(Commonwealth)_ Celebrating a decade of unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s aviation sector, Cinnamon Air proudly commemorates its milestone. Since its establishment in 2013, the airline has emerged as a pivotal force in the nation’s tourism landscape, significantly enhancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. Distinguished as the exclusive domestic airline equipped with a dedicated passenger terminal and an advanced aircraft maintenance facility strategically located at Bandaranaike International Airport, Cinnamon Air prioritizes swift, secure, and convenient transportation across the island. Initiated in 2013 under Saffron Aviation, a joint venture between John Keells Holdings PLC, MMBL-Pathfinder Group, and Phoenix Ventures, the airline’s primary objective has been clear from the outset: to offer an exceptional travel experience, particularly catering to high-end tourism, to those exploring Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Operating a fleet comprising three Cessna 208 aircraft, including two impressive amphibian planes, Cinnamon Air distinguishes itself with unparalleled flexibility. These specialized aircraft enable access to destinations without land-based airports, utilizing suitable water aerodromes for landing. Beyond mere transport, the amphibian aircraft provide passengers with a unique experience of taking off and landing on water, boasting meticulously maintained and luxurious interiors managed by highly skilled professionals.
Flying with Cinnamon Air has become synonymous with discovering the splendor of Sri Lanka from the skies. Their flights promise passengers remarkable aerial vistas, transforming the journey into an immersive exploration of the island’s diverse and captivating landscapes. Cinnamon Air strategically orchestrates scheduled flights connecting prominent tourist destinations throughout Sri Lanka, encompassing the Central Hill Country, South Coast, East Coast, Cultural Triangle, and the Northern region. The focal point of its operations resides at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, bolstered by the Colombo City water aerodrome situated at Waters Edge in Battaramulla. July 2013 marked the inauguration of its scheduled flights. In addition to these scheduled services, Cinnamon Air extends charter flights, affording passengers unparalleled flexibility, privacy, and the liberty to traverse between any operational airport or water aerodrome within Sri Lanka.
Since its inception, Cinnamon Air has been the transportation mode of choice for foreign travelers exploring Sri Lanka and the local business community alike. Bernard Goonetilleke, Director of Saffron Aviation, remarked, “Sri Lanka holds immense potential in the tourism industry, yet swift access to renowned destinations has been lacking. We established Cinnamon Air to fill this gap, providing expedient, secure, and comfortable transfers across the country. Over the past decade, we have emerged as a pivotal entity in Sri Lanka’s tourism panorama, augmenting the nation’s stature as a high-end tourist haven.” Sean Dwight, the Chief Executive Officer of Cinnamon Air, reflected on the airline’s accomplishments, emphasizing their remarkable service record. He highlighted that since the airline’s inception, they have catered to a diverse clientele, having served over 80,000 passengers through a combination of scheduled and charter flights. Among these passengers are numerous esteemed clients, marking significant milestones for the company.
During their peak financial year in 2018/19, Cinnamon Air achieved a notable feat by accommodating over 15,000 passengers, signifying substantial growth and recognition within the aviation sector. Despite the formidable challenges imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly impacted the aviation industry worldwide, Cinnamon Air has observed a gradual resurgence in demand, indicative of its resilience and enduring appeal. Expressing pride in their demonstrated excellence, Dwight affirmed their unwavering commitment to further elevate their services and expand their range of destination offerings. The overarching goal remains clear: to make the magnificence of Sri Lanka more accessible and captivating to all who have the privilege of visiting this remarkable island.
