Peace Air plans to launch operations in February 2019

Sri Lanka’s first privately owned airline, Peace Air plans to launch operations on 04 February 2019, according to chairman Gamini Wethasinghe. The airline is backed by US$2 billion from US and Chinese investors.

The first routes are to China, namely Wuhan, Xi, An Urumqi, Chongqing and Hardin -- all to be daily direct flights. From March 2019, the carrier plans to expand to Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, targeting religious passengers.

The airline will initially fly a new B787-8 to China and later a B787-10, with both aircraft already on order with Boeing, according to the airline. The acquisition of a further eight aircraft is also being planned.

Peace Air is also attempting the purchase of SriLankan Airlines for US$5.5 billion, and has reached a framework agreement with Lufthansa Consulting to conduct a due diligence in the national carrier.