Oman Air has shelved its plan to launch Colombo flights following consecutive denying of approval from the Sri Lankan authorities. This change was reflected in Global Distribution Systems today. Oman Air had originally planned to launch daily flights to Colombo from its Muscat base on 12 October. The airline was forced to postpone its launch twice following last minute withdrawal of approval from Sri Lankan authorities. Oman Air CEO is Peter Hill with whom the Sri Lankan President had a dispute following Hill’s refusal to offload 35 passengers on a LHR-CMB flight, to accommodate the President and his entourage. Oman Air is in a heavy expansion drive under Hill’s leadership.
UPDATE : It is reported that the Omani authorities have now banned SriLankan Airlines from landing in Muscat. This has not yet been confirmed, however SriLankan’s flight to Muscat yesterday operated as normal.
SriLankan Airlines’ CEO Mr.Peter Hill’s job permit was cancelled by the government today. The reason that the government stated was not obeying government’s requests. The reason was the airline’s refusal to clear 35 seats on a flight from London for Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President. People rumour that this is another attempt by government to make state owned Mihin Lanka (Though said to be state owned, I wonder why does the company name is “Mihin Lanka Private Limited”) low cost airline popular. SriLankan Airlines (formerly Air Lanka) is partially owned by Emirates Airline and this agreement is due to expire in 2008.
BOACVC10 From United States of America, joined Jul 2006, 516 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (3 years 7 months 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 1871 times:
Quoting Jambo (Thread starter): Oman Air CEO is Peter Hill with whom the Sri Lankan President had a dispute following Hill’s refusal to offload 35 passengers on a LHR-CMB flight,
I'm confused, was Peter Hill always with Oman Air even when he was with at Sri Lankan Airlines ? What is the relation (if any) between Oman Air and Sri Lankan Airlines for historical context, or is it a personal tiff between Peter Hill and the Gov't of Sri Lanka ?
Peter Hill was appointed chief executive of Sri Lankan Airlines by Emirates to run Sri Lanka's national carrier.
He refused a request from the Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, for 35 tickets on a flight from London to Colombo.
The president, who was in London for a private visit, was rushing home in order to be able to attend a crucial session of Parliament.
But Mr Hill refused the request as the flight was over-booked. Shortly afterwards, Mr Hill's working visa and residence permit were withdrawn by the Sri Lankan authorities.
Talking to the BBC, Mr Hill said the incident "had some bearing" on Emirates' decision not to renew its contract.
Gardermoen From Australia, joined Jul 1999, 1518 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (3 years 7 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 1762 times:
Ah, so this is the reason for Oman Air suddenly dropping its Colombo plans .
Seems like it's the SL governments way at getting back at Peter Hill.
This is crazy - Oman Air can actively contribute to Sri Lanka's surge in tourist arrivals recently - all airlines are flying really healthy loads into Colombo since the end of the war in May. Yet, the government are blocking this over what is a childish tiff.
If this does mean UL will temporarily suspend Muscat - then this is really getting out of hand.
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