Cargo capacity to Colombo set to expand after Sri Lanka grants new operator certificate

Sri Lanka's Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) has granted Ukraine-based Supernova Airlines permission to run non-scheduled cargo flights into Colombo. The authorisation covers Boeing 737-800 aircraft and is intended to strengthen air freight links between Ukraine and Sri Lanka.

Key facts

• Who approved it: Sri Lanka's Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL)
• What was issued: a Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC)
• Which airline: Supernova Airlines, based in Ukraine
• What is allowed: non-scheduled cargo flights to Colombo
• Aircraft type: Boeing 737-800

What has been approved?

CAASL issued a Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) to Supernova Airlines, authorising the carrier to operate non-scheduled cargo flights to Colombo using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The certificate was formally presented by Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of CAASL, to Tinesh Guneshkumaran, Accountable Manager of Supernova Airlines.

Prabath Samarathunga and Charles Nirmalanathan, representatives of the airline, and Lasantha Dahanayake, Deputy Director General for Flight Safety Regulations at CAASL, also attended.

How was the airline assessed?

The certification process examined the airline's operational, technical and organisational capabilities. CAASL carried out the assessment in line with Sri Lanka's aviation regulations and the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

What does this mean for air cargo?

CAASL said the approval is expected to support non-scheduled cargo operations between Ukraine and Sri Lanka, strengthen air cargo connectivity and help develop the country's aviation and logistics sectors. The authority added that it would continue to facilitate international air transport while ensuring foreign operators meet applicable regulatory requirements and civil aviation safety standards.

No start date for the flights, schedule, frequency or cargo capacity has been announced in the information available.