Marina, Bentota that if tourism levels go up then the demand for the service will increase this winter.
While financially the company needs to breakeven this is possible by at least early next year, he pointed out.
The air taxi service will also commence to Jaffna with locations identified in close proximity to the Jaffna town and Kayts although nothing is confirmed yet.
The Jaffna service will take about two months to start, Mr. Jayatileke said adding that they have had a significant demand since December operations started.
However, it was noted that due to lack of awareness it was not sold across the network and right now they are engaged in promoting the service and increasing the market share.
It was noted that with Jaffna opening up to tourists the air taxis will also be able to catch up on the bandwagon of taking tourists to the North.
The air taxi service is ideal for families to getaway to their holiday destinations in less time and have a hassle free transfer from Colombo to any key location with a good bird’s eye view of the island.
With only two air taxis currently in operation until the lease agreement ends in December 2012 they will be piloted by a Canadian fleet although Srilankan Airlines is looking at giving opportunities to local crew as well.
This will prove to be useful once the maintenance operation will be under the wings of the SriLankan Airlines and crew that will allow for the operation to grow, Mr. Jayatileke said.
Currently the air taxi service has scheduled flights from Colombo in Peliyagoda to Bentota, Dikwella, Kandy, Koggala, Nuwara Eliya and back. More charter tours are conducted on request to Tissamaharama, Hambantota, Dambulla. These charter operations many in the future become scheduled destinations depending on the demand, he said.
Mr. Jayatileke pointed out that currently they are looking at flying into and taking off from the Beira Lake, Ampara, Arugam Bay, Pasikudah, Trincomalee and Jaffna in the immediate future depending on clearances from the Defence Ministry authorities.
SriLankan Airlines is now developing Ja-Ela in a bid to ensure that there will be a quick transfer from the international airport as well, Mr. Jayatileke said.
Promotional fares today are at Rs.4900 with any person having the opportunity to call the air taxi call centre on 1979, he said adding that in the future they hope to provide tickets at the docking sites itself. The main idea behind this air taxi concept is to take the traveller to any destination in Sri Lanka within a matter of one hour.
The service is currently lacking in any profit-making due to low demand but the intention is to create increased awareness and ensure more domestic travelers take to the skies onboard the SriLankan Air taxis.
Refuelling is possible in certain locations like Dambulla, Pallaly and Trincomalee.At the Marina Hotel in Bentota run by Lanka Sportreizen CEO D.K.R. Dharmapala said there has been a huge response for scenic flights and believe there will be a need to increase these scheduled flights as well if on the spot tickets are provided. |
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