UL adds 18 more destinations via codeshare with Qatar Airways
Srilankan Airlines said it is adding 18 more new cities in Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East through the expansion of its codeshare agreement with its oneworld partner Qatar Airways, bringing its global route network to 127 destinations in 56 countries.
“Srilankan is delighted to introduce many new travel options to our valued customers around the world. We have built a strong partnership with Qatar Airways over the years and we regard Qatar as an airline of first class quality and excellence whom our customers would be very comfortable flying with,” Srilankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunatilleka said.
Srilankan passengers would have new options via Qatar’s hub in Doha to Helsinki (Finland), Belgrade (Serbia), Budapest (Hungary), Larnaca (Cyprus), Warsaw (Poland),
Casablanca (Morocco), Lisbon (Portugal), Gothenburg (Sweden), Brussels (Belgium), Venice (Italy), Baku (Azerbaijan), Kyiv (Ukraine), Munich (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic), Dublin (Ireland), Madrid and Malaga in Spain, Edinburgh and Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Athens and Thessaloniki in Greece, Turkish cities of Ankara, Istanbul (Sabiha Airport), Antalya and Izmir, Sao Paulo (Brazil), Montreal in Canada and the U.S. cities of Washington D.C., Chicago, Houston, Dallas-fort Worth and Boston.
Installation of the remarkable Ahasa One Sky Bridge is certainly the most distinctive and striking feature of the iconic Sapphire Residences and ITC One hotel complex, which dominates the centre of the Galle Face oceanfront and is destined to become a major landmark for the city.
Scheduled for completion in 2021, this iconic development comprises the impressive c.224-metre residential tower, which sits alongside the c.140metre high hotel. These two vertical structures will be connected c.100 metres in the air at the 19th to 21st levels by the Ahasa One Sky Bridge.
The first of its kind in South Asia, Ahasa One will have not one but two infinity pools and a sun deck on top; inside the structure will be a luxurious jazz lounge and bar, which will surely become one of Colombo’s social ‘hotspots’. The dual-panoramic views from this awe-inspiring structure will be some of the most breathtaking in the city, revealing the Indian Ocean, Beira Lake and the city lights below in all their glory.
Inevitably such a unique design has presented some interesting and unique challenges. Suspended c.100 meters in the air and weighing a staggering c.3,000 tonnes when completed, this c.55-meter-long elevated pathway is unquestionably an engineering marvel, which demanded the world’s best minds to turn it into reality. As such, developers Welcom Hotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd sought the expertise and experience of worldleading construction company L&T.
“The Skybridge is one of the most unique structures that we have ever built, not least as it requires extensive fullscale load testing before final assembly on site,” explained L&T Sri Lanka Head Natarajan Namachivayam.
“This is a unique challenge that, to our knowledge, has no precedent of this nature and complexity anywhere in the world. The balanced double infinity Skypools and the suspended Sky Lounge below the pool are features which are unique to this project,” he observes.
“The Ahasa One structure is the result of a two-year long collaborative effort between the design, procurement, fabrication and erection teams. As far as construction is concerned, highly specialised synchronised lifting systems and fabrication methods, together with a unique ‘top down’ assembly process in the suspended condition, have been employed.”
In order to create such a landmark building as the region’s most exclusive, sustainable complex, leading companies around the world covering architecture, engineering, interior design, security, landscaping, marketing and sales were approached, from which a world-class team of global experts was assembled.
This team includes the world’s most revered living designer Philippe Starck (Paris) and YOO (London), Gensler (San Francisco), Control Risks (London), Thornton Tomasetti (New York), L&T (India/sri Lanka), Sterling (India), Design Wilkes (Malaysia), Meinhardt Façade (India), Buregafarnell (Singapore) and Sotheby’s International Realty (global sales).this is underpinned by the exceptional 5* hospitality services that will be delivered by India’s ITC Hotels to residents, guests and visitors to Sapphire Residences and ITC One hotel.
Closer to home, a leading consultant on this iconic development is the renowned and celebrated Sri Lankan architect Deshamanya Surath Wickramasinghe, who has been at the forefront of this project since its inception.
Wickramasinghe agrees that the most significant aspect of the Galle Face development is the Ahasa One Sky Bridge. Describing it as ‘architecturally iconic’, he believes the exterior glass facade enabling spectacular panoramic views will generate an ambience that is unique to Sri Lanka and to South Asia.
“This exceptional Sky Bridge will be a distinctive landmark for the City of Colombo, a symbolic catalyst to convey to the world the country’s resurgent economic and cultural growth. I hope that it will also inspire our own architects and designers to push the boundaries of creativity in transforming Colombo’s skyline.”
“The concept is based on the new breed of international private members’ clubs that provide a secure, integrated place for relaxing, working, playing and socialising, with a focus on enhancing the members’ experiences and wellbeing,” explained Welcomhotels Lanka Managing Director Arun Pathak.
He added that every Sky Mansion also comes with a state-of-the-art home automation solution that operates with hands-free voice control and mobile devices, putting residents in control of their environment and ensuring peace of mind.
“This offers total convenience, comfort and security at the tip of one’s tongue -or fingertips!”