Sri Lanka state airlines to operate 11 frequencies from Mattala

Mar 15, 2013 (LBO) - State-run SriLankan Airlines said it will operate nine flights a week out of Sri Lanka's second international airport in Mattala, which is opening next week while its sister budget carrier will operate two flights. SriLankan Airlines will fly twice a week to Riyadh, four times to Male, twice to Beijing and once to Shanghai via Bangkok. Mihin Lanka will operate twice a week to Bodh Gaya.

The Chinese financed Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport will open on March 18.

"SriLankan's role in MRIA is sure to expand with the arrival of more airlines and the increase of passenger flow," SriLankan Airlines’ Chairman, Nishantha Wickramasinghe said in a statement.

SriLankan will also have catering and ground handling monopolies at the airport.

Employment at the airport had been restricted to the Hambantota district including 52 for catering, but experienced staff from other parts of the country who worked in the Katunayake airport will at the Mattala for one year, the statement said.

"Taking a step ahead, Sri Lankan Airlines has recruited and will continue to recruit and train the youth from rural areas surrounding Mattala thereby encouraging them to take on lucrative careers in aviation," said S