Expo Airline Management celebrates 25 years as Air France KLM Cargo’s trusted partner in Sri Lanka

From left: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Middle East and Southern Asia Senior Manager – Sales Anoop Asarpota, Expo Airline Management Director Shenal de Mel, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Manager – Regional Operations Ashraff Shaik, Middle East and Southern Asia Director – Cargo Philippe van Meir, Western Province, Sri Lanka Governor Hanif Yusoof, Expo Airline Management Chief Financial Officer Madhavi Warawita and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Manager – Capacity and Revenue Michael Ong

EAM celebrates KLM’s 105th birthday, commemorating over a century of innovation in the fields of global aviation and international connections

On 11 October 2024, Expo Airline Management (EAM) celebrated 25 years as the exclusive Cargo GSA partner for Air France KLM Cargo in Sri Lanka. The milestone event, held at the Oak Room of the Cinnamon Grand, brought together key customers, logistics partners, and leading figures from the Sri Lankan air cargo sector to recognise the longstanding partnership between EAM and Air France KLM Cargo. Expo Airline Management is a subsidiary of the Expolanka Group, a global enterprise operating in sectors such as logistics, travel and leisure, and investments, with a focus on driving innovation and success in global trade. The event was graced by the Expolanka Group Founder and serving as the Western Province, Sri Lanka Governor Hanif Yusoof. As a leader with a deep commitment to the country’s economic growth, Yusoof’s presence underscored the significance of the partnership. 

Kicking off the evening’s proceedings, Expo Airline Management CEO Chamara Ranasinghe, addressed the audience, expressing gratitude to Air France KLM regional management and the many partners present for their support throughout the past 25 years. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in establishing and growing Air France KLM Cargo’s operations in Sri Lanka. “This partnership stands as a symbol of trust and shared success, built on a solid foundation of hard work and mutual respect,” he remarked. 

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Middle East and Southern Asia Director – Cargo Philippe van Meir, took the stage to reflect on the collaboration that began in 1999. He reminisced on the strong bond formed between Air France KLM and the Expolanka Group over the years, leading to numerous achievements in the air cargo industry. Van Meir praised Expo Airline Management for their dedication, professionalism, and ability to drive Air France KLM Cargo’s operations to new heights in Sri Lanka. He further stated that the partnership has not only stood the test of time but has flourished into one of the strongest in the region.

A highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of a certificate confirming Expo Airline Management’s participation in Air France KLM Martinair Cargo’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program. The certificate was presented by Van Meir to Hanif Yusoof, marking EAM’s commitment to environmentally responsible aviation practices and green initiatives. The gesture served as a testament to EAM’s forward-looking approach and dedication to sustainability.

In addition to celebrating the 25-year partnership, EAM celebrated KLM’s 105th birthday. Established on 7 October 1919, KLM has consistently led the way in global aviation, pioneering advancements and fostering international connections. The EAM team was honoured to mark this historic milestone with the Air France KLM regional management and key industry partners, recognising KLM’s legacy as one of the oldest and most innovative airline brands.

The Sri Lanka station operates primarily on a hybrid model, with seasonal online services by Air France KLM Cargo during the winter months. Under the leadership of EAM Air France KLM Cargo brand Director Shenal de Mel, the team has positioned the brand as the preferred carrier out of Sri Lanka, offering seamless connectivity to key markets in Europe, North America, Canada, and South America.

Building on the strength of the partnership, EAM has also been successfully appointed as the Cargo GSA for the Maldives and, most recently, for the territory of Nepal, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in the company.

In closing the formalities of the event, Philippe van Meir issued a heartfelt vote of thanks, raising a toast to the many successes achieved over the past 25 years and looking forward to continued growth and cooperation in the future. The celebration of this remarkable milestone reaffirmed the enduring strength of the partnership between Expo Airline Management and Air France KLM Cargo, promising shared success and innovation in the air cargo industry.