Int’l charter flights under ‘Air Colombo’ brand likely soon

• Lankan-born businessman Benedict Sirimanne’s California-based firm files application with CAA for Air Operator Certificate and Airline Licence
• To operate international charter operations carrying cargo, mail and private operations

Sri Lankan-born businessman Benedict Sirimanne, who leads California-based CSDS Aircraft Sales & Leasing Inc. is planning to commence international charter flight operations from Sri Lanka under ’Air Colombo’ brand.

Sirimanne filed an application with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on January 26, 2021 to obtain Air Operator Certificate and Airline Licence to engage in international charter operations carrying cargo, mail and private operations in compliance with Civil Aviation Act and Regulations.

The application was made through Airways of Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., where Sirimanne acts as board member along with Rajitha Ariyaratne.

The application has nominated Ariyaratne to be the Accountable Manager in charge of the proposed operations of the carrier.

Sirimanne founded CSDS Aircraft in 2003 and since then it has become an active player in global commercial and aviation business completing over US$ 250 million worth of aircraft transactions. 

It is involved in buying, selling and leasing aircraft, helicopters and other materials to global clients, mainly focusing on aircraft older than 10 years.

CSDS Aircraft currently has around seven aircraft on its fleet including Boeing 747SP formerly owned by Qatari royal family.

The CAA noted that it would proceed with the certification process of the application after March 16 as per the procedures to examine compliance with the country’s air navigation regulations.