Low-cost airline FitsAir, promoted by Fits Aviation, a member of the Aberdeen Holdings group, takes off with commercial operations from 5th October. The privately-owned airline, operating A320-200 aircraft, opened bookings for its international flights, connecting Colombo to Dubai, Male and Trichy.
In a significant move, veteran professional and top aviation expert Peter Hill has been appointed to the helm and to drive operations, along with a team of seasoned Sri Lankan professionals.
The no-frills airline promises affordable, scheduled air travel between Sri Lanka and destinations within SAARC, Gulf Council Countries (GCC) and South and South- East Asia,
“FitsAr will cater to the needs of the modern Sri Lankan traveller who wants competitive fares, an in-flight service that is efficient without any ‘frills’ combined with options of baggage allowance, where you do not pay for the weight of baggage which you carry – where there is no obligation to pay the full fair if your baggage is less in weight” explained Peter Hill, Vice President, Passenger Operations.
The premise is that we do not want to waste a passenger’s time, money or energy in the process of travelling,” added Hill, who went on to note that FitsAir, due to its pricing competitiveness, will make air travel a viable option for many Sri Lankans.
“However, in true Sri Lankan hospitality, all passengers will get a complimentary refreshment pack, although substantial meals, beverages and snacks will be available for purchase on board plus pre-bookings.”
A free checked-in baggage allowance of 30kgs will be provided to all customers, and a free carry-on bag of 7 kgs. FitsAir will also offer reduced fares for baggage of no more than 20 kgs. Passengers can purchase excess baggage at the airport, subject to space availability.
The airline has been operating through its predecessor, Expo Aviation, predominantly in the cargo sector for the past 25 years. A year ago, the owners decided on the scheduled regional passenger market and now have a fleet of three Airbus A320-200 aircraft in its fleet.
FitsAir
FitsAir is part of FiTS Aviation (PVT) LTD, a member of the prestigious Aberdeen Holding Group of Companies. It is privately owned and run by a team of seasoned Sri Lankan professionals, together with a couple of well-known expatriates from the local aviation community.
Through its predecessor EXPO Aviation, FitsAir had been operating predominately in the Cargo sector for the past 25 years. A year ago the ownership decided to enter into the scheduled regional passenger market and now has a fleet of three Airbus A320-200 aircraft in its fleet.
From the outset, FitsAir has been designed to provide affordable scheduled air travel to customers between Sri Lanka and destinations between Sri Lanka and destinations within SAARC, GCC and SEAsia.
The airline’s fares will be competitive with efficient in-flight services and no frills, but in true Sri Lankan hospitality, the passengers will be offered a simple complimentary refreshment. More substantial snacks/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.
A free checked-in baggage allowance will be provided to all customers of 30kgs, in addition to one free carry-on bag of 7kgs. Special reduced fares may be offered featuring specially discounted rates and such fares may offer a reduced free allowance of 20kgs or no allowance at all.
IFE will not be offered on board, but customers may bring their mobile devices on board to watch/listen to their programmes.
All the Airbus A320-200 aircraft are registered in Sri Lanka and are operated under the jurisdiction of the Director-General, Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka. The technical and cabin crew are all Sri Lankan and comprise a unique blend of seasoned professionals and fresh, fully-qualified younger faces.
The website FitsAir.com provides full details of flight schedules, products and services, all bookable and payable on mobile devices. Alternatively, customers may also contact their preferred Travel Agent or call the airline at +94 117 940 940
Check-in counters open 3 hours before departure and it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Check-in counters will close 1 hour before departure. All passengers must have presented themselves to immigration, cleared all formalities and be at the Boarding gate 40 minutes before departure -The Boarding Gate will close 30 minutes. By far the most convenient method of checking in is via their website, which opens 24 hours before. Here you can check in for your flight, select seats and issue the boarding pass, after which the passenger can simply go to the bag drop counter and deposit their luggage.
The initial routes will take passengers to Dubai, Male and Trichy with each destination served 3 times per week. It is expected that those destinations will rapidly increase to daily frequencies. We see several destinations in South India being introduced during 2023. Other key cities within SAARC are being studied, as are points in SE Asia.
Plans to commence services between Colombo’s Ratmalana Airport and Jaffna and then develop a mini-hub in Jaffna, to serve a range of South Indian cities are also underway. Flights out of Ratmalana and Jaffna would be served with 70-seat turboprop aircraft.
A range of domestic services are also in the plans, based around Ratmalana Airport working with Tour Operators/Hoteliers, to provide swift transfers and short-duration sightseeing tours. These services would use 12-seater Cessna Caravan aircraft.
