Sri Lanka’s Mihin to expand routes, frequencies

Sep 30, 2014 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's state-run budget carrier Mihin Lanka plans to add destinations and increase frequencies on existing route as it plans to meet the growing demand for flights due to an increase in tourism and trade.

TThe state-owned airline plans to start flights to Lahore in Pakistan where the airline says has immense potential in export – import cargo.
“The new route will enhance regional connectivity and strengthen economic and trade ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan,” Rohana Perera, Head of Commercial, Mihin Lanka said. “The potential for export cargo is immense in Lahore as the city is a thriving commercial hub and exports textiles, raw material, carpets, sports goods, surgical equipment, fresh fruits and vegetables,”

“There is also a significant demand for cargo uplifts from Sri Lanka to Pakistan, especially with the export of beetle leaves which are in high demand.”

The airline will fly to Lahore in November 2014 with three flights per week, scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It will take approximately four hours to fly Lahore the airline said.

“At present no other airline directly services the Lahore route,” Perera said.

Perera said the city has a growing demand for outbound travel to the Far East and destinations in South East Asia which the airline hopes to capitalize on further together with its code share partner SriLankan Airlines.

Mihin Lanka also expand its frequency to the Seychelles with effect from 30th October 2014, the airline said.
“Mihin Lanka has experienced immense growth in passenger and cargo uplifts to the Seychelles over a short period of time and the flights have contributed significantly to the airline’s success,” Perera said.

“Mihin Lanka commenced its operations to the Seychelles with two flights per week with just over 50 percent cabin factor. In the short span of six months, the airline has managed to achieve 70 percent cabin factor,”

“Mihin Lanka hopes that the third flight in the schedule will provide passengers with the opportunity to increase their travel between both countries for business and leisure.”

At present, Mihin Lanka operates two flights per week to the Seychelles every Tuesday and Saturday.

The airline will operate its third flight every Thursday.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/news/sri-lanka%E2%80%99s-mihin-to-expand-routes,-frequencies/108288978