SriLankan Airlines’ fleet grows to largest in history

SriLankan Airlines said yesterday its fleet is now the largest ever in its history, following the receipt of an Airbus A320 aircraft recently.

The airline now has a fleet of 17 aircraft, which include five A320s, five A330s, five A340s, and two De Havilland Twin Otters. This surpasses the 16 aircraft that the airline possessed between 2005 and 2007.

With plans to acquire four or perhaps even five more aircraft by the end of 2011, SriLankan is likely to end the year with a fleet of at least 19 aircraft. This will include three A320s, which would be the first brand new aircraft to be acquired by SriLankan in 11 years.

The first of these A320s is scheduled to arrive in late May, as is a long-haul A340.

SriLankan’s CEO Manoj Gunawardena said: “This is definitely a major landmark in the history of aviation in Sri Lanka, which started 64 years ago in 1947 when Air Ceylon commenced operations using two Douglas DC-4 Skymasters. By the end of 2011, we will possess a fleet of modern aircraft that would position SriLankan Airlines to fulfil its role as a catalyst for the country’s economic growth.”

The national carrier is closely supporting the vision of the Government of Sri Lanka, which is making massive investments in developing the country’s infrastructure, including new highways, airports, power stations and ports.

“These investments are being made despite the negative effects of high fuel prices at the present time due to the political crisis in the Middle East. However, the fact is that SriLankan recognises the need to expand our fleet and our operations in order to capitalise on opportunities in the near future,” said SriLankan’s CEO.

The latest acquisition is the second aircraft this year, with a De Havilland Twin Otter having arrived a week previously. Another A330 or A340 may be obtained at the end of the year, while two of the airline’s older A320s are to be returned by mid-year.

The fleet expansion would significantly enhance the entire passenger experience on board SriLankan, with more comforts and amenities. A younger fleet of aircraft would also increase fuel efficiency and reduce negative effects on the environment. It would also enhance technical reliability, which would lead to increased flight punctuality.

SriLankan Airlines is expanding rapidly and making strategic investments in a wide range of operational areas aimed at transforming Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) into a major aviation hub in the region.

They include a Full Flight Simulator to train local and foreign pilots; a second hangar for SriLankan Engineering’s maintenance programmes for other airlines; vehicles, equipment and facilities for BIA where it is the sole ground handler for all airlines; and continuous enhancements to the Cargo Exports Terminal which was opened last year.

The airline’s domestic service SriLankan Air Taxi was re-launched last December and is rapidly increasing its number of destinations throughout Sri Lanka.

SriLankan will also upgrade passenger cabins on most of its existing fleet this year, which will include equipping Business Class with flat bed seating and sophisticated AVOD entertainment systems.

With the launch of services to Guangzhou last January and Kochi in March, SriLankan now has a global route network that covers 51 cities in 32 countries.

Gulf Air upgrades Colombo service

Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air has upgraded its services to Colombo in tandem with pickup in demand.

From 17 May, Gulf Air will operate eight flights per week to Colombo with a 14% added capacity up from a daily service.

Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf listed Colombo among its select very popular destinations which are witnessing over 80% bookings and a greater demand anticipated starting from the summer season.