Private helicopter operators cry foul
By Lalin Fernandopulle
The private domestic air transportation sector makes a salient
contribution to the growth of the tourism industry.
However, its contribution is stifled due to the absence of a level
playing field for landing. Landing restrictions imposed in Colombo and
certain other locations for private helicopter operators has hampered
business. Domestic flight operators said that except for Helitours
operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force, private operators are not permitted
to land in Colombo which is a key location for tourism.Private
helicopter operators were barred from landing in the city due to
security reasons during the war. Despite the war being over almost six
years ago, the restriction is still in force for private operators.
“We need a level playing field to expand operations. Colombo is a
vital location for foreign and local corporate travellers. This market
is affected by the uneven playing field,” Millennium Airlines, simplifly,
Head of Sales and Business Development, Ishan Munaweera said.
Operators said that the government has lifted road transportation
restrictions but not landing restrictions. The Galle Face Green and the
Air Force grounds are ideal locations for landing and take-off.
”We have begun negotiations with Waters Edge Hotel officials to
secure landing rights at the premises which will help boost wedding,
leisure and the sports market,” Munaweera said.
A senior official of the industry said that he was confident that the
new Ministry of Ports and Aviation, Arjuna Ranatunga will create a level
playing field soon for the industry. Helicopters are one of the fastest
modes of transport as it occupies less space for take-off and landing.
Air Senok, Cinnamon Air, Daya Aviation and simplifly of Millennium
Airlines operate domestic flights. Millennium Airlines, launched in
2004, operates a fixed wing aircraft, a helicopter and a sea plane and
uses the Ratmalana airport and Colts grounds as its base.
Munaweera said that the company was prohibited from using the
Peradeniya Agriculture Department grounds in Gannoruwa for landing. Air
Senok sources said that the company has been facing the problem of
landing restrictions in the city for a long time and added that a level
playing field will boost the growth of the sector.
Daya Aviation, Cordinator Operations and Maintenance, Gayani
Pathirana said that the company will face the same situation when it
launches helicopter flights soon. “We hope that the restrictions on
landing in Colombo will be lifted paving the way for a level playing
field,” she said.
Daya Aviation with over 20 years in the industry, operates a fixed
wing aircraft in Sri Lanka and a 19-seater aircraft in the USA. Domestic
aviation which had a rugged course during the time of the conflict with
severe travel restrictions revived with the dawn of peace.
Experts said that despite the absence of a conflict the expected pace
of growth has not taken place due to lack of skilled pilots, engineers,
high maintenance costs and uneven playing field.
Private operators said that they have to keep their rates high due to
high maintenance costs such as hangers and salaries of pilots which has
to match international standards. The domestic airports at Ampara,
Koggala, China-Bay, Jaffna and Ratmalana have been developed as ‘City
Airports’ to develop the market for charter and scheduled flights for
private operations. Sri Lanka Tourism is spearheading a campaign to woo
more visitors to the scenic island which attracted around 1.3 million
travellers last year. |