Aviation & Airports [Archive] - Page 10

lordvader

August 18th, 2009, 09:20 AM

(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) McLEAN, VA, USA, -- The World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) proudly revealed today the finalists in the Avion Awards, honoring excellence in inflight entertainment. Winners will be announced at the ceremony during the 30th WAEA Conference & Exhibition in Palm Springs, California on 5 October 2009.

This year, an overwhelming 60,000 passengers rated their IFE experience on 38 airlines that competed for the prestigious Avion Awards for Best in Region and Best Overall categories. Passengers completed online surveys administered by Skytrax, the leader in research to the world airline and air transport industry.

"Passenger voting makes this award truly representative of passenger comfort and satisfaction with their inflight entertainment experience," says Christine Ringger, president of WAEA and IFE System Engineer and Project Manager for Swiss International Air Lines. "With incredible participation from industry and passengers, the Avion Awards will continue to increase standards for innovation in inflight entertainment." Skytrax administered the online survey in 11 languages to determine passenger satisfaction. The five finalists in each category listed alphabetically are:
Best in Region Americas Air Canada Delta/Northwest Airlines LAN Airlines TAM Airlines Virgin America
Asia and Australiasia Cathay Pacific Airways Korean Air Qantas Airways Singapore Airlines V Australia
Europe Air France British Airways Swiss International Air Lines Turkish Airlines Virgin Atlantic Airways
Middle East and Africa El Al Israel Airlines Emirates Etihad Airways Qatar Airways South African Airways
Best Overall (Large Airlines) over 25 IFE-equipped in fleet Cathay Pacific Airways Emirates Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines Virgin Atlantic Airways
Best Overall (Small Airlines) up to 25 IFE-equipped in fleet Air Tahiti Nui SAS Scandinavian Airlines SriLankan Airlines Swiss International Air Lines V Australia
The 21st Annual Avion Awards Ceremony will be held on 5 October at 17:00 during WAEA's 30th Annual Conference & Exhibition, the IFE industry's premier event. Delivering 30 years of innovation, the WAEA will celebrate by honoring Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution awards during this special ceremony wtih video production sponsored by Post Modern Edit and SKYLINE IFE. All conference delegates and members of the press are invited to attend.

The WAEA 30th Annual Conference & Exhibition attracts hundreds of leaders from airlines and airline-suppliers with a full day of focused education sessions and the most comprehensive display of inflight entertainment and communications products and services in the world. The industry event will take place 5-8 October at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California, USA.

For the complete agenda, event information and to register, please visit www.waea.org.

About WAEA Founded in 1979 as a non-profit organization, The WAEA is the official worldwide network representing nearly 400 airlines and airline suppliers committed to excellence in inflight entertainment and communications and the continual improvement of the airline passenger experience.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)) (c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-world-airline-entertainment-association-waea-celebrates-industry-achievements-/2009/08/18/4327409.htm

kflyer2

August 18th, 2009, 11:34 AM

Who calls SAS small ?

banuthev

August 18th, 2009, 10:20 PM

Mihin Lanka loses Rs. 3 B - http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=58551

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banuthev

August 18th, 2009, 10:24 PM

Air Asia to set up regional base in CMB - http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=58476

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kflyer2

August 19th, 2009, 03:03 AM

I can very well assure that a Low Cost Terminal will never ever be built in Colombo and charges will never ever be reduced. But they'll get to set up ground handling. Tony is a successful lobbyer, but GoSL is way too cash strapped right now. And Manoj will want to plead Prez via Sajin to not to allow AirAsia to set up a base as it will surely sound death knell for his 'turned around' airline .

lordvader

August 19th, 2009, 12:48 PM

kflyer2

August 19th, 2009, 12:51 PM

They won't, GoSL simply doesn't have money to waste anymore.

lordvader

August 19th, 2009, 01:02 PM

They won't, GoSL simply doesn't have money to waste anymore.

