Colombo Businessman Launches Air Ceilão to Transform Aviation in Sri Lanka

A Colombo-based entrepreneur is set to introduce a new scheduled passenger carrier named Air Ceilão, aimed at transforming Sri Lanka into a key player in regional air travel. Air Ceilão’s chairman, Janith Kashan, has announced that the airline’s launch plans are already underway and discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka regarding permits and licenses have commenced, reported ch-aviation.com.

In an interview last month, Kashan revealed that Air Ceilão will start with a diverse fleet of narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft. The initial focus will be on connecting Sri Lanka to major destinations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. “Our goal is to leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic location to reshape global air travel,” Kashan stated. He outlined a two-phase expansion plan: the first phase will cover regional destinations, while the second will see Air Ceilão extend its reach to long-haul routes across Europe and Australia.

Janith Kashan’s extensive background includes roles such as co-founder and CEO of TravelHub Asia Pvt Ltd, country general manager of Book Logic, co-founder of Trip Genie, and chairman of Thambapanni Distilleries Pvt Ltd. Despite his impressive resume, details about Air Ceilão’s aircraft types, funding sources, and specific timelines remain undisclosed. Kashan has not yet provided additional information regarding these aspects.

If successful, Air Ceilão will join the ranks of Sri Lanka’s existing scheduled carriers: SriLankan Airlines, FitsAir, and Cinnamon Air. The new airline aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s aviation infrastructure and provide new travel opportunities for passengers.

Kashan’s ambitious project is expected to boost the nation’s connectivity and position Sri Lanka as a pivotal hub in the global aviation network.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com