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New Awning increases SriLankan’s
cargo capacity at BIA |
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 SriLankan
Cargo took yet another step forward in its quest to make Colombo
the Cargo Hub of the Indian Ocean, with the completion of a
giant awning at the Cargo Centre of the Bandaranaike International
Airport at a cost of 30 million rupees.
The awning added 3,500 square metres of working area to the
earlier capacity of 8,000 square metres, an increase of 44%.
Located on the runway side of the Cargo Centre, the prefabricated
steel structure was completed in only six months.
“SriLankan Cargo has been handling more business than
it has ever done before, and the amount of imports, exports
and trans-shipment cargo keeps on increasing,” said Nalin
Rodrigo, Head of Cargo at SriLankan. “We expect this to
continue increasing, as we expand our dedicated freighter operations
in the region, coupled with the expansion of regular flights
of SriLankan Airlines and the increase in traffic of all airlines
that fly to Colombo.”
SriLankan Cargo has greatly expanded its operations as the airline
rapidly expands its fleet, frequencies and number of destinations.
In addition, SriLankan Cargo also operates two Antonov AN12
dedicated freighter aircraft in the region, and is exploring
the possibility of acquiring a third freighter. Increased cargo
traffic is also expected following the recent signing of the
South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), which is aimed at
making a free trade block of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives.
"We needed to cope with the demand of expanded operations
until the new Cargo Centre building is completed early next
year," said Janaka Munasinghe, Manager Cargo Operations.
The earlier capacity of the Cargo Centre was 100,000 metric
tones per year, but SriLankan Cargo far exceeded that and handled
125,000 metric tones last year. A second warehouse, which is
currently under construction, will increase the Centre’s
annual handling capacity to 300,000 metric tonnes. SriLankan
Cargo handles cargo of all airlines, numbering about 30, which
operate through Colombo.
SriLankan Airlines Cargo Centre won a Merit Award at the 8th
Annual Taiki Akimoto 5S Competition conducted by JASTICA last
year.
"The awning enables our staff to work uninterrupted at
all times of day and night, no matter if there are monsoon rains
lashing outside. We expect the level of efficiency to improve
even on sunny days, as our staff will be protected from the
sun," said Munasinghe.
For further details on SriLankan Cargo, visit <www.srilankancargo.aero>
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August 12th, 2004 |
