Sri Lanka’s premier teaching academy for students aspiring for a career in the Airline Industry - The International Airline Ticketing Academy - recently celebrated 18 years of being in business this year.

According to Deepal Perera and Mayoni Perera who started this Academy 18 years ago, their teaching far exceeds the bounds of academia. "We do not limit our teaching only to the syllabus, but extend it to cover humanities and values, simply because we believe that the right attitude is necessary if a human being is to achieve his or her full potential, and to be a credit to the organisation he or she works with" says Deepal. Most importantly, The International Airline Ticketing Academy is the first IATA authorised school in Sri Lanka, and the courses offered include IATA UFTAA Foundation and IATA GDS Fares and Ticketing course. They travel to the Maldive Islands to conduct courses in E - Ticketing and GDS Airline Computer Reservations.

Academy courses are conducted thrice yearly commencing January, May and September each year. These Fares / E- ticketing, GDS, Reservations, Marketing, Airport Operations and Cargo courses are conducted over a period of 3 months at the International Airline Ticketing Academy in Colombo 4, Behind Majestic City.

Convenient timing of classes is planned with different options offered such as morning, evening and weekend classes.

The academy is offering a course on Airline Cabin Crew Training for the period of 3 months.

Mayoni Perera has to her credit IATA Customer Service, IATA Cabin Crew Training and IATA / UFTAA Foundation and assist Deepal in formulating and conducting the courses offered by them. Deepal Perera has a long distinguished back ground in the Airline and Travel industry. The measure of the courses offered can be judged by the fact that some Airlines offer scholarships to the students of the Academy. "They are very supportive and assist with additional on the job training for our students during every 3 month course" said Deepal. Additionally, most Airlines and Travel agents contact the academy when they are need of staff for their organization. "I give these employment leads to my students and leave it up to them to apply and be selected, but at times I personally.