High profile Emirates representation at Mattala Airport opening on Monday

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has confirmed it will send a high profile delegation to the opening of the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport, Mattala, Sri Lanka’s second international airport on 18 March 2013.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President of Engineering and Operations, and Adnan Kazim, Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning and Research, will represent the airline at the event and will use the occasion to meet with the country’s aviation sector policymakers.

“The opening of a second international airport in Sri Lanka is an important milestone in the country’s economic progress, and on behalf of Emirates and myself, I congratulate the government on this significant achievement,” said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline in a message to Prasanna Wickramasuriya, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited.

“A second international airport is a welcome addition to Sri Lanka’s aviation infrastructure, and will support the Government’s efforts to attract 2.5 tourists by 2016 as well as contribute to overall economic growth.”

The visit to Sri Lanka for the airport opening by two of Emirates’ most senior officials reflects the continuing commitment of the airline to the country’s aviation sector. For over 25 years Emirates has played a key role in supporting the development of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and economy with passenger and cargo services.

Colombo was the fourth destination on the Emirates network when services were launched in April 1986. Today, Emirates operates 21 flights a week from Colombo to Dubai and daily flights to Singapore with onwards connections on Emirates from there to Australia.

In June last year, Emirates opened its own dedicated lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, with an investment of Rs. 200 million. The lounge is for the exclusive use of the airline’s First Class and Business Class passengers as well as Platinum and Gold members of Skywards, its award-winning frequent flyer program.

The winner of more than 500 international awards for excellence, Emirates flies to 130 destinations in 76 countries on six continents.