Jaffna flights resume on Expo Aviation

Expo Aviation is recommencing operations to Jaffna after a lapse of nine months with two flights per day. The domestic carrier currently is reduced to one Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft operating with 12 seats after its former two, 52- seater aircrafts were sent to Indonesia for refurbishment and is now in Singapore to be leased out, Expo Aviation Managing Director Seraj Mo- hammed told the Business Times.

The Cessna aircraft was brought down from the US at a cost of US$2.6 million from the manufacturer and was ferried to Colombo and was awaiting approval from authorities for operation. He noted that the airline is recommencing operations to Jaffna due to the growing demand now compared to the drop experienced immediately after the A9 highway opened.

The curiosity to drive through without any problems to visit the war torn areas by domestic travelers had resulted in a drop in demand for flight operations with the load factor that once averaged at 200 dipping to 36 per day. However with the increase in demand the airline this week recommenced operations and following the advertisements they received a tremendous response, he said.

Mr. Mohammed said that since they had also established two hotels in the North they were able to provide increased facilities to visitors to Jaffna. Due to the increasing demand, it was pointed out that they were " seriously" looking at bringing down another aircraft as well in the future. With more hotels now coming up in Jaffna there was an increased interest by foreigners to visit the area and he added that they would arrange for tours depending on guest requests.