The new milestone of Mihin Lanka, a 100% owned airline by the government of Sri Lanka, is a reflection of its progressively growing operations. The ceremony was attended by top officials of BAC, Mihin Lanka, Airport and Government officials.
Mihin Lanka’s commercial flight service, using its Airbus fleet between Sri Lanka and Bahrain, is expected to bolster tourism and commercial ties between the two countries.
In his welcome remarks at the landing of the Mihin Lanka’s inaugural flight at Bahrain International Airport, Mohamed Khalil VP Commercial and Marketing Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) lauded the airline’s steady growth by adding “The inaugural flight of Mihin Lanka to Bahrain has further strengthened the Kingdom’s position as an emerging hub for airlines in the MENA region,” he said.
“Bahrain international Airport will remain committed in providing its excellent services to all airlines and passengers at the airport as we endeavor in promoting airline success and leading partnership initiatives going forward, and we welcome the latest addition of Mihin Lanka,” Mohamed Khalil, added.
Mihin Lanka, the most popular budget carrier of Sri Lanka, will initially operate five flights a week to Bahrain scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Prior to adding Bahrain to its network, Mihin Lanka which has been operating since April 2007, flew to seven destinations namely Trichy, Gaya and Varanasi in the Indian sub-continent, Dubai and Sharjah in the Middle East and Dhaka and Jakarta in the Far East.
“Together with our code share partner SriLankan Airlines, Mihin will provide convenient connections to destinations in India, Far East and other destinations,” Capt Pujitha Jayakody Director Flight operations and Training for Mihin Lanka, said.
Mihin Lanka currently operates an all Airbus fleet and has plans to expand its fleet further with the introduction of its third aircraft expected in November as well as adding flights to Madurai, Delhi and Katmandu during the winter schedule.
“We are pleased to partner with Bahrain International Travel (BIT) as our General Sales Agent in Bahrain with effect from 01st August 2012,” Capt Pujitha, added.