AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA)
Chairman
Q: How does your company contribute to nation building?
A: Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) – also known as AASL – manages and operates Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR), Jaffna International Airport (JIA) and Batticaloa International Airport.
AASL’s vision is to be the friendliest aviation partner in global connectivity by providing competitive, safe aviation services and superlative guest experiences with best practices and the latest technology to ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
The company achieved a commendable operating profit of Rs. 19,315 million and profit after tax of 28,122 million rupees for 2023 – a testament to its diligent efforts and strategic decisions.
AASL contributes to economic growth by boosting tourism, job creation, exports, trade and investment, regional connectivity, international routes and domestic air travel.
According to sources, the global civil aviation sector will need a combined 1.3 million new professionals by 2032 to support the growing commercial and business aviation markets. Therefore, we have taken steps to strengthen the Sri Lanka Airports & Aviation Academy to meet the future demand for skills and talent.
AASL’s vision is to be the friendliest aviation partner in global connectivity by providing competitive, safe aviation services and superlative guest experiences
Q: Can you share your organisation’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) philosophy?
A: We ensure the sustainability of our business model and contribution towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for example, to enhance renewable energy use by carrying out large-scale solar photovoltaic rooftop and ground mounted projects.
BIA practises waste management by recycling the waste generated to reduce the energy consumed for waste incineration, thus contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
AASL provides better remuneration for employees by providing opportunities for employment with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Measures have also been taken for data protection, adhering to privacy policies, and fair treatment for customers, suppliers and service providers.
Q: What is the role of technology in your operations?
A: AASL has taken steps to embrace new technology for operational excellence: upgrading navigational aids, aviation security equipment and other operational technologies.
For instance, together with SriLankan Airlines as the ground handler for AASL, we have enabled hassle free self-check-in and self-bag drop services to ease passenger processing at check-in counters.
Q: And what are your organisation’s plans for the future?
A: Our main goal is to enhance passenger handling capacities at BIA by resolving the capacity crunch. The construction of Terminal 2 is scheduled to begin in November and conclude by 2026.
Plans are underway to contract an extended building to expand the check-in area of the existing terminal with 30 departure counters; and upgrade 60 counters to enhance the overall experience for departing passengers.
We are calling for investment in an exclusive passenger terminal at BIA and Ratmalana, a cargo warehouse at BIA, and for both aviation-related and non-related sectors at the Batticaloa airport.
– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira
Telephone: 2264444 | Email: comments@airport.lk | Website: www.airport.lk
