Q: What are your thoughts on the current operations handled by SriLankan Cargo?

Chaminda Perera (CP): We’re the sole ground handler in Colombo. SriLankan Cargo has a conducive environment to handle the hub in terms of all types of cargo including cold chain cargo, live animals, perishables and courier cargo.

In relation to capacity, SriLankan Cargo has a 50/50 widebody and narrowbody capacity that is used for cargo carriage, and we handle about six million kilogrammes monthly.

Presently, the market is volatile due to the global recession and cargo has been significantly affected with the global supply chain slowing down.

Q: How has SriLankan Cargo weathered the post-pandemic period and economic crisis?

CP: When operations were at a standstill, SriLankan operated widebody aircraft to cities across the world, generating a steady source of revenue for the company. During the economic crisis, we ensured that operations continued even amid the fuel crisis, operating 99 percent of our schedule.

This is a testimony to how SriLankan supported the economy. The pandemic was one of our toughest periods. However, we were able to assist the public by operating 20 charter flights to bring down vaccines. We also operated 120 charter flights soon after to help shippers faced with a shortage of airfreight.

This would not have been possible had we not been the national airline.

Q: What are some key strengths of SriLankan Cargo?

CP: Our biggest strength is our people. People connectivity is as important to the cargo community as it is to passenger services.

SriLankan Cargo also benefits from a strong network in the Far East and Middle East, and is able to offer greater direct services between Colombo and the rest of the world as the national carrier.

Q: How does the country gain through operations of SriLankan Cargo?

CP: We hold a market share of more than a third of the local export market, and help generate foreign exchange and sustain trade links. In terms of imports, SriLankan Cargo holds another 20-25 percent though the ongoing import restrictions have reduced import cargo loads.

Q: Can you shed some light on the long-term plans and vision of SriLankan Cargo?

CP: Shifting towards e-commerce is a priority. We’re currently tying up with partners to develop this further. We’re also moving into third party freighter capacity contracts where we don’t invest in our own freighter fleet and can buy capacity as needed.

Several agents have offered their takes on SriLankan Cargo.

Advantis Express – the Licensee of Federal Express Corporation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives – is a subsidiary of Advantis Group, which is a market leader in Sri Lanka’s transportation and logistics sector.  The history of FedEx Express and SriLankan Cargo dates back 35 years to 1988.

Throughout this journey, SriLankan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence, and gone above and beyond to meet the shipping needs of FedEx.

SriLankan Cargo possesses dedicated cargo facilities including express delivery options, and a team of professionals who handle the processing and handling of various types of cargo.

The extensive global network of SriLankan Cargo has enabled FedEx Express to reach a multitude of destinations worldwide. SriLankan understands FedEx’s unique requirements and offers customised solutions tailored to meet the needs of FedEx customers. It also prioritises the security and safety of shipments, and assists with necessary documentation and compliance requirements.

FedEx Express is known for its focus on fast and reliable services. SriLankan Cargo has helped FedEx retain its purple promise of making every experience outstanding. FedEx is grateful to SriLankan for implementing various measures to support courier companies and ensure the continuity of its services during the pandemic.

Expolanka Freight’s and SriLankan’s partnership stands out primarily due to the longstanding relationship. We rely on the services provided by SriLankan Cargo to facilitate our growth and expansion as a company. Without the access and support offered by SriLankan over the years, Expolanka would not have been able to establish itself as a significant player in the sector.

The availability and accessibility provided by SriLankan has been crucial to our success. And the company has been able to rely on the extensive network and resources of SriLankan to transport its goods efficiently and effectively. This access has played a vital role in enabling Expolanka to grow its business, expand into new markets and serve its customers with excellence. Furthermore, this partnership signifies a strong commitment to collaboration and synergy.

Both parties have worked closely together, understanding each other’s requirements and developing tailored solutions to meet Expolanka’s specific cargo needs. This level of cooperation has contributed to the seamless movement of goods, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

SriLankan is able to reach destinations where there is demand for our exports and understands the importance of facilitating access to markets that are crucial to enabling exports. By strategically expanding its network and routes, SriLankan ensured that it could transport goods to destinations where we have markets.

