Aviation and Export Zones Development State Minister D.V Chanaka said the commencement of operation by Swiss International Airlines between Colombo and Zurich will help boost the tourism industry in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the C-19 pandemic.
The State Minister said the resumption of the airline’s winter flights scheduled to Colombo will strengthen cooperation in the trade, investment, financial, educational and cultural areas between the two nations.
“We have been continuing our efforts to make sure that our airports are operated in noncompliance with the international standards of health and safety”, Chanaka said. The State Minister along with Swiss envoy in Colombo Dominic Furgler were at the Bandaranaike International Airport to receive the inaugural flight.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, the said the government is planning to upgrade the aviation industry of Sri Lanka by introducing new technology and digitizing our airports to give a seamless passenger experience Swiss International Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group resumed operations once again to Colombo on Friday the November 5.
The inaugural flight from Zurich to Colombo, upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport followed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance and an inaugural ceremony to welcome the guests.
Ninety-five passengers arrived on this flight. The weekly service to Colombo every Friday with a capacity of 314 seats will feature 27 seats in Business Class and 287 in Economy. The economy cabin includes 70 seats with an extra recline and legroom.
The airline was scheduled to operate a twice-weekly service year-round pre-COVID pandemic. “Gauging from the interest demonstrated now by potential visitors to the island, we are optimistic we could revisit this plan in the not-too-distant future” stated Parveen Dassenaike, Chairperson and Managing Director of United Ventures – the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Lufthansa Group in Sri Lanka were present.
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