WEAIR enters Sri Lanka’s aviation sector

• Targets operations in May

WEAIR, a new entrant into Sri Lanka’s aviation sector, is set to commence operations in May 2026, aiming to strengthen the country’s air freight capacity and enhance regional connectivity. 

Backed by Luxembourg-based IOTC Investments and led by Sri Lankan-born Group CEO Thinesh Ganeshakumaran, WEAIR is positioned as a next-generation cargo airline designed to address growing demand across key trade corridors, the entity said in a statement. 

Sri Lanka’s air cargo sector has traditionally relied on passenger belly capacity and foreign operators, limiting flexibility for exporters and freight forwarders.

“The introduction of a dedicated cargo airline is expected to significantly improve reliability, capacity availability, and turnaround times-particularly for time-sensitive shipments such as apparel, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce goods,” WEAIR said. 

WEAIR plans to establish a regional network connecting Colombo with major destinations across South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, leveraging the island’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of global trade routes. 

The airline will begin operations with a Boeing 737-800 freighter and has outlined a phased fleet expansion strategy. 

A second aircraft is expected to be inducted by December 2026, followed by additional aircraft in 2027 and 2028. Strengthening its leadership team, WEAIR has appointed Aruna Ratnayake as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing over four decades of aviation experience. 

Indrajit Joseph joins as Chief Marketing Officer, contributing extensive expertise in marketing and corporate leadership.

Looking ahead, WEAIR has outlined plans for a potential listing on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) by 2029. The company is also exploring expansion into passenger operations as part of its long-term growth strategy. Beyond its operational ambitions, WEAIR is expected to contribute to employment generation across aviation and logistics sectors, including ground handling, cargo operations, and related services. Commenting on the development, CEO Thinesh Ganeshakumaran stated that the airline is focused on building a reliable and efficient cargo network to support Sri Lanka’s evolving role in global trade.