SriLankan Airlines launches flights to Moscow today

Establishing a landmark in Sri Lanka’s aviation history, SriLankan Airlines’ makes its maiden flight to the historic city of Moscow, commencing a twice-weekly scheduled service between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport on 17 September 2011.

Religious observances by dignitaries of the four religions in Sri Lanka will invoke blessings on the new service before UL 531 departs the BIA at 0720hrs.

SriLankan’s VIP delegation includes the Ambassador for Russia in Sri Lanka, Vladimir P. Mikhaylov and Mrs. Mikhaylov; SriLankan Airlines’ Head of Commercial Operations, Mohamad Fazeel; and Regional Manager for Russia/Middle East and Africa, Lal Perera, including other representatives of SriLankan Airlines.

The flight is scheduled to operate via Dubai and arrive in Moscow at 1640hrs the same day.

Vladimir P. Mikhaylov said: “The new air services connecting Colombo and Moscow is a link that will not only facilitate travel but will be the impetus for building closer bilateral business connections as well as in social, cultural, sports and other spheres, better understanding of the historic heritage of the peoples of Sri Lanka and Russia.”

              

Upon arrival in Moscow, the SriLankan delegation will be welcomed by Moscow’s Airport Authority officials and the Sri Lankan community members in Moscow, who have waited eagerly for the commencement of this service.

“This is a significant air link for SriLankan Airlines as we connect to the largest country in the world, also known as one of the greatest cultural and historic destinations. We are eagerly waiting to welcome the Russian visitors in Sri Lanka and passengers on board our flights to Russia,” said Head of Commercial Operations Mohamad Fazeel.

Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport is Russia’s largest, in terms of passenger traffic and is reputed as the largest and the most promising Russian airport. The total passengers handled in 2010 amounts to 22,254,000, which is a 19.2% increase compared to 2009.

Located 22 km southeast of Moscow, the Domodedovo Airport Terminal was the first passenger airport terminal in Russia to be certified under ISO 9001:2000. It is equipped with the world’s most advanced technology.

SriLankan’s new service will operate twice weekly, initially with flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays on a brand new state-of-the art Airbus aircraft, configured to business and economy classes with plush leather seating and personal TVs with Panasonic’s latest eFX Audio Video On Demand (AVOD) entertainment system.