A BOT contract means that a private company builds it, operates it for a couple of years (to make a profit) and then hands it to the government. This way the govt doesnt have to waste money on building a terminal.

ceylon

August 19th, 2009, 01:34 PM

AirAsia is now looking forward to setting up its base in Colombo to meet its destination expansion plans to serve Europe and beyond. :okay:

GOSL can sell Mihin lanka to Air Asia. Then srilankan tax payers can save RS 03 bliion of there hard earn money.

Srilankan1

August 19th, 2009, 06:19 PM

GOSL can sell Mihin lanka to Air Asia. Then srilankan tax payers can save RS 03 bliion of there hard earn money.

No need to sell Mihin lanka.they should simply close down it.

Then We should start a Srilankan Airlines low budget wing (like Lufthansa regioanl,Austrian arrows,Kingfisher Red,Air france Regional,Air India express etc etc) under one company.

Pround_lankan

August 19th, 2009, 07:26 PM

banuthev

August 19th, 2009, 07:52 PM

Simply, GOSL proved as they cant manage the aviation at all. They tried enough since 2007. This must be the giveup time. Better allow AirAsia to make a hub in CMB.

lordvader

August 20th, 2009, 02:26 AM

By Nizla Naizer

The man who revolutionized the budget airline industry in Asia, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes has emphasised that Sri Lanka must open up to change and new opportunity in order to reap the benefits of development.
“I am impressed by the warmth and the hospitality of the people in Sri Lanka,” the Malaysian entrepreneur said at the celebration of successful AirAsia flights from Colombo to Kuala Lampur, at the Cinnamon Grand yesterday, “But you must be realistic and practical at a time like this.”
He said that although he intends to set up his own domestic AirAsia flight within Sri Lanka, the costs faced by carriers in Sri Lanka was still too high.
“We are a low cost carrier, carrying budget travellers. They do not need marble floors and aerobridges, just a basic terminal that we can land our planes in, and where the turn around will not take more than 25 minutes,” he informed. “Until these basic facilities are given to us low cost carriers, flying into Sri Lanka is still seen as expensive.”
Proactive authorities
Calling on the authorities to take a different view on air travel, he said that the President’s target of 2.5 million tourists is a plausible figure as long as the passengers he brings into the country can find accommodation at affordable prices. “If all the hotels in Colombo are five star hotels, our travellers will find it hard to visit the country.”
He informed that the authorities in Sri Lanka have thus far been proactive, and he was due to meet Airport and Aviation Services Limited Chairman Prasanna Wickremasuriya to discuss AirAsia’s future plans here in Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka still has the one of the highest airport taxes in the region, and the highest ground support costs in the world. Ideally, we would prefer to have our own ground staff and run a low cost operation but that is where the support of the authorities comes in.”
AirAsia which commenced flights from Colombo to Kuala Lampur on August 15 has already had 40000 bookings within two months. Fernandes said that most flights have been completely booked till April 2010, and that the passengers arriving in Sri Lanka were from a diverse range of countries. “From Serbia, Turkey, Japan to Australia, many of my passengers were coming to Sri Lanka for the first time and there was one man who was visiting his home country Sri Lanka after 27 years, because finally airfare is affordable. The opportunities are endless and we intend to start another flight from KL and one from Bangkok to Colombo.”

Message to Mihin?
AirAsia which began with 2 aircrafts and 20000 passengers in 2001, now has 82 aircraft and flies with 24 million passengers across the world. It was also adjudged the world’s best low cost airline by Skytrax for 2009.
When asked how Sri Lanka’s low cost carrier Mihin Air which has been incurring losses since its inception could turn into a profitable venture, he said that AirAsia’s focus on great people, focussed and disciplined growth, structured branding and low costs ensured that the airline captured a market and stayed successful.
“In the last two quarters we have grown by 23% and we intend to reach a 20% growth target for the year,” he declared. “The focus should be on lowering costs.” He concluded that depending on the continuous success of AirAsia in Sri Lanka he intends to have as much as 5 flights a day to the country.
Speaking at the event, Malaysian High Commissioner Rosli Ismail said that AirAsia’s entry to Sri Lanka will change the face of Sri Lankan tourism with greater connectivity within the two regions. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke added that the Government must prevent regulations that hinder growth in tourism and prevents investment from flowing into the country. “If we accomplish our target of 30% growth year an year, we will be able to reach the target of 2.5 million tourists by 2016 earning revenue of USD 2.5-3 billion.”
In his message, Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said that quick, reliable and affordable transportation is becoming a necessity as Sri Lanka develops in its post war era, and that AirAsia fulfills this need by increasing accessibility and connectivity to the country.

