COLOMBO: FitsAir, part of Fits Aviation Pvt. Ltd., a member of the Aberdeen Holdings Group of companies, will launch a low cost airline in Sri Lanka with international operations set to commence on October 5 with flights between Colombo and Dubai, becoming the first privately-owned airline in Sri Lanka to commence international passenger flights.
The initial routes will be Dubai, commencing on October 5, Male commencing on October 10 and Trichy starting on October 28. The budget airline will operate three weekly flights to each of the three international destinations. The airline will operate on these routes with its fleet of three Airbus A320-200.
FitsAir will have a seating capacity of 164, out of which 156 seats will be Economy Class and eight seats will be Economy Plus, which will feature wider seats and offer more leg room. The Economy Plus fares will be inclusive of in-flight meals while Economy Class will only provide refreshments. However, showcasing Sri Lankan hospitality, the airline will also provide passengers a simple complimentary refreshment. More substantial snacks or meals and beverages are available for purchase on board and to have a better choice, customers are encouraged to pre-reserve their selection at the time of booking. Both Economy Plus and Economy Class will not have in-flight entertainment but passengers are allowed to bring their own devices.
A free checked-in baggage allowance of 30 kg will be provided to all passengers and a free hand luggage of 7 kg. FitsAir will also offer reduced air fares for passengers carrying baggage of no more than 20 kg. Passengers can purchase excess baggage at the airport subject to space availability.
FitsAir, which is coined from the airline’s slogan ‘Friend in the Skies’, is headed by former CEO of SriLankan and Oman Air, Peter Hill. As it makes aviation history in Sri Lanka, FitsAir has ensured that the technical and cabin crew are all Sri Lankan nationals and comprise a unique blend of seasoned professionals and fresh fully -qualified young men and women.
Announcing the launch of international operations by FitsAir at a press conference in Colombo on September 26, aviation veteran Peter Hill, who also serves as FitsAir’s Vice President, Passenger Services said that the no-frills airline promises affordable and scheduled air travel. He also said that the airline will fly to new destinations in 2023, with a focus on launching new routes within the SAARC region, Gulf Council Countries, and South and South East Asia. The airline has been operating through its predecessor, Expo Aviation, predominantly in the cargo sector for the past 25 years.
“At present Sri Lanka is going through a major economic crisis but we are looking at it in a positive way and that is why we launched this budget airline here. However, though outside factors for the industry are beyond our control, we are quite optimistic about operating in Sri Lanka,” Hill said.
“FitsAir will cater to the needs of the modern Sri Lankan traveller who wants competitive fares and in- flight services that are efficient without any frills. This will be combined with options of baggage allowance, where you do not pay for the weight of baggage which you carry and where there is no obligation to pay the full fare if your baggage is less in weight, Hill said.
Hill added: ‘The premise is that we do not want to waste a passenger’s time, money or energy in the process of travelling. FitsAir, due to its pricing competitiveness, will make air travel a viable option for many Sri Lankans.”
Hill said a round trip to Dubai on Economy Class will cost Rs. 186,000 and without checked-in baggage it will be Rs. 175,800. Economy Plus will cost Rs. 279,100 per return ticket with checked-in baggage allowance. For Male, Economy Plus will cost Rs. 233,000 and Economy Rs. 129,500 (with baggage) and Rs. 122,100 (without baggage).
He also stressed that while jet fuel procurement is a challenge that airlines are currently grappling with, FitsAir has sorted out its stock until December 2022. He said even if the shortage continues beyond December, the company would not have an issue obtaining fuel, as it has the financial means to do so.
