A major Chinese cargo airline operator has made inquiries about using Sri Lanka as a cargo hub, said Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Palitha Kohona.
This will be for airlines operating on the Europe-China and Africa-China routes, he told the Sunday Observer Business. The Chinese cargo airline is exploring this possibility as it considers Sri Lanka to be a cheaper option than the Middle East. The Bandaranaike International Airport and the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport are options for them.
Commenting on the passenger segment, he said that all Chinese airlines have expressed interest in the potential of the Sri Lankan tourist market. “We have had direct discussions with provincial operators including Shandong, Chongqing, Nanjing, and Shanghai, and they responded positively.”
Sri Lanka will not be the final destination for Chinese travellers but also a jump off hub for India, the Maldives, Africa and the Middle East.
The Ambassador said that China Eastern Airlines is already operating flights to Colombo. The Airline also plans to increase its capacity to Colombo. “We hope that SriLankan Airlines will also prepare itself to meet the expected demand from China.
Commenting on the Chinese aviation industry, the Ambassador said, “The hard-nosed Chinese airlines are betting on a massive upsurge in post-Covid international travel. They have ordered 280 new wide bodied Airbus aircraft.
Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka were among the top three source markets during the three years of the pre Covid-19 era.