Sri Lankan textiles company Daya Group has formed an aviation subsidiary through which it has launched the country's first domestic private charter operation.
Daya Aviation operates a six-seat Beech Baron piston-engined twin and is planning to acquire a Bell LongRanger helicopter within four months. The Baron is used by Colombo-based Daya to transport international buyers to its bases throughout Sri Lanka, which it says can be difficult to reach by commercial airline.
"We are also offering the aircraft to other business throughout the country and for sightseeing operations for the booming tourism industry," says Daya Aviation chairman Daya Gamage. "We are averaging around 12 flights a month," he adds, with Ampara, Sevengala and Weerawila the most popular destinations served.
Daya plans to acquire two more business aircraft types and launch similar charter ventures in India and Bangladesh through joint-venture partnerships with European and US business-aviation service providers, including Jet Aviation and TAG Aviation.
KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
