SL has made significant progress in air transportation sector – IATA

A delegation of foreign representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on a visit to Sri Lanka to participate in the conference ‘Re-awakening the Civil Aviation Industry of Sri Lanka’ organized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka met with the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, yesterday.

Here, the representatives were acknowledged by the Minister on the measures taken to restore Sri Lanka’s air transportation sector, which experienced significant setbacks as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and other economic challenges.

The Minister also called upon the support of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to contribute to the sustainable development of the country’s aviation industry.

He expressed confidence that such collaboration would aid in identifying the prevailing challenges faced by aviation administrators, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific Philip Goh, addressing the meeting, highlighted the current state of international air transportation.

“Globally, it stands at 89%, while in the Asia-Pacific region, it is at 69%,” he said. He emphasized that Sri Lanka has made significant progress in its air transportation sector, compared to global and regional standards.

He further expressed IATA’s commitment to fully support the development of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry. In the coming days, discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority are scheduled to explore potential measures and strategies for further advancement.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra also attended the discussions.