The Hindu : SriLankan airlines plans flights to Kochi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

SriLankan airlines plans flights to Kochi

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM March 26. SriLankan airlines has plans to operate flights from Colombo to the Cochin International Airport and is negotiating with the Union Government in this regard, according to the Regional Manager (South Asia and Pacific), Mohammed Fazeel.

Addressing a press conference here today in connection with introduction of daily flights from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram from March 31, Mr. Fazeel said the airline was ready to commence flight operations to Kochi once the traffic rights were given.

The airline, which has five flights a week now, will operate daily flights from March 31, when the summer schedule comes into effect. The regional manager said the airline had plans to operate cargo flights from Colombo to the Thiruvananthapuram international airport to cater to the needs of the exporters and in view of the switchover to smaller aircraft in the sector.

Stating that the package launched by the airline in November for those from Delhi and Mumbai to visit Colombo had become popular and had been extended till June, he said 16,000 Indian tourists had visited the island nation during the last two months.

The Sales Manager, Kerala, Asha Subramonian, who was also present at the briefing, said the airline had announced a similar package for air travellers from the Southern States.

As per this, those purchasing two `J' class tickets from Chennai, Tiruchirapally and Thiruvananthapuram will get a three night/four day holiday as complimentary in the island nation.

Return airfare, star class accommodation including breakfast and transfers to and from the hotel come along with the package.

Pointing out that the airline was ready to cooperate with the State to promote tourism and bring tourists to God's Own County, Mr. Fazeel said the airline was trying to bring travel and tour operators from all over for Kerala Travel Mart, to be held in Kochi later this year.

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