Aitken Spence and Singapore Airlines celebrate 50 years of partnership

The golden jubilee partnership between Singapore Airlines and Aitken Spence as the general sales agent (GSA) in Sri Lanka was recently celebrated in grandeur at The Stables, Park Street Mews, Colombo. 
The partnership formed between Malaysia Singapore Airlines (MSA), presently known as Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Aitken Spence dates back to June 1972. Aitken Spence is the longest standing GSA in the Singapore Airlines network.

This momentous occasion was graced by Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President for West Asia and Africa David Lau, Singapore Airlines Cargo Regional Vice President for West Asia and Africa Patrick Ee, board of directors and management council of Aitken Spence, key personnel of the passenger and cargo regional office of SIA and the team from local SIA office led by Aitken Spence Aviation (GSA) Managing Director Vasantha Kudaliyanage and General Manager for Singapore Airlines in Sri Lanka Zachary Liew.
The keynote speech was made by Aitken Spence Deputy Chairman/Managing Director Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake. He emphasised that a celebration of the 50th anniversary, the golden jubilee is a lifetime achievement. He also highlighted the colossal contribution by SIA to Sri Lanka facilitating tourism, trade, connectivity, generation of economic growth, job opportunities whilst improving living standards and alleviating poverty.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Executive Director Aitken Spence and Head of Tourism and Leisure sector of the group, enlightened the audience of the inception and the efforts by G.C. Wickramasinghe, former Chairman and Main Board Director of Aitken Spence, who was instrumental in this partnership, serving as the first Managing Director of the Singapore Airlines GSA in Sri Lanka.  

Valued members attached to numerous bodies of the aviation field, trade and cargo partners were among the distinguished invitees with the latter being recognised and complimented for their continuous support in this long and arduous journey. 
This occasion also provided an ideal platform to recognise and appreciate the staff for their long-standing service and commitment that has been one of the core pillars of success in this time-honoured partnership.
The glamourous night and the ambience provided a perfect setting to celebrate whilst revisiting the momentous events of the past.