Govt. to try out open sky policy at MRIA

The Government is now planning to run its open sky pilot project at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in an effort to revive the facility as a viable airport.

In this context, the Government is making arrangements to maximise the potential of the country’s assets which are currently not bearing dividends. 

“We intend to implement an open sky policy in MRIA and run a pilot project with a view to rejuvenate the industry and seize lost opportunities of the past,” Aviation Services Minister Reginald Cooray told the Daily FT.

He said by implementing the open sky policy they plan to offer special facilities as a strategy to attract and encourage more international airlines to MRIA.

The initial step in planning involves formation of a team of regulatory, policy making and economics experts to consider all possible avenues that existing potential at Mattala offers, not only from a geo-aesthetic point of view, but also from an economic and business perspective, with competition and marketing as the key drivers behind the revival, he stated.

The Minister had requested a feasibility report on the implementation of the open sky policy from the special committee that has been appointed. 

“Once a thorough feasibility study is conducted and a strategic revival plan is ready for implementation, existing bilateral air services agreements may have to be re-negotiated through consultations or through the more expeditious method of third party notes. Thereafter we will advertise and invite international airlines,” he added.

He pointed out that this process of implementing the open sky policy requires strategic vision and dynamic management through incentives, promotional programs and the creation of passenger spending opportunities.

“Offering different characteristics to passengers which are not found in the existing airport, its environment, and incentives would enable airlines to optimise their earnings through a package of opportunities would be paramount considerations,” Cooray added.

He also said that apart from attracting new airlines via open sky policy they would also set up aviation related activities such as maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) infrastructure and an aviation college in MRIA. 

“At present, we are in discussions with foreign parties to adequately evaluate the possibilities of setting up a MRO facility in Mattala,” he noted.

The MRIA was built at a cost of $ 210 million covering 2,000 hectares. The airport can handle some of the largest aircrafts such as the A380. 

Commenting on the domestic aviation industry, the Minister said that there are sufficient domestic operators, but they find it difficult to meet the demand in providing hanger facilities to them at domestic airports.

“We have around 10 small domestic airports, which are mainly governed by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). The SLAF also play a major role in domestic civilian flight operations and in construction of domestic airports. Thus, I have given instructions to do a feasibility study to assess how the Ministry could improve those facilities in order to uplift the domestic aviation industry as well,” the Minister said.