First Night Take off from MRIA done by the SLAF
1:26pm on Wednesday 20th March 2013
Following the grand opening of the Mattala
Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 18th March 2013, the No 08
Light Transport Squadron performed the first ever SLAF aircraft landing
at this airport, which was carried out by 4R-HTO, MA 60 aircraft,
piloted by Wg Cdr DKM Krishanta and Sqn Ldr WV Premasinghe.
Further, it was recorded that the same aircraft and the crew carried out the first ever night take off from this airport, with His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the First Lady and the Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal HD Abeywickrama on board. This aircraft landed at the Ratmalana Airport with HE the President and other dignitaries.
These historical moments would prove significant for the SLAF Helitours in its quest to promote domestic aviation in the country.
Further, it was recorded that the same aircraft and the crew carried out the first ever night take off from this airport, with His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the First Lady and the Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal HD Abeywickrama on board. This aircraft landed at the Ratmalana Airport with HE the President and other dignitaries.
These historical moments would prove significant for the SLAF Helitours in its quest to promote domestic aviation in the country.