Air Senok to re-defines class in domestic aviation

Turning a new chapter in domestic aviation, Senok Group of Companies recently launched its domestic helicopter charter service under the name of “Air Senok”, at a very prestigious ceremony held with the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Since the launch the company has already attracted the attention of the corporate, foreign agencies and as well as the high flying tourists.

With the fast track development strategies and relaxation of policies by the Mahinda Chinthana framework, the company thrives to provide an excellent service to potential investors, high-end tourists that seem to pour into the island with the expansion of tourism and related services. In line with such enormous development Air Senok aptly fills the vacuum that exists in the Sri Lankan aviation industry.

The company, having looked at many options purchased Eurocopter’s AS 350 B3 helicopters as it was in the fore front where speed, power, comfort and reliability was concerned. The aircraft itself is a remarkable machine weighing in at 2250 Kg maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft flies at a cruise speed of 130 nm/ 235 Kmph, making it the fastest helicopters currently in Sri Lanka.

Purchased brand new from France, this high performance variant of the AS 350 B3 Ecureuil (Squirrel/Astar) series, the single-engine B3 outclasses all other 6 seat helicopters for power, flexibility, safety and low maintenance of costs.

It is specially made to measure for hot weather conditions and very high altitudes and would easily tackle altitude changes in areas such as Pidurutalagala, Nuwara Eliya, the knuckles range and even Sigiriya. A standard production model recently made history by landing on Mountain Everest. Its VIP configuration offers all the amenities of an executive jet without the annoying need for a landing strip. All seats are forward-facing for comfort. The baggage compartments are easily accessible to allow for quick loading of bulky luggage and parcels.

In addition to the low vibration level and great stability, passengers will appreciate the feeling of spaciousness and the panoramic view afforded by the large windows. This allows the passengers to enjoy scenic views even during a jam packed shuttle. These brand new aircrafts provide passengers with the highest level of comfort in its spacious air-conditioned cabin.

The flexible design of the AS 350 B3’s enables it to be configured for many different missions, allowing for one aircraft to perform the role of many. Much of the special mission equipment added to the B3’s is removable, allowing the aircraft to quickly switch between roles such as Medical Evacuation Services in Emergencies. This is the only aircraft that’s fitted with the original Medical evacuation systems.  The helicopter can also be configured with the “enhanced cargo handling system”. The system consists of an under sling which can carry up to 1300 kilos.

The company within a few days of its launch carried out its first Emergency Medical Evacuation making it the first such evacuation carried out by a private company in Sri Lanka. The helicopter consists of a stretcher that allows the transfer of patients to be done professionally and safely.

The Air Senok hangar, based at Ratmalana Airport has a class of its own. The state-of-the-art facility consists of air conditioned office spaces and an elegantly furnished VIP Lounge. An undeniably experienced and sophisticated staff bounces within the facility with much energy leaving no room for anything but growth. It is a fully approved facility by Eurocopter.  President, Mahinda Rajapakse’s vision of post war development of this country to make Sri Lanka the Miracle of Asia, and the Defense Secretariat opening up the skies for private travel operators has made domestic air travel possible for every Sri Lankan.

Senok Group, in its last 33 years has covered many lines of business representing brands such as Kobelco, JCB, Mitsubishi, Liebherr, Sakai, UD Trucks, Ferrari, Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Nissan Diesel and more. The group has also made its mark in the tea trade, exports, travel, mining sustainable energy (Wind Power and Hydro Power) and in major infrastructure projects too numerous to mention. The GROUP has also made its presence in USA, Germany, Canada, India and the Maldives, where it has pioneered the construction of harbours, airports and many more.