SriLankan Airlines’ IAA completes first TAASL member agent training program

It was an evening of celebration at the recently held inaugural graduation ceremony of the Travel Agents’ Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) in association with the SriLankan Airlines’ International Aviation Academy (IAA).  

Earlier this year, IAA, the training centre of the national carrier was appointed as the exclusive training partner for TAASL. Under this partnership, IAA will conduct a series of advanced training programs for TAASL member agents on crucial subjects related to the airline industry such as airport formalities, global distribution systems, code share agreements, baggage handling, customer service and team building, in the course of two years.
The first of these training programs was complimentary and followed by a total of 78 participants from various member travel agencies. They underwent training in three batches at the IAA training centre in Katunayake, and had the privilege of enhancing their knowledge and insight of the industry through a panel of instructors that are also professionals from the airline, with first-hand experience in their respective areas of operation.  
The initial training program culminated with a graduation ceremony at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, attended by the participating members from TAASL, representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority, course instructors and administrative personnel from IAA and SriLankan Airlines. All TAASL members that successfully completed the program were awarded with certificates, and the outstanding performers of the batch received further recognition through scholarships and price discounts on courses at IAA.
Ever since its inception more than two decades ago, the IAA has made strides in the field of Aviation training in Sri Lanka and is the market leader in this arena today. In addition to providing training and grooming 3000 own staff up to global industry standards annually, the IAA offers several international courses to people from the travel and tourism industry including widely accepted, International Air Transport Association (IATA) certified courses such as the IATA Airline Cabin Crew Course, IATA-FIATA Cargo Introductory Program and IATA Harvard Leadership and Management Diploma.  
The IAA has garnered top national and international accolades in recognition of its contribution to the field of Aviation training. This year, IATA recognised the centre as one of its ‘Top Ten’ training partners in South Asia. IAA was also the first in the region to be declared as an IATA Regional Training Facility for international aviation training.