Mihin Lanka takes wing

Tuesday morning was significant and synonymous when Mihin Lanka Airlines commenced its long awaited operations carrying around hundred and sixty five passengers from Colombo Katunayake International airport to Buddhagaya, in India.

The A320 type aircraft which left Katunayake in the morning landed at the Buddhagaya Airport around noon and returned to Colombo the same evening. This aircraft has been leased from BU air of Sofia, Bulgaria and will be utilised within the initial phases of commercial operations.

Mihin Airlines is a fully government owned limited liability company, and a concept and brainchild of President Mahinda Rajapaksa keeping in line with his Mahinda Chintanaya, to provide an indigenous budget airline for the benefit of Sri Lankan pilgrims who yearn to go on pilgrimages to Buddhagaya, a sight considered to be one of the most sacred and holiest locations for Buddhists.

Mihin Lanka will provide air transport at a reduced and affordable range of fares. It will provide air services at low competitive prices.

Mihin Lanka will be a special benefit and advantage to Sri Lanka expatriates working in the Middle East. The airline with its humble beginnings is ambitious and aspires to achieve highest quality standards in Air travel on par with other international airlines.

The airline has also carried out and demonstrated to the CAA, that they are competent and capable of mobilising identified personnel and the resources to conduct the intended services and prescribed in the documents submitted to the CAA.

The passengers on board A320 flight to Buddhagaya on Tuesday comprised ministers Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Mervyn Silva, Milinda Moragoda, Government officials, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Provincial Councillors, Pradeshiya Sabha Members, Members of the Maha Sangha, Media Personnel and others.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Sajin de Vaas Gunawardene, is of the view that Mihin Lanka will be a success story and will be able to expand its operations to other parts of the globe too.