4AVIATION CLUB CAPTURES THE SKIES AND SIGHTS UNVEILING SRI LANKA'S AVIATION SPLENDOR
6:38pm on Saturday 7th October 2023
The 4Aviation Club, based in the Netherlands, offers a variety of aviation tours to unique destinations worldwide, catering to the interests of aviation enthusiasts. These tours range from standard spotters' trips, facilitating visits to air shows, to more extensive and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at airports, airbases, or aircraft manufacturing plants. Supported by a group of 23 freelance photojournalists who contribute their insights to numerous aviation publications in Europe, these tours are poised to resonate with like-minded enthusiasts and promote Sri Lanka as a destination of interest.
The primary goal of their visit in 2023 is to gain an in-depth understanding of the various platforms utilize in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Their mission is to capture photographs of SLAF aircraft in various positions, including on the flight line, taxi tracks, runways, hangars, and using elevated vantage points to capture unique angles during takeoffs, landings, and hovering maneuvers. The Ministry of Defence and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha, have granted approval for the 4Aviation Crew to visit the SLAF from 02 October to 06 October 2023.
During their brief stay in the country, they visited the Flying formations at SLAF Academy China Bay, Base Hingurakgoda, Base Ratmalana, and Base Katunayake to document these activities through their photography. Additionally, their visit concluded with a productive discussion with the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha at Air Force Headquarters.
Furthermore, their stay in Sri Lanka was enhanced with a safari visit to Kaudulla National Park and a trip to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, allowing them to appreciate the natural beauty of the country. This visit was expertly coordinated by the Directorate of SLAF Media with the aim of promoting the culture of aviation photography, facilitating cross-training opportunities, and providing a platform for knowledge sharing among SLAF photographers.
These endeavors by the SLAF, which extend beyond their traditional roles, are expected to contribute significantly to promoting tourism in Sri Lanka, showcasing the nation's aviation assets and captivating natural landscapes to a global audience of aviation enthusiasts and travelers.
The primary goal of their visit in 2023 is to gain an in-depth understanding of the various platforms utilize in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Their mission is to capture photographs of SLAF aircraft in various positions, including on the flight line, taxi tracks, runways, hangars, and using elevated vantage points to capture unique angles during takeoffs, landings, and hovering maneuvers. The Ministry of Defence and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha, have granted approval for the 4Aviation Crew to visit the SLAF from 02 October to 06 October 2023.
During their brief stay in the country, they visited the Flying formations at SLAF Academy China Bay, Base Hingurakgoda, Base Ratmalana, and Base Katunayake to document these activities through their photography. Additionally, their visit concluded with a productive discussion with the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksha at Air Force Headquarters.
Furthermore, their stay in Sri Lanka was enhanced with a safari visit to Kaudulla National Park and a trip to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, allowing them to appreciate the natural beauty of the country. This visit was expertly coordinated by the Directorate of SLAF Media with the aim of promoting the culture of aviation photography, facilitating cross-training opportunities, and providing a platform for knowledge sharing among SLAF photographers.
These endeavors by the SLAF, which extend beyond their traditional roles, are expected to contribute significantly to promoting tourism in Sri Lanka, showcasing the nation's aviation assets and captivating natural landscapes to a global audience of aviation enthusiasts and travelers.
