Emirates celebrates 35 years of service to Colombo

Friday, 2 April 2021 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Since its first flight in 1986, the airline has carried more than 8 m passengers to and from SL, operating over 49,000 roundtrip flights
Sri Lankan customers can currently connect to more than 90 destinations within the airline’s network, via Dubai

Emirates is celebrating 35 years of connecting Sri Lanka to the world. Since its first flight in 1986, the airline has carried more than eight million passengers to and from Colombo – operating more than 49,000 roundtrip flights.

Emirates currently serves the country with six weekly flights, connecting customers to more than 90 destinations within its network, via Dubai.

Emirates launched its operations to Colombo on 1 April 1986, utilising a Boeing 777-200LR. In 1997, due to increased passenger demand, the airline upgraded its operations and introduced its wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration. Today, Emirates is the only international airline to serve Colombo with First Class services – offering passengers superior services and comfort in air and on-ground.

Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, continues to play a crucial role in maintaining vital trade links and driving economic activity – helping local businesses connect to more than 130 cargo destinations worldwide.

Over the past 10 years, Emirates SkyCargo has carried more than 275,000 tonnes to and from the country including the main commodities of seafood, fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronic goods, and medical equipment.

More than 140,500 Sri Lankan nationals and residents are enrolled in Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai – allowing members to redeem exclusive benefits and rewards including flights with partner airlines, hotel stays, retail outlets and lifestyle experiences supported by the airline.

The loyalty program was one of the first in the world to offer its members an extension on tier status until 2022 – providing members more flexibility, choice and reassurance throughout the pandemic.

Emirates is one of the world’s largest international airlines with a global footprint across six continents. Sri Lankan customers can fly safer and better on Emirates as the airline has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey, introduced free multi-risk travel insurance and revised its booking policies to offer greater flexibility and generous re-booking terms.