Aviation is not just my bread and butter; it is my lifeline. I live and breathe aviation, even dreaming about it. The other day, my son asked if I was obsessed with the industry. “What would you do after retirement?” he was naturally curious.

Retirement?

The thought momentarily baffled me. As a professional, I know that one day I must call it a day. But how could I survive without the industry that defines me? Would I be like a fish out of water?

“I will run a coffee shop in one of the busiest airports after my retirement and double up as a consultant for industry professionals who may need assistance in critical moments,” I responded without hesitation. It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment answer; I am genuinely serious about it.

Aviation has been my life for the past 25 years, woven into every fiber of my being. When my son expressed interest in pursuing a career as a pilot, I couldn’t have been happier.

The aviation industry is vast, akin to an ocean, with a diverse array of individuals. Within the aviator community, you encounter people of various interests and talents. Some excel in flying, others in engineering, and some possess exceptional management skills.

I am fortunate to have the best of friends and colleagues in the aviation sector. Many are not just great professionals but also exceptional human beings. People like Captain Mohamed Ahmed, former CEO of SalamAir and former Director of Flight Operations Airarabia, who is not only a skilled aviator but also a visionary leader for airlines.

Then there’s Captain Leslie Manchanda, one of the finest training captains I’ve known, along with ex colleagues like Captain Noushad, Captain Mark Manchanda, Captain Tarek – Chief Pilot of SalamAir, Captain Salim – Director of Training at SalamAir, and industry professionals like Captain Naban, Captain Nabeel – FitsAir Chief Pilot, Captain Ruwan, Captain Marlon, Captain Prasad, and, of course, Sankar Sir, an expert in flight operations and flight Dispatch – my perpetual teacher and true mentor. These names randomly come to mind, but there are countless others in this industry, all of who hold a special place in my heart.

At FitsAir, a rapidly emerging player in the aviation industry, I take immense pride in our professional team. Their strong sense of teamwork is palpable and contributes significantly to our success.

In aviation, technical adaptation, a passion for the industry, and years of management experience define professionals, especially pilots. As I reflect, I am reminded that today marks the birthday of Captain Suranga M. Samarasinghe, our new Deputy Chief Pilot at FitsAir. With extensive experience in esteemed airline companies like SriLankan Airlines and Daya Aviation, Suranga’s future in this profession is bright. I extend my heartfelt birthday wishes to him. Suranga is not just a promising pilot; he is diligent and smart in his work.

In celebrating Suranga’s birthday, I am reminded that for an airline operator, the sky is not the limit; it embodies the essence of existence, enabling passengers to realize their dreams. The yearning to touch the sky reflects the aspirations of every individual. It forms the basis for our unique identity as we strive to become a cost-effective carrier and renowned aviation service provider in the Indian Sub-Continent.

The tale of FitsAir, where I am currently employed, began in 1997 in the Air Cargo business. It is not a fairy tale but a narrative of commitment, hard work, and the unbreakable bond among our team. This bond led to our remarkable growth, culminating in becoming the first privately owned airline designated by the Government of Sri Lanka to operate scheduled international passenger air services.

Teamwork is fundamental to our organizational success, fostering collaboration and synergy among individuals with diverse skills and perspectives. Our culture of teamwork is fortified by qualities such as open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to common goals. I take pride in affirming that every team member upholds these values, reinforcing our commitment to teamwork.

As we observe the sharp rebound of the global air travel industry, we recognize our opportunity to claim our share in this resurgence. Sri Lanka’s economic development as a sought-after tourist destination further supports our growth prospects. Despite challenges, the government’s implementation of economic reforms to promote growth and attract foreign investment is expected to positively impact our operations.

To truly lead in achieving our aspirations and carving our niche, we must go beyond merely satisfying our customers. Our commitment lies in delivering unparalleled value through cost-effective air travel and flawless aviation services, ensuring utmost satisfaction for all stakeholders. This demands not only vision, integrity, and the capacity to inspire but also the power to propel dreams to new heights. Our mission is to empower aspirations that soar beyond the clouds, igniting a spirit that reaches far beyond the skies themselves.

Yes, now I dream of my aviator’s coffee shop with wings that transcend boundaries.

About the author: Reena Rahman is the Vice President, Corporate Reforms at FitsAir.