FitsAir Explores A319 Addition for Pioneering Colombo to Jaffna Route

Sri Lanka’s FitsAir (8D), based at Colombo International, is actively seeking an Airbus A319-100 as it aims to inaugurate its first domestic route connecting Colombo to Jaffna. This move, disclosed by FitsAir’s Vice President of Passengers, Peter Hill, aims to extend connectivity further from Jaffna to destinations in southern India.

Hill emphasized that FitsAir’s hybrid model positions it as an appealing option for travelers seeking an alternative to time-consuming overland journeys from Sri Lanka’s commercial hub to the northern city. The airline targets budget-conscious travelers, leveraging its no-frills pricing structure to cater to this market segment.

Presently, Jaffna experiences limited connectivity, with Alliance Air (India) operating a daily route to Chennai and Cinnamon Air offering four weekly flights to Sigiriya. Notably, Cinnamon Air exclusively operates Cessna C208 Grand Caravans for its scheduled domestic operations within Sri Lanka, making FitsAir the potential pioneer of large aircraft operations in the domestic market.

Earlier this year, Hill indicated that FitsAir was considering ATR72s for its domestic and southern India routes. While the status of these turboprops remains undisclosed, the recent revelation underscores FitsAir’s interest in the aviation market’s evolving dynamics.

FitsAir’s current fleet comprises three A320-200s, serving routes to Chennai, Dubai International, and Malé. The airline is gearing up for expansion, with plans to introduce new routes to Dhaka and Tiruchirapally, the latter expected as early as January 2024.

In contemplating future growth, Hill revealed that FitsAir is evaluating the business case for incorporating new-generation narrowbodies. While the existing A320s allow for flights of up to five hours, potential destinations like Jeddah remain beyond their range. Hill hinted at the possibility of introducing A320neo or B737 MAX aircraft to facilitate network expansion. Moreover, FitsAir is not ruling out the addition of widebody aircraft in the future, indicating strategic considerations for long-term development.

“We either have to get ourselves the new narrowbodies or we have to look for a widebody. But I would say that’s a couple of years down the line,” Hill commented, emphasizing FitsAir’s forward-looking approach to fleet optimization and route expansion.