The first-ever Army-managed ticketing agency, ‘Air Travel Services’, hitherto temporarily housed at the Army Headquarters complex, moved into its new location, enabling the public also to reserve their own overseas tickets.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence was the Chief Guest on the occassion and declared open the new ‘Air Travel Services’ by unveiling the plaque at the entrance to the new venue and lighting the traditional oil lamp along with other distinguished guests.
The Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, symbolising the inauguration of the agency delivered the first air ticket to Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, the Commander of the Army. To signify the occasion, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya in turn issued the second ticket to Brigadier Rohan Kaduwela who is scheduled to fly overseas shortly.
The official website of the travel agency www.airtravel-services.com was also launched. The public are able to receive destination information, ticket prices, connection possibilities, etc by logging into this website.
The concept of establishing a travel agency, was proposed by the Commander of the Army during the fourth quarter of the year 2010, taking into account the large numbers of officers proceeding on overseas training courses, seminars, official assignments, as well as their family members, accompanying them. This prompted the initial establishment of this ticketing agency by the Army’s Directorate of Movement. Profits generated by sale of tickets will be utilised for the welfare of the soldiers.
However, the relocation of the new ‘Air Travel Services’ with a well trained staff, facilitates the general public to have easy access to the agency for purchase of their air tickets at affordable rates.
There is a dedicated team that is committed 24 hours per day throughout the year to fulfill the customer aspiration in providing the services. Apart from handling travel insurance and foreign exchange, Air Travel Services is capable of arranging ticketing and reservation to any destination at attractive fares. It also offers special holiday packages to China, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok and specially organised pilgrimages to Dambadiwa, India.