Mount Aviation, established in 2006 and operating since 2016, mainly caters to the movement of perishable cargo, and is the key forwarder carrying betel leaves to Pakistan and has been affiliated with SriLankan Cargo since April 2020. SriLankan was innovative in its thinking especially during the pandemic when passenger servicing was limited due to lockdowns.

There was a demand for cargo transportation at the time as there was a capacity issue out of the country and SriLankan stepped up to the task. In response to the increased demand, SriLankan Cargo adapted by utilising passenger aircraft to operate flights to cargo destinations.

This flexibility sets it apart in a highly competitive sector. SriLankan Airlines was well-positioned to identify the untapped potential in the cargo sector and this proactive approach gave it an edge over its competitors. Furthermore, direct flights to destination countries have been beneficial as we deliver perishable products. Through direct operations, SriLankan ensures efficiency, minimising the risk of product spoilage.

Another notable advantage is the flexibility in cargo deliveries. It offers solutions that cater to the specific needs of our business. SriLankan’s commitment to reliability has contributed to the growth of our business and positively impacted the local economy.

Nidro Supply is a dedicated supplier of produce, products and services that has been meeting the demands and expectations of resort owners and operators in the Maldives since 1974. The relationship between SriLankan and Nidro is one built on the basis of mutual respect and understanding of each other’s missions, roles and mandates.

Being an agent for SriLankan has been a consistent journey, and one of continued dialogue and understanding on both sides. Since the inception, through the means of discussions and mutual cooperation, the important aspects of carrying perishable cargo have been understood by the airline.

SriLankan has also understood the importance of ensuring consignments are delivered to the consignee for transfer to resorts to retain its freshness. And

SriLankan Cargo has undoubtedly and considerably supported Nidro’s growth and expansion plans in its exports. Had it not been for the daily frequency of flights operated by SriLankan, Nidro may not have achieved its strong position in the Maldives.

In over four decades of operations, working with SriLankan Cargo has been an integral part of the supply chain operation. Without a dependable air cargo operator in place, the best perishable produce will not reach its destination on time, the consequences of which would be loss of business and more importantly, loss of stature in the marketplace.

Tsuyoshi Trading Company, established in 1998, specialises in the export of marine, freshwater and brackish water fish, as well as water plants. Since its inception, Tsuyoshi has maintained ties with SriLankan Cargo.

SriLankan – with its extensive network of direct flights to many countries including our primary export destinations of the Far East, Middle East, US and UAE – has provided us with numerous opportunities and benefits.

A significant advantage of working with SriLankan is its competitive pricing. Regardless of weightage, SriLankan prioritises our weekly exports, ensuring efficient and timely delivery. The communication link between Tsuyoshi and SriLankan has further facilitated our business operations, enabling us to engage in trade with ease.

Currently, Tsuyoshi is able to deploy cargo twice a week, amounting to more than 2,000 kilogrammes of ornamental fish. In instances where direct flights are unavailable, SriLankan offers transit cargo services, ensuring our exports reach destinations seamlessly. During the pandemic and global lockdown, the importance of air cargo became more evident than ever.

SriLankan Cargo rose to the occasion and played a crucial role in our business continuity. Without its support, we would have incurred substantial losses. SriLankan converted passenger flights into cargo transportation to meet demand during this critical period.

Tropic Frozen Foods is an edible fish exporter and the first EU approved plant in Sri Lanka. We’ve achieved great strides as we had SriLankan Cargo as the backbone of our operations. SriLankan was advantageous to us especially due to direct flights to destinations that we were exporting to.

It prioritised supporting the growth of the export sector and such a national mandate is beneficial to everyone in the sector that’s seeking to develop markets overseas.

During the pandemic, there were many instances where tuna exports were not possible through other airlines due to external objectives such as shuttling vaccines and we were compelled to succumb to such interests.

Maintaining the availability of supplies was crucial and the importance of having a national airline came into play here. Working with a national carrier that’s mandated with export objectives gives you a key strategic advantage due to the ease of communication. Availability is a key element and SriLankan makes it possible.

SriLankan operates to international standards, which helps boost the country’s economy and infrastructure. And SriLankan Cargo has ensured that Tropic Frozen can develop and maintain its markets. By preemptively positioning itself into key routes, SriLankan has also created many growth opportunities for developing sectors.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira

Telephone: 019 7333222

Email: customersupportunit@srilankan.com

Website: www.srilankancargo.com