http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/08/19/news40.html

http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/08/19/Images/p2.jpg

FlyHighFly

August 20th, 2009, 03:23 PM

this is a good oportunity from airasia. why these idiots are not using it? just bin the mihinlanka crap...

Fusionist

August 21st, 2009, 02:00 PM

as Banuthev the thread creator requested, I have deleted the new aviation thread. Lets see if we can keep the topic here. Good to see lot of enthusiasm with aviation indutry from the forumers though, the hottest topic in the SL forum I think :)

banuthev

August 23rd, 2009, 12:31 AM

AirAsia is planning to operate more flights from Kuala Lumpur and to launch flights from Bangkok.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090823/FinancialTimes/ft30.html

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lordvader

August 23rd, 2009, 04:24 AM

By Azhar Razak

http://www.nation.lk/2009/08/23/ec8.jpg

AirAsia, the world’s low cost airline has plans to add flight frequency by operating two additional daily flights to Colombo from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Bangkok in Thailand. AirAsia which commenced daily flights last week presently operates a single daily flight from Kuala Lumpur.

“Baffled by the response given by passengers to our latest route to Colombo, we are already planning to fly twice or maybe even thrice a day,” AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato Sri Tony Fernandes told a press conference held at the Colombo Hilton last week.

He said the airline had already received inbound and outbound passenger bookings of around 30,000 seats for the periods until April 2010.
“The response for a budget carrier such as ours has been overwhelming. The low cost attitude has clearly differentiated us from other airlines, which in contrast provide a full package with a higher price,” he said.
Adding to the confidence of Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities, Fernandes said that there was a huge amount of untapped tourist potential in Sri Lanka, which if exploited would easily enable AirAsia to operate even five flights a day from both Malaysia and Thailand.

“Sri Lanka has the potential to attract a high number of tourists, more than the numbers actually achieved during the past few decades,” he reiterated.
AirAsia’s passenger volume grew by 21% YoY to 3.1 million passengers flying with the airline during the first quarter of 2009. AirAsia will be using the fuel efficient 180-seater, Airbus A320 to fly to and from Colombo, official sources said. Its network also covers all south-east Asian countries as well as China and its low-cost long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, flies to the UK, China and Australia.

Meanwhile, Rozli Ismail, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka said the induction of the budget airline will benefit the two country’s tourism industry while also enhancing the island’s foreign investments.
“This is the perfect time to launch your operations in Sri Lanka as the country is free from terrorism. I am sure there will be many Malaysian businessmen who would be interested in exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka such as in the fields of infrastructure, telecom or even exploration of oil and gas,” he said.

Based in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), AirAsia services an extensive network with 122 routes covering around 65 destinations. Within the grasp of just seven years of operation, AirAsia has carried over 65 million passengers and boasts of a fleet capacity of 80 aircrafts.

“AirAsia operates with the world’s lowest unit cost of US$0.023/ASK and a passenger break-even load factor of 52%. It has hedged 100% of its fuel requirements for the next three years, achieves an aircraft turnaround time of 25 minutes, has a crew productivity level that is triple that of Malaysia Airlines and achieves an average aircraft utilisation rate of 13 hours a day,” official sources said.

****

Hilton Colombo welcomes Group CEO AirAsia

Hilton Colombo accorded a warm welcome to Dato Sri Tony Fernandes – Group CEO AirAsia, on his official visit to the island for the inaugural flight of AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Colombo. Captured here is General Manager Jerome Auvity welcoming Fernandes on arrival at the hotel

http://www.nation.lk/2009/08/23/ec9.jpg

****

http://www.nation.lk/2009/08/23/busi6.htm

lordvader

August 23rd, 2009, 04:27 AM

It was sheer irony that Mihin Lanka had been dragged through the dirt in parliament on Tuesday over more than Rs 3000 million in losses it suffered from April 01, 2007 to March 31, 2008, while unknown to many it is now said to be breaking even for the first time during the current August peak season.

Business is unbelievably so good, according to a top inside source who did not want to be identified, they have even had to offload passengers from flights to the sub-continent in recent days and in recent weeks they have been flying a full complement of 156 passengers in all flights in and out of India.

Even on the highly competitive Dubai/Kuwait sector its load factor, he said was well above 80 per cent.
Mihin Air, which resumed flights on January 01 this year after it was indefinitely grounded in early 2008, with initial flights to Buddhagaya and Dubai against the advice of many a pundit, is now flying four times a week to Trichy, twice weekly to Buddhagaya and once to Varanasi. On the West Asian sector it flies thrice weekly to Dubai/ Kuwait and thrice weekly to Dubai.
The pilgrim flights to India are however restricted from August to December and February to April.

Unlike most other budget carriers, Mihin, according to those who have flown it since its revival, provides a far better service, including hot meals and even duty free sales.

It was claimed in parliament on Tuesday that the budget carrier was yet incurring a monthly loss of Rs1.8 million, but sources said with current passenger loads it should easily break even. (RA)

http://www.nation.lk/2009/08/23/news3.htm

lordvader

August 23rd, 2009, 04:34 AM

SriLankan like Mihin Airlines is making heavy losses. But with the fresh hope that all will be well in the coming years, SriLankan CEO, Manoj Gunawarden giving an exclusive interview to Lakbimanews says that he took over SriLankan at a time when it was facing the worst financial crisis ever... Excerpts:

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

READ HERE: http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe5.htm

kflyer2

August 23rd, 2009, 04:42 AM

Yes this show's his 'hapankam'

http://www.airlineindustryreview.com/earn-money-at-any-cost-srilankans-newest-sale/

And flying aircraft full never means you are breaking even. MJ can never break even with its current structure.

pathum1986

August 23rd, 2009, 09:37 AM

http://www.nation.lk/2009/08/23/news3.htm
It was sheer irony that Mihin Lanka had been dragged through the dirt in parliament on Tuesday over more than Rs 3000 million in losses it suffered from April 01, 2007 to March 31, 2008, while unknown to many it is now said to be breaking even for the first time during the current August peak season.

Business is unbelievably so good, according to a top inside source who did not want to be identified, they have even had to offload passengers from flights to the sub-continent in recent days and in recent weeks they have been flying a full complement of 156 passengers in all flights in and out of India.

Even on the highly competitive Dubai/Kuwait sector its load factor, he said was well above 80 per cent.
Mihin Air, which resumed flights on January 01 this year after it was indefinitely grounded in early 2008, with initial flights to Buddhagaya and Dubai against the advice of many a pundit, is now flying four times a week to Trichy, twice weekly to Buddhagaya and once to Varanasi. On the West Asian sector it flies thrice weekly to Dubai/ Kuwait and thrice weekly to Dubai.
The pilgrim flights to India are however restricted from August to December and February to April.

Unlike most other budget carriers, Mihin, according to those who have flown it since its revival, provides a far better service, including hot meals and even duty free sales.

It was claimed in parliament on Tuesday that the budget carrier was yet incurring a monthly loss of Rs1.8 million, but sources said with current passenger loads it should easily break even. (RA)

banuthev

August 23rd, 2009, 09:52 AM

@ Kflyer - What is the meaning of "hapankam" ? I never heard that word before :-)

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kflyer2

August 23rd, 2009, 12:23 PM

It's a Sinhalese word - in simple, actions one calls as great. But can also have an ironical meaning.

banuthev

August 23rd, 2009, 12:38 PM

Thanks :-)

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kflyer2

August 24th, 2009, 07:24 AM

The boss admits that the airline is in its worst financial crisis ever under his leadership, but can shamelessly invest millions to change uniform colour from green to BLUE . Bastard. Shameless politics.

