DP Aviation, a Sri Lankan domestic airline holding a Domestic Air Operator Certificate (AOC), is preparing to expand into international operations under the new name OCERA Airlines, with plans to strengthen Sri Lanka’s air connectivity with key regional markets.
Representatives of DP Aviation and its prospective investment partner recently met with Captain Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation & Chief Executive Officer, and senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to discuss the proposed expansion.
The company plans to operate both domestic and international services, with Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, envisioned as its regional hub. The proposed network will include stronger connectivity between Jaffna and destinations in India, while expanding links across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
As part of its fleet expansion, OCERA plans to introduce brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft and grow its fleet to 10 aircraft by 2030. The expansion is expected to create around 400 new employment opportunities in areas including flight operations, pilots, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance and engineering, ground handling and other aviation-related professions.
The proposed expansion is expected to improve connectivity for passengers, create more convenient links between domestic destinations and international markets, and strengthen air connections between northern Sri Lanka and India.
The investment is also expected to contribute to employment generation and wider economic activity through tourism, trade, investment and aviation-related services.
The commencement of international operations will remain subject to the completion of the ongoing CAASL evaluation and the necessary regulatory approvals.
Source: CAASL
