Sri Lanka’s newest airline Air Ceilao promises to revolutionise air travel
Daily FT: A thrilling new chapter in Sri Lanka’s aviation story will unfold with the imminent launch of Air Ceilao, the nation’s newest international airline.
With an ambition to revolutionise the local industry, Air Ceilao has said it is ready to take off harnessing Sri Lanka’s strategic position as a regional aviation hub and reshape how the world views air travel.
This bold newcomer will not be just another airline; and aims to become a pioneering force that blends the elegance of full-service airlines with the affordability of low-cost carriers that caters to both the discerning traveller and the budget-conscious flyer. With Air Ceilao, air travel will no longer be a choice between luxury and value — it will be an experience that offers both that truly understands and caters to customers’ every need.
With plans already in motion and ongoing engagement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, the countdown to Air Ceilao’s debut has begun. Starting with a fleet of narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft, the airline will initially connect passengers to key destinations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Phase two of the expansion will see Air Ceilao stretching its wings even further reaching long-haul destinations across Europe and Australia.
Air Ceilao is founded on the pillars of innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and an unwavering commitment to unmatched customer experience. “We’re here to redefine air travel,” says Chairman Janith Kashan. “Our digital-first approach ensures seamless journeys, making air travel not just accessible but extraordinary for everyone.”
The launch comes at a time of exciting growth for Sri Lanka, as the country’s tourism industry booms and infrastructure expands. Air Ceilao is set to be a major driver of this growth, opening up new opportunities and creating jobs that will empower local talent and boost the economy. “We’ve assembled an elite team with extensive experience in the aviation industry,” Kashan reveals. “This, combined with our nationwide recruitment campaign, will ensure that Air Ceilao is staffed by the best and brightest — especially local talent, who are at the heart of our mission.”
OSL take:
The steady growth in the number of foreign travelers to the country is evident by the increase in the number of flights being operated by international airports to Sri Lanka. The increase in foreign travelers to the country is mainly due to the growth in business, trade and tourism sectors. Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean has also placed the country with the potential to become a regional aviation hub. Sri Lanka is already working towards becoming a regional hub in the maritime industry, business and trade. However, the growth in air travel to Sri Lanka has opened up a host of new opportunities in the airport and aviation sectors. The launch of Air Ceilao is indicative of the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka’s aviation business. The expansion in the aviation business includes the operation of air travel locally and internationally building air connectivity amidst Sri Lanka’s ongoing development drive. This expansion in the aviation sector has in-turn expanded business/investment opportunities in the airports sector as well. The increasing number of air travelers to Sri Lanka has resulted in the need to expand the infrastructure and supplementary infrastructure facilities in the airport sector. The Sri Lankan government has already initiated projects to expand the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and to upgrade several key domestic airports in the country to regional standards. All these are indicative of the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s airport and aviation sector that provides lucrative opportunities to foreign businesses/investors.