Helitours off the radar since May 2

Helitours’ flight operations have been suspended in view of issues linked to regulatory matters and since the aircraft are currently under flight servicing.

Sri Lanka Air Force ( SLAF) Spokesman Wing Commander Gihan Seneviratne told the Business Times that flight operations of Helitours had been suspended since May 2.

He noted that the suspension was due to ensuring that the aircraft used for commercial operations could be brought in conformity with civil aviation rules.

Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA) Director General H.M.C. Nimalsiri told the Business Times on Friday that Helitours, operated by the Sri Lanka Air Force, had suspended their scheduled operations.

He noted that this suspension could promote more civil operators and pointed out that they would provide licenses to those willing to operate domestic operations should they submit “a comprehensive business plan.”

The DG also explained that the Cabinet had decided to offer increased concessions to domestic private flight operators.

National Agency for Public Private Partnership Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe speaking with the Business Times said that the Cabinet paper was meant to encourage new investment in domestic aircraft by the private sector to have a scheduled service between the domestic airports.

He noted that in this context the domestic airports needed to be upgraded and several companies had already submitted their interest in purchasing new aircraft for whom certain concessions have been provided for.

Helitours had been operating two scheduled flights three days o f the week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday from Ratmalana to Trincomalee and Jaffna. Scheduled operations were for flights to leave Ratmalana Airport at 7.30 am and reach Trincomalee by 8.15 am and then proceed to Jaffna by 9 am. These were to then return the same day from Jaffna at 3.30 pm, from Trincomalee at 4 pm and arrive at Ratmalana by 5 pm.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that SLAF manned helicopters with a 10- seater capacity would be made available for charter operations.