New Sri Lanka-based cargo airline WEAIR launched in Colombo

A new Sri Lanka-based cargo airline, WEAIR, has officially commenced operations with financial and strategic backing from Luxembourg-based investment firm IOTC, marking a significant addition to the country’s air freight and logistics sector.

The airline was formally launched at an event held at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on June 6, under the patronage of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.

Speaking at the event, Herath said the launch of WEAIR reflects growing international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic potential, strategic location and entrepreneurial capacity despite ongoing global uncertainties.

“The arrival of WEAIR is a timely and much-needed investment that will strengthen Sri Lanka’s air cargo capacity and regional connectivity. While Sri Lanka has long been positioned at a crossroads of international trade, we have relied heavily on external operators for cargo transportation. That situation must now change,” the minister said.

He noted that in an era where economic competitiveness is increasingly determined by speed, reliability and connectivity, the new cargo carrier would directly support exports, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and regional supply chains.

WEAIR will begin operations using a Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft and plans to expand its fleet and operational capacity in the future. The airline aims to connect Colombo with key destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.

According to the minister, the initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of positioning Colombo as a major logistics and trade hub.

The project is also expected to create new employment opportunities for Sri Lankan youth and professionals while facilitating technology transfer and skills development within the aviation and logistics sectors.

Government officials, foreign investors, representatives of WEAIR, aviation industry stakeholders and members of the media attended the launch event. (Newswire)

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