April 01, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1428

KARACHI, March 31: The JS Air — a recently launched private airline of the Jahangir Siddiqui group of companies — singed a commercial partnership agreement with ‘Deccan Aviation Lanka’ in Colombo. The latter is said to be the only helicopter operator in Sri Lanka.

A press release issued on Saturday stated that JS Air was represented at the signing ceremony by Chairman Munawar Alam Siddiqui. Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Shahzad Chaudhary was also present on the occasion.

Under the terms of the agreement, JS Air and Deccan Aviation would shortly commence operations of Raytheon Beechcraft fixed wing aircraft for domestic services in Sri Lanka. “Eventually, the aircraft will be offered to corporate clients for their travel to India and regional destinations,” the press note said.

Offered in a 17 seats, cargo or VIP configuration, the US manufactured twin engine aircraft model 1900C is capable of flying non-stop to Maldives or India and has the capability of being able to use virtually all of Sri Lanka’s airfields.

The new alliance will offer a ‘flying bus’ service to inbound tour operators at competitive rates from the international airport, and also for the first time offer Sri Lankan corporate flyers a deluxe private aircraft for corporate domestic or international charters, the press release stated.