note
National airline of Ceylon founded by government in 1947 and became corporation in 1951 with the government holding %51 stake. Company started operations between Ceylon and Madras. In 1951 ANA of Australia bought minority interest in airline and operations between Australia and London via Colombo commenced. Airline was plaqued by politics of Ceylon and European colonial governments either of which would refuse traffic rights and/or purchase of aircraft. Air Ceylon had operated flights in partnership with ANA (1951-1953), KLM (1951-1956), B.O.A.C. and French UTA (1971-1977) serving various destinations but neither partnership lasted. Madras, Trichinopoly, London, Rome, Bombay, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Karachi were served more or less throughout its existence. Sydney and Amsterdam were served during its partnership with ANA and KLM and airline also served modest domestic network using HS.748s. Airline eventualy failed in March 1978 and was replaced few months later by Air Lanka which was also established by the government.
founded - demised (age)
1947 - March 1978 (31)
headquarters
Lower Chatham Street, Colombo
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (0)
