SriLankan Airlines to lease 11 aircraft next year

Saturday, 3 December 2022 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SriLankan Airlines Chief Ashok Pathirage reveals Cabinet of Ministers approved decision
Asserts lease contracts of four aircraft due to expire early next year
Says decisions will be made based on age of aircraft, availability and cost

By Charumini de Silva

SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage

National carrier SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage yesterday revealed plans to lease up to 11 aircraft of which the lease contracts are expiring over the next year.

“The Cabinet of Ministers has approved to replace of around 9-11 aircraft that are going out as per the lease agreement. There is a procurement process and we will call for requests for proposals (RFPs),” he told journalists at a special media briefing organised by the Government Information Department yesterday.

“Based on the age of the aircraft, cost and availability, we have to analyse carefully what is good for the airline and for the country,” he explained.

As per Pathirage, lease contracts of around four aircraft are due to expire early next year from a fleet of 24 total aircraft. SriLankan Airlines had 27 aircraft before the COVID-pandemic, but it has now reduced to 24.

In April, the airline called for proposals to lease up to 21 aircraft just as the country defaulted on its foreign debt.

“The business plan of the airline necessitates a 35 aircraft-strong fleet by 2025. Additionally, it is critical to lease replacement aircraft when existing aircraft leases expire to sustain operations,” a statement issued by the airline earlier this year noted.

Noting that the travel demand is picking up, Pathirage said it was apt that the aircraft are leased soon. “If aircraft are available faster and cheaper, it is good. With the travel demand going up, if we wait longer the cost is going to go up,” he pointed out.

When asked about the type of aircraft that will be leased, he said they are still in the procurement process and they have to evaluate the offerings and the availability.

“It will be agreed upon the best decision based on the offers we receive,” Pathirage said.

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