BA-linked IAG Cargo announces full-scale operations in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 9 April 2013 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says Sri Lankan business to benefit from connection to IAG Cargo’s extensive global network of over 350 destinations

The British Airways-linked IAG Cargo last week announced the launch of full-scale operations in Sri Lanka from 15 April on new passenger flights originating from Colombo.

The world’s seventh largest cargo carrier IAG’s return to Sri Lanka comes after a 15-year absence and IAG said by extending its operations in Sri Lanka it hopes to better support business in the region by opening up trade routes to the rest of the world.

IAG is the single business of British Airways World Cargo and Liberia Cargo and last year it completed the purchase of bmi including its cargo operations. The general sales agent of IAG is Hayleys Plc.

The new route, which includes a stopover in the Maldives, will be operated three times a week using a Boeing 777 aircraft.

The belly-hold capacity will benefit Sri Lanka business by providing global connectivity to over 350 destinations served by the IAG Cargo Network.

“We have always had a strong bond with the Sri Lankan market and our announcement to return to the country has been met with excitement and warmth that is symbolic of the country. Our flights will provide the much needed direct lift into the United Kingdom with quick access to our vast network via our bespoke product portfolio,” IAG Cargo’s South Asia Commercial Manager Pravin Singh said.

IAG Cargo said Sri Lanka is an important centre of manufacturing for a wide range of goods including high-end retail, fruits and vegetables and rubber amongst others.

Business in the country will now have complete access to the entire IAG Cargo product portfolio, enabling the rapid transit of a wide range of commodities including garments, perishables, valuables and other specialist cargo. The new flights will build on IAG Cargo’s existing cargo operations in Sri Lanka.

In 2012, operations of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo had joint turnover of Euro 1.2 billion. They have a combined workforce of over 2,700 people covering a global network of over 350 destinations.

For the launch of IAG Cargo in Sri Lanka South Asia Commercial Manager Pravin Singh, IAG Cargo Commercial Manager South India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives Rashmi Karnad and Hayleys Plc Chairman Mohan Pandithage participated.

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe