Ratmalana Airport to launch 12 yr master plan
The Ratmalana Airport’s initial plans to extend its runway to accommodate larger aircraft have been shelved in the newly drawn up master plan for 2018-2030 as it would not prove a viable venture as per return on investment (ROI).
Under the master plan of the 1990s plans had been drawn up to accommodate larger aircraft of type D that could attract a 120 seat capacity to be attracted to the Ratmalana Airport with an extension of the runway upto 2400 metres, Ratmalana Airport Manager Aruna Rajapaksa.
In this respect, the airport had acquired 42 hectares of land as well at the time but had not ventured to extend it then due to other issues with expansion and the war situation.
However, under the new plan drawn up for 2018-2030 the new venture has been shelved as it would not generate adequate ROI and since it would mean attempting to compete with the country’s main international airport at Katunayaka.
In view of these factors, the existing 1773-metre runway would continue to stay with the capability of handling C type aircraft with about 70 seating capacity for domestic and corporate jets.
As per the aerodrome requirement there is a certain obstacle clearance limit imposed that would mean maintaining 150 metres from the runway line which would mean acquiring additional residential lands. This requirement came about after the acquisition of 42 hectares was made in the 1990s.
He noted that as a result they would not be recommending this expansion and would on the other hand make optimum use of the available land including some of the properties currently held by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) which have been allocated for a rugby and soccer grounds and fenced off against civilian use. These would be used to extend the shoulder of the runway and increase taxiways.
Furthermore, it was stated that the extension of the runway was not possible also because on one side was the Galle road and on the other side they were prohibited from allowing aircraft to use a route flying over Parliament.
Mr. Rajapaksa explained that following discussions with the SLAF they have reached agreement to shift the SLAF operations to the northern part of the airport while the southern area would be used for civilian operations.
The new master plan would be put forward to the Sri Lanka airports regulator and subsequently to the Cabinet for approval.
The master plan would focus on bringing international corporate jets based on positive inquiries received from local and international investors. This year alone up to October, the airport handled up to 130 corporate jets from different countries like India, Thailand, Singapore and some companies that frequently fly out to southern Indian states.
The airport would continue to serve its local and international students by promoting the facility as an aviation hub.
In addition, they have had inquiries from Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and Fixed Based Operators (FBO) investors interested in setting up their operations at the airport.
In this regard, the relevant authorities were said to have held discussions with a number of countries.
Further, international scheduled operations for regional flights targeting South India and the Maldives were focused on in a bid to cover the airport’s operational costs.
Mr. Rajapaksa explained that in a bid to cover the operational costs and by starting this service then Sri Lanka too can earn some money and utilise the existing resources to the optimum level by attracting the Maldivian and South Indian travellers that frequent the destination and lodge in locations in and around where the airport is located.
Two Maldivian flights scheduled to arrive in the country last year dropped the idea, it is learnt owing to their own operational changes.