IWS Aviation launches domestic helicopter charter services

Monday, 13 October 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Malik Gunatilleke IWS Aviation Ltd. announced on Friday that it would commence domestic helicopter charter operations in Sri Lanka by the end of thisweek from its operational base in Ratmalana. IWS will handle charter services with its Bell 206 B3 Jet Ranger helicopter, which has the capacity to seat up to seven passengers and offers air-conditioned comfort.

IWS Holdings Chairman Arthur Senanayake addressing the media. From left: IWS Aviation Ltd Sales and Operations Manager Roland Gunesekera, IWS Aviation Ltd Pilot Kapila Ratnasekera and IWS Aviation Ltd Engineering Manager Clarence Subasingha – Pic by Daminda Harsha Perera Addressing a media conference held at the Kingsbury Hotel launching the new helicopter service, IWS Holdings Chairman I.W. Senanayake stated that he was excited to enter the domestic aviation network as the country was currently prospering and new corporate clients as well as tourists were coming in. “We expect our service to be popular with business executives as well as with those in the leisure sector, as helicopter charter enables customers to land conveniently at hotel locations and places of interest,” he said. Elaborating on the specific benefits of the helicopter service, Senanayake pointed out that unlike other popular means of air travel, this service allows flexibility as well as comfort. Charter fees will depend on the destination and the time of travel while all prices have been set in US dollars. The service will cost $1360 per hour while overnight services will cost an additional $300. Despite the pricing, Senanayake believes that the benefits of a helicopter service will make it a viable option.

Bell 206 B3 Jet Ranger helicopter “When considering our competitors, we have a mid-ranged pricing for our services. But we offer more comfort and speed which will help us capture the market,” he said. A sum of $2 million has been invested in this venture while Senanayake stated that he is confident that the investment will pay off with the market displaying plenty of potential. Also speaking at the launch event, IWS Aviation Sales and Operations Manager Roland Gunesekere stated that the company hopes to offer domestic charter operations for private and VIP transfers, scenic flights, city hopping, special excursions, aerial surveys, photography and filming, international airport transfers (domestic) and news coverage. He also stated that depending on the demand for the service, IWS intends on expanding this venture with the purchase of more helicopters. The helicopter service will ideally be operational from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. subject to weather conditions which will be decided by the pilot at the time. IWS Aviation stated that it works closely with local travel agencies, which allows them to offer assistance to the customers with regards to additional transport requirements. Bookings can be made directly with IWS Aviation via its website www.iwsaviation.com, its head office, all travel agents or its operational base located at the Ratmalana Airport. Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera