Ceylon Aeronautical Services (CAS), Sri Lanka’s largest privately owned MRO provider, has signed a long-term agreement with Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (AASL) for a hangar facility at Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR).
The new facility is expected to expand CAS’s MRO capabilities beyond general aviation aircraft, creating opportunities to service larger regional and executive aircraft.
It is encouraging to see the government taking a greater interest in the development of Ratmalana Airport, while encouraging local industry players and supporting such initiatives at a time when the Asia-Pacific aviation market is entering a period of significant growth. By 2035, the global commercial aircraft fleet is projected to reach approximately 38,300 aircraft, around 32% higher than in 2025, while global commercial aircraft MRO demand is expected to reach approximately US$156 billion.
This presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to expand its MRO capabilities and attract aircraft for technical stops, maintenance and component support. With the right infrastructure and policy support, Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana, could position itself as a regional aviation services centre, particularly serving small aircraft, business jets and regional operators across South Asia and the Indian Ocean.
