We had the privilege of interviewing Dr Sumith De Silva, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited. Based at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Dr De Silva brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role. He holds a Ph.D. from MSU Malaysia, an MBA from India, and a B.Sc. in Management from Sri Lanka.
As a highly regarded professional, Dr De Silva is a Certified Professional Marketer (Asia) and a Practising Marketer in Sri Lanka, accredited by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). He also serves as Vice President for Sri Lanka at the Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA) and is a member of the Asia Pacific Institute for Events Management (APIEM).
In this interview, Dr De Silva provides insights into the operations of Airport and Aviation Services, the growth of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, and the socio-economic contributions of the sector.
Q: What is the role of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited?
A: Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) is a fully government-owned entity responsible for managing and developing civil international airports in Sri Lanka. As the appointed agent of the Government of Sri Lanka, AASL represents the country in discharging the duties in the capacity of a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The company operates Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR), and Jaffna International Airport (JIA). AASL also manages Batticaloa Airport, operational since 2017. AASL’s vision is to be the friendliest aviation partner in global connectivity, focusing on sustainable development, safety, and stakeholder satisfaction through innovative practices.
Q. How has Sri Lanka’s aviation industry performed in the past decade regarding passenger volumes?
A: Sri Lanka’s aviation industry has experienced notable fluctuations between 2014 and 2024. Between 2014 and 2018, passenger volumes rose steadily, peaking at 10.8 million in 2018. However, 2019 saw an 8.5% decline following the Easter bombings, with numbers dropping to 9.9 million. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted passenger movements in 2020 and 2021, causing declines of 76% and 37% respectively. Despite these challenges, passenger volumes rebounded in 2022 with 5.5 million movements and increased further in 2023 to 7.5 million, a 37.2% growth. As of August 2024, arrivals had reached 5.9 million, and AASL anticipates a total of 9 million by year-end, reflecting the aviation sector’s resilience and contribution to economic recovery.
Q: How many airlines are operated in Sri Lanka in 2024?
A: In 2024, 44 airlines, including charter operations, were active in Sri Lanka, strengthening global connectivity. At Bandaranaike International Airport, 26 airlines connected to 43 airports in 25 countries across four regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Jaffna International Airport has also played a crucial role, with two airlines operating daily flights to Chennai, enhancing Sri Lanka’s connectivity with Southern India. AASL expects new scheduled flight operations and additional charter operations during the winter season, further increasing air traffic. Jetstar Asia will commence scheduled flight operations in November 2024, between Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Q: What is the current market overview in the aviation industry?
A: In 2024, 48.95% of total movements were arrival passengers, while 51.05% were departures. Among arrivals, 46.18% were international tourists, with India, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and China as the top five source markets. By September 2024, Sri Lanka had welcomed over 1.5 million international tourists, exceeding the previous year’s total of 1.4 million. Jaffna International Airport, serving two airlines, has seen steady growth, with over 50,000 passengers being handled since its opening. The airport continues to boost socio-economic development in Northern Sri Lanka.
Q: How has AASL contributed to Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development?
A: AASL has made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s economy through tourism promotion, job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable initiatives. Enhancements in airport services have bolstered the tourism industry, a key economic driver. The expansion of airport facilities has also created employment opportunities and supported local economies. In 2023, AASL recorded revenues of Rs. 38,376 million, a net profit after tax of Rs. 28,122 million, and contributed Rs. 12,218 million to the Government. Additionally, AASL has prioritised sustainable development, with projects such as solar power generation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
