IWS Holdings opens new phase in transportation

The transport sector is set to take a new turn with the opening of the first private aerodrome facility in Welisara on Tuesday by IWS Holdings that gives wing to those willing to use it for their own use for parking and even for hiring staff for manning helicopters.

Rejected from obtaining a hangar at the Ratmalana Airport, pioneering entrepreneur Arthur Senanayake who introduced Sampath Bank’s innovation and Celltel to the country, has established Sri Lanka’s first privately owned fully fledged Aerodrome in Welisara.

“I’ve always done something new. With Celltel, the first cellular network to Sri Lanka. I’ve pioneered Sampath Bank and participated in innovation technology of the bank,” he said.

In the context of the current transport situation in the country, he pointed out that he wanted to enhance transportation for helicopters and in this respect there would be no need to have an aero- drome, pilots or qualified personnel to work on these by those clients wanting to have their own helicopters.

Facilities at the helicopter include landing and parking spaces, line and base maintenance for Airbus and Bell Helicopters, AOG ( Aircraft on Ground) Help Desk Support, crew coordination and AOC ( Air Operators certificate) 24/7.

In future, Mr. Senanayake said that they hoped to establish their own flying school in conjunction with Swiss Helicopters to produce more qualified pilots and enhance their capability to world class standards.

Existing staff at IWS Aviation are trained by AirBus Helicopters and Bell Helicopters as well as for engines from Safran, France.

He pointed out that customers that buy new helicopters will be able to secure SBH ( power by hour), which is an insurance of continuous support for the engine and air- frames together with the support of our associates and partners.

In addition, Mr. Senanayake noted that IWS Aviation would be in a position to source brand new helicopters as well as pre- owned helicopters with financing packages.

Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva addressing the launch said that the restricted airspace is set to be further cleared for air travel and that investments are being made by the government to be more tourist- friendly and encourage increased numbers of upmarket visitors to the country by providing helicopter services.

In this respect, the aviation authorities have had to purchase 25 acres from the Sri Lanka Air Force ( SLAF) at Katunayake to establish hangars there, he said.

In addition, he noted that they would be investing a further Rs. 1 billion to establish the latest navigation technical requirements.

He also pointed out that due to issues pertaining to allocations for the construction of the Terminal II at the Katunayake airport authorities would be coming up with a temporary terminal in six months.