Rotana Jet's First Flight To Mattala And Colombo Receives Warm Welcome

Rotana Jet, on 10th April commenced its new service between Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen Airport and Mattala and Colombo in Sri Lanka. The airlines’ first commercial flight to Sri Lanka (Mattala and Colombo) from Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Airport departed on Thursday morning at 01:00 hrs.His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahayan, Chairman of Rotana Jet, His Excellency Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya Ambassador of Sri Lanka for UAE, along with a high profile delegation, media and representatives from the travel trade wereonboard the inaugural Rotana Jet flight. The first flight with almost full passengers were welcomed and greeted at Mattala Airport by HE Professor G L Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, HE Mr. Priyankara Jayaratna, Minister of Civil Aviation, HE Abdul Hameed Abdul Fatah Kadhim, the Ambassador of UAE for Sri Lanka and Senior Officials and Delegates from various Ministries, Airport Authority of Sri Lanka and representatives from Media.

During a Press Meetat Mattala Airport Rotana Jets’ Chairman, Shk. Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahayan confirmed the airline’s commitment to Sri Lanka.

“We are extremely glad to introduce our first International flights out of GCC to Sri Lanka especially at a time when Sri Lanka is transforming as a Tourist Destination. For Rotana Jet, this is a significant step, especially at a time when the economy of Sri Lanka is growing.It gives me great pleasure to note that the island's tourism business has been flourishing and Rotana Jet is pleased to extend its support for the Government's target in reaching 2.5 million tourist arrivals to the Country by 2016 and going forward.

Our decision to introduce flights to Mattala and Colombo is the result of our long-term commitment towards the Island. We wish to thank the Government of Sri Lanka for its trust in Rotana Jet and hope that this new connection will benefit both the expatriate community travelling from and to UAE, the Tourists and further facilitate trade and boost business visitors between Sri Lanka and UAE”.

Speaking about this historical event, Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne stated "I am happy to welcome Rotana Jet to our newly opened 2nd International Airport in South of Sri Lanka Mattala Rajapakse International Airport (MRIA), His Highness Dr Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al-Nahyan expressed his willingness to operate to Sri Lanka in October 2013 and I am happy that within a short period of 6 months, Rotana Jet is able to operate to Sri Lanka from UAE and will improve closer relationship and have more business opportunities between these two countries.

This new connection will ensure more convenient schedules for our numerous passengers traveling to the Middle East from this part of the country.” added the Minister.

With the start of flights to Mattala and Colombo, the airline’s first route launch of 2014, Rotana Jet now operates to 10 cities from Al Bateen Airport. Rotana Jet currently operates an Airbus 319 in a two class configuration on the route, with 12 Business Class seats and 108 Economy Class seats

During the glittering evening, which was held at Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo, Rajendran Vellapalath, Commercial and Planning Director of Rotana Jet addressed the 330 guests saying, “On behalf of Rotana Jet Chairman, I would like to thank the Government of Sri Lanka and the aeronautical authorities for helping us launch services to Colombo and Mattala.

“The response that we have been receiving for our forward flights to Sri Lanka, is encouraging. This proves that these new flights are a win-win for customers, stakeholders and our business, which is one of the reason why we are earmarking the destination to be served daily in the near future. Rotana Jet remains committed to connecting destinations that are underserved and have a market potential. Mattala and Colombo is an example of this and we will continue our expansion by adding more destinations to our network this year.”

Guests at the Rotana Jet Gala Dinner were entertained by traditional dancers and live music

The airline currently operates flights to Bahrain, Muscat and Salalah in addition to the flights to Sir Bani Yas Island, Fujairah, Delma and Dubai.

For travelers from Abu Dhabi, flightswill operate between Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi and Colombo and Mattala on Wednesdays, Thursdays andSaturdays. The Abu Dhabi toColombo and Mattala flights will depart Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Airport on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 05:00 hrs while the Thursday flight will depart at 23:45 hrs. The return flights will arrive at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabion Wednesdays and Saturdays at 18:00 hrs and on Fridays at 11:45 hrs.

Rotana Jets scheduled flights to Colombo, Mattala and other destinations can be booked either through the website www.rotanajet.com, through the call centre or through travel agents.

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Apr 10, 2014

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