ExpoAir begins regularJaffna flights

ExpoAir, the pioneering domestic aviation company in Sri Lanka in operation since 1997 has announced the resumption of regular flights from Colombo – Jaffna with effect from today, 25 January.

Offering a unique service, based on value for money, with stringent service standards, ExpoAir stands out as the only domestic airline to continue operations from Colombo to Jaffna during the armed conflict of the past decades.

Now, revamped with a brand new aircraft and new flight plan, ExpoAir aims to woo the business traveller with the promise of “Jaffna in just over 1 Hour”, with twice-daily scheduled flights; underscoring its understanding of the need for affordable and fast travel between the northern capital and Colombo.

A brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 12 seater aircraft with leather seats, individual reading lights, air-vents, also equipped with a drop-down monitor which will be screening silent movies during the flight. The journey promises to be invigorating and comfortable with the added bonus of two flight crew members to take care of safety and comfort.

Taking off on 1 February ExpoAir will fly twice daily from the Ratmalana Airport at 07:00 hours and 16:15 hours and the return flights from Jaffna will be at 08:45 hours and 16:45 hours respectively, with arrival times approximately one hour after takeoff.

The one-way tickets are priced at Rs. 10,000 and return tickets at. Rs 19,100 which include a 15 kg baggage allowance per individual. The excess baggage charges are limited to a nominal Rs. 150 per kilo. ExpoAir will operate a special shuttle service to and from the Palaly airport to the Jaffna town to ensure maximum safety and comfort for the passengers.

Since 1997, ExpoAir has successfully established a strong standing among domestic air passengers based on its commitment and dedication to providing a service of the highest quality while adhering to the most rigid safety standards.

ExpoAir commenced scheduled daily passenger flights to Jaffna after the signing of the peace pact, with the first flight to Jaffna taking off on 3 June 2002.  Even during the peak of the armed conflict, with uninterrupted services throughout, ExpoAir was the business and leisure traveller’s first choice for travel to the country’s north.  

The airline constantly kept upgrading its aircraft and operated three to four flights daily with two 52-seater aircraft namely the Fokker F-27-500. ExpoAir temporarily suspended its domestic operation in 2010 due to the fact that the general public opted to drive to Jaffna sans any security threat and the non-presence of the rebels.

Curiosity drove the public to drive and see for themselves areas held by the rebels for almost three decades where free movement was not possible due to the presence of the rebels.

Expo Aviation is a pioneer in Sri Lankan aviation and the first privately-operated Sri Lankan airline to be licensed for international cargo operations by the Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Additionally, Expo Aviation is a BOI-approved entity that operates its own aircraft with a fleet of a Fokker F27, an IL-18 (Freighter) and an AN-12 (Freighter), a DC-8 for cargo transportation and a 12-seater Cessna Grand Caravan for domestic travel, which are manned by professionally qualified pilots.

With nine years of experience in offering a travel service and 15 years of cargo operation, Expo Aviation has earned the trust and appreciation of its vast clientele.

When it comes to travelling to locations within Sri Lanka, like Jaffna, Expo Aviation provides you the perfect way to travel in leisure and comfort. ExpoAir also assures of a fast and secure cargo service to the Indian Sub-Continent, Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.

With a view of expanding their service portfolio and appealing to a discerning customer base, ExpoAir also offer exceptional accommodation options in both Jaffna and Colombo.