COLOMBO- The upcoming carrier of Sri Lanka, Air Ceilao or Air Ceilão has submitted an air operator’s certificate (AOC) application to the country’s civil aviation authority, targeting commercial operations by May 2025.
The carrier aims to leverage Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical position as a regional aviation hub.
Air Ceilao AOC
According to the Ch-aviation report, The startup plans to launch operations with two A320 Family aircraft, focusing on key destinations across the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
According to an Air Ceilão spokesperson, the initial network encompasses a comprehensive route strategy designed to connect Colombo with major international airports.
Proposed Initial Route Network:
- Colombo (CMB) to Dubai (DXB) International: 5X weekly
- Colombo to Doha (DOH): 5X weekly
- Colombo to Chennai (MAA): 5X weekly
- Colombo to Bangkok (BKK): 4X weekly
- Colombo to Singapore (SIN): 4X weekly
- Colombo to Malé (MLE): 3X weekly
Note: All of these are roundtrip flights.
At present, the Sri Lankan Aviation market is dominated by its flag carrier, SriLankan Airlines (UL). It is moving toward sustainable operations and restructuring as Sri Lanka’s government failed to privatize the carrier.
As per the FY2023-24 report, SriLankan Airlines has shown remarkable progress by reporting a positive net profit and flying 3.6 million passengers, however, this number is still down by around 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
But Sri Lankan tourism industry showing recovery with international passengers visiting the country to explore its rich landscapes and unique heritage sites. Air Ceilao can capitalize on these growing trends and find its place along with FitsAir.
However, Sri Lanka like India is a graveyard of airlines. Around 15 carriers have suspended their operations in the last 40 years. So Air Ceilao needs to have a solid business model and strategy to stay afloat.
Chairman Janith Kashan emphasized the country’s pivotal role as a regional aviation hub, highlighting the strategic importance of the new carrier’s planned network. The AOC application represents a significant milestone in Air Ceilão’s mission to establish a competitive presence in the international air travel market.
Focus on Asia and Later on Nearby Regions
The airline will deploy a mixed fleet of narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft, targeting key destinations across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
As the second privately owned international airline in Sri Lanka, Air Ceilao introduces an innovative market positioning that bridges low-cost and premium travel segments.
Strategic Fleet and Market Approach:
- Combines narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft capabilities
- Offers a unique travel experience blending luxury and affordability
- Designed to provide diverse options for different traveler segments
Chairman Janith Kashan outlined the airline’s core mission to make air travel both extraordinary and accessible. The carrier has launched an extensive recruitment campaign, prioritizing local talent to drive its operational excellence and support Sri Lanka’s aviation ecosystem.
Future Expansion Strategy:
- Initial focus on the Middle East and Asia-Pacific routes
- Long-term plans to extend operations to Europe and Australia
- Potential expansion into long-haul international markets
Air Ceilao strategically positions itself as a potential catalyst for Sri Lanka’s tourism and economic development.
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