Srilankan1

August 24th, 2009, 04:30 PM

Srilankan1

August 24th, 2009, 04:35 PM

Srilankan1

August 24th, 2009, 05:03 PM

Launch of another airline:
Is tourism industry prepared
By Steve A. Morrell

http://www.island.lk/2009/08/24/busi1-2.jpg

Launch of Air Asia this week was fairly dripping with media hype. All well and good the launch was an event of glamour but there was one point at conjecture. The event started 45 minutes late.

At the press conference following the launch, questions were raised why the launch was delayed. Managing Director Setmil Aviation (Pvt) Ltd., Arjuna Hettiarachchi, responding said that because Deputy Minister, Information and Foreign Affairs Hussain Bhaila was late, ‘protocol’ was that they had to await his arrival which in consequence delayed the launch.(‘Protocol’ an usual term used in diplomatic double speak in this instance was nowhere near demeanour of a similar event).

CEO Air Asia Tony Fernandes said his Air line was ‘The world’s Best Low - Cost Airline’, which was not unequivocally substantiated, and he also said air fares were low at about $50 per seat. He however did not elaborate on passenger comfort or in-flight facilities.

Irrespective of its glamorous launching pad and purported consequential benefits projections were that the air line would benefit tourism in Sri Lanka. Nonetheless there were no positive indicators to substantiate ostensible fillip to tourism here.

The air line he said operated 82 air craft world wide and at date had carried 22 million travellers globally. Australia, UK, USA, Turkey, Serbia, were some countries included in their itinerary.

Launch of the air line meant there would be daily flights to Malaysia from Colombo. As travel traffic picked up flight frequency could also increase to correlate to demand.

He said his company employed 6000 employees; the implication being that the air line was trouble free and traveller oriented.

High Commissioner for Malaysia Rosli Ismail said some 274,000 visitors from Malaysia visited Sri Lanka. However visitor turnover to Malaysia was barely 15,000 He said perhaps through this launch this figure would lead to an increase in the number of Sri Lankan’s visiting Malaysia.

With guns going silent, euphoria of peace now prevalent in the Island could auger well for to and fro traveller traffic between both countries.

Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Bernard Goonetillake said there were already 30,000 seats booked for travel to Sri Lanka.

‘Visit Sri Lanka year’ would be 2011.Present residential capacity for hotel room census was that available facilities were inadequate for expected visitor arrivals. If the industry was to accommodate targeted numbers rooms available being totally inadequate he said the private sector should project themselves to accommodate at least additional 30,000 rooms to fully realize tourist potential more so as perceived by the President.

Questioned by the press, Goonetilleke said infrastructure was not at scratch to realize expected growth. But he said possibilities were that sufficient funds would be allocated to the industry to ensure growth. It was not that hotel rooms need be built, but infrastructure should be put in place for such development which would be responsibility of the Government.

Government spending on tourism being what it was even at best of times being minimal, it was now time that the private sector is attracted to invest in the sector for realization of its full potential. Government incentives are at this point in time essential. Goonetilleke was non committal or sufficiently knowledgeable on this aspect of the industry.

Having said that he did not mention a timeframe for realization of what the government had in mind to accelerate growth of the industry. In sum, he was totally vague on government policy and fund allocation to realize expected growth of the tourist industry.

