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International carrier, Cyprus Airways, which is to launch a twice-weekly,
non-stop, Dubai-Colombo service this month, has tied up with GSA Allied Lanka Travels (Pvt) Ltd., part of Sri Lanka’s giant Green Lanka Group, to
provide a range of support for its first service into the Indian Sub-continent.
“While Sri Lankan Airlines will be the official airport ground handler, Allied
Lanka will provide a range of services in line with their General Sales Agency
(GSA) status but will also carry out numerous support roles,” said Stavros
Kyprianou, Cyprus Airway’s Middle East and Gulf Chief. “These include
marketing, sales, distribution, administration and accounting support, as
well as ticketing and reservations, travel agency support and airport handling supervision.”
The move comes as the airline gears up for the launch of its first service
outside the Middle East and Europe, to which it operates to more than 30
destinations.
“The initial response to our service, which begins on November 19, has
been highly encouraging from the labour market as well as the leisure and
business sectors,” said Kyprianou. “With the help of Allied Lanka Travels,
we will develop a range of inbound tours and packages to Sri Lanka, which
we believe will appeal to our customers from Europe, Cyprus and the Middle
East.”
“The launch of Cyprus Airways flights to Sri Lanka will further enhance our
island’s tourism industry,” said Madame Norma Nayakkara, Chairperson of
the Green Lanka Group. “We envisage the airline helping to increase arrivals
from Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Sri Lanka will appeal to
these markets because of its excellent value-for money, its climate, cultural
and leisure attractions.” |
