‘Qatar is an important point in network of SriLankan Airlines’
The airline to introduce twice-daily flight from next Summer Season
‘Qatar has been a very important market to SriLankan Airlines. I am challenged by the fact that it is also one of the most competitive markets in the world for the airline industry’
SRILANKAN Airlines considers Qatar a very important strategic point in its network, according to SriLankan Airlines’ New Country Manager Thusitha Wickramasinghe.
“SriLankan Airlines currently operates 13 flights a week to Colombo from Doha. To provide more convenient service to our loyal passengers, the frequency was increased from 11 to 13 and we have improved our timings for Doha-bound passengers. Continuing the momentum, we will introduce twice-daily flight from next Summer Season,” said Wickramasinghe, who brings with him a wealth of experience of more than 15 years at different destinations and designations.
Wickramasinghe’s experience in corporate planning and marketing management and operations will be a game changer for Qatari market.
SriLankan Airlines, the successor of Air Lanka initiated operations to Qatar in 1981, celebrates 39 years of operations to Qatar.
The airline has deployed its highest capacity in the Middle East to the oneworld hub connecting Colombo, the only subcontinent oneworld hub to Middle East.
Wickramasinghe said, “I am honoured to take over this position. Qatar has been a very important market to SriLankan Airlines. I am challenged by the fact that it is also one of the most competitive markets in the world for the airline industry. However,
the same competition for long years has groomed us to an award-winning airline with a proven service and safety record.
“I will do my best to further enhance our brand presence and inspire discerning travellers to explore the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka on the wings of SriLankan Airlines.”
Sri Lanka is a one of the top destinations identified by the world’s leading brands for tourism for 2019 and 2020. In coming years, my ambition is to make Sri Lanka the number one destination for Qatar outbound tourism, he added.
“Qatar, where over 130,000 Sri Lankans live, is a unique place in the Middle Eastern region. Most of these are professionals at highest levels whose contribution is significant to the total economic activities in Qatar. Through their work and gained reputation, they have already established the brand of Sri Lanka at the highest level. I am honoured and certain that they will work as brand ambassadors promoting brands of Sri Lanka among all in Qatar,” said Wickramasinghe.
He noted that Sri Lanka’s strategic location, natural beauty, historical sites, business opportunities will attract Qatari citizens and expatriates to travel to Sri Lanka.
“We are determined to strengthen the relationship with all segments of Sri Lanka, South India and Far Eastern markets. I am confident that SriLankan Airlines Doha team will endeavour to provide their best services. Our partner Ali Bin Ali is one of the prime general sales agents in Qatar. I am confident that together we can elevate SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka to the next level,” said Wickramasinghe, who joined SriLankan Airlines in September 2004.
Prior to coming to Qatar, he served as manager Planning and Development Airport and Ground Services at SriLankan Airlines Headquarters in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, he served as a country manager in Hong Kong SAR and in various other positions leading the teams in Schedules Planning, Revenue Management and Route Management of SriLankan Airlines.