FitsAir, the newest passenger carrier to join the Sri Lankan skies, will begin operations this month with flights to Dubai, Trichy, and Male. Commercial operations are slated to begin on October 5 on its three A320-200 aircraft, which will seat 154 economy and 8 economy plus passengers.
FitsAir’s CEO Peter Hill previously served as the CEO of Emirates in Sri Lanka while Emirates managed the Sri Lankan airline’s operations. He was stationed in Colombo.
The spat between Mahinda Rajapakse and him in 2008 ,over a charter flight issue prompted the Sri Lankan government to cancel the contract with Emirates and reclaim control of the Sri Lankan airspace. Moreover, Mr. Hill’s residential visa and work permit cancelled with short notice.
FitsAir, CEO Peter Hill said during a media meeting this week at the Taj in Colombo that the airline, which previously operated purely as a cargo carrier, will now convert its cargo carrier to a passenger aircraft, which will be joined by two more aircraft.
Despite the fact that airlines have external challenges and are not the easiest business to run, Mr. Hill stated that they hope to break even in the first year.
He stated that the gasoline crisis in Sri Lanka would not be a concern for FitsAir because they had already made the necessary arrangements to acquire their own fuel.
FitsAir is owned by the Aberdeen Group and is privately owned and operated by a 200-person Sri Lankan crew.
The airline will maintain efficient, no-frills in-flight services, and passengers will be served simple complementary refreshments. However, more substantial snacks/meals and beverages can be purchased onboard.
All customers will receive a free checked-in luggage allowance of 30 kilogramme, as well as one free carry-on bag of 7kg. Special reduced prices with specifically discounted rates may be given, and such fares may offer a limited free allowance of 20 kg or no allowance at all.
Mr. Hill stated that they will maintain sustainable airfares and that the airline will be self-funded, flying one flight per day and three times per week.
These flights are anticipated to rapidly expand to daily flights, with the goal of serving many South Indian locations that will be established in 2023.
They will also provide flights from Jaffna to India, but just as far as Dubai for the time being. The airline also intends to launch flights between Colombo’s Ratmalana Airport and Jaffna, followed by the establishment of a mini-hub in Jaffna to serve a number of South Indian cities. Flights from Ratmalana and Jaffna would be handled by a 70-seater turboprop aircraft, according to the carrier.
In addition, a variety of domestic services located around Ratmalana Airport are being developed, collaborating with tour operators and hoteliers to provide quick transfers and short-duration sightseeing trips. Cessna Caravan 12-seater aircraft would be used for these services.