‘India Is The Only Growth Market Earmarked For 2004’

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

The opening up of the international skies to Indian airlines has certainly been a blessing in disguise for SriLankan Airlines, who have set out a strategic plan for the potent Indian market. To begin with its not just a new management but increased capacities, more flights et al. Reveals Lal Talgaswatte, manager western and central India, SriLankan Airlines, “Our prime objective in India would be to expand operations and gain access to a lot of points. We have increased capacities in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kochi and will be commencing our Calicut flight from July 1, 2004. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as the opening up of the Indian skies has made us the biggest ever international carrier with 66 flights in India and we have a long way to go.”

Elaborating further on the growth plan, Lal added, “India is the only growth market earmarked by us for this year. This could be attributed to the 73 per cent load factor the airline gains from this continent, which paves the way to profitability. Our plan for the coming year include opening up of a full fledged office in Ahmedabad, strengthening our position in Goa and Pune, looking at a possibility of increasing the Bodgaya flights and looking at Nepal via Delhi but this would be only in 2005. We are also seriously looking at Kolkata and would consider making Hyderabad a daily flight from the current four flights.”

Having their focus set, does the airline promote the destination? Says Lal, “Our division SriLankan Holidays promotes SriLanka in India in a big way via the airline. This brings in credibility. We are also promoting the MICE aspect of SriLanka as the destination has what it takes to cater to this segment. On the Indian front, the Kerela Tourism Board is working closely with the SriLankan Tourism Board to promote each destination respectively