If the launch of the new Malaysian airline that morning was to progress to its full potential a strategy to invest in the project has to be in place, and harnessed aggresively

http://www.island.lk/2009/08/24/business2.html

kflyer2

August 25th, 2009, 03:36 AM

If that guy knew a thing about low cost airlines, he wouldn't have written that stupid report asking of in flight facilities.

banuthev

August 25th, 2009, 07:37 PM

Srilankan progress in airline engineering - http://www.isria.com/pages/25_August_2009_120.php

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banuthev

August 25th, 2009, 08:03 PM

How about GOSL allowing AirAsia to commence a domestic flight in Sri Lanka?

kflyer2

August 26th, 2009, 02:53 AM

AirAsia is not interested in operating a hub in Colombo. It is a long way to go to happen.

Pround_lankan

August 26th, 2009, 06:37 AM

AirAsia is not interested in operating a hub in Colombo. It is a long way to go to happen.

don't say that... only few $$ million in enough under table for the brothers of king...

banuthev

August 26th, 2009, 09:46 AM

@ Srilankan - Better to say "God save the Sri Lanka Aviation" lol

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kflyer2

August 27th, 2009, 11:41 AM

Oman Air will be flying daily to Colombo from 25th Oct.

banuthev

August 27th, 2009, 07:44 PM

Thanks to Peter Hill for planning the daily WY flights to CMB, This Ex-UL CEO knows how to expand his airline to Sri Lanka. WY also expands its flights in France and Germany.

I was not referring to WY, but instead another Y.

Can you able to reveal which is the other airline that is looking to fly Daily flights to CMB. I wish if that is EY (Etihad).

Srilankan1

August 27th, 2009, 11:05 PM

Sri Lankan Airlines loses Rs10bn

Aug 27, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lankan Airlines group has lost 9.99 billion rupees in the year to March 2009, down from a profit of 4.9 billion rupees a year earlier as revenue fell amid a global downturn and falling tourism arrivals at home.

The company lost 5.8 billion rupees in the first quarter as shortly after the government terminated a management agreement with Emirates Airlines.
Revenues fell 7.2 billion rupees from 74.2 billion rupees.

"To compound matters, increased competition was experienced from subsidised airlines which dropped prices to fight for market share," chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe told shareholders.

In the second quarter the airline had lost 4.3 billion rupees, and in the third quarter it lost 1.1 billion rupees, amid tight cost control and route trimming.

In the fourth quarter losses had risen to 2.6 billion rupees as a global slowdown began to bite.

Sri Lankan has kept flying by running down cash reserves acquired by re-financing aircraft in the previous year. Cash deposits of 6.8 billion rupees had been used up during the year.

Chief executive Manoj Gunawardena said an upturn in domestic tourism would give a lift to the airline in the current year though weak economic conditions in many developed nations were a dampener.

Sri Lankan Airlines group also has a catering subsidiary.

At stand alone company level, the firm has 9.3 billion rupees and its current liabilities were higher than current assets by 8.1 billion rupees. Net assets had fallen to 6.2 billion rupees from 15.5 billion rupees a year ago.

"These factors raise doubts that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern," the annual report said.

But revenue enhancement, new code-share partnerships, pricing, route re-structuring and cost management have made directors "confident of the Company’s ability to continue in operation for the foreseeable future," the report said.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=234464584

ceylon

August 28th, 2009, 09:15 AM

FlyHighFly

August 28th, 2009, 10:12 AM

Fuel and war take toll on SriLankan

Colombo: SriLankan Airlines, the South Asian island's biggest carrier, said it posted a full-year loss, hurt by rising fuel costs and the effect of the country's civil war and the global recession.

The group reported a loss of Rs10 billion (Dh319.29 million) in the year ended March 31 compared with a profit of Rs4.9 billion a year earlier, according to SriLankan's annual report. Revenue declined to Rs74 billion from Rs80 billion.

Carriers may lose a combined $9 billion (Dh33.03) this year and sales may drop 15 per cent as they cut routes to weather the worst global recession since the Second World War, according to the International Air Transport Association. SriLankan hopes to recoup its losses following the end of the nation's 26-year civil war in May, Chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe said.

"The end of hostilities is expected to bring about a revival of the nation's economy, although it will be tempered by the negative aspects of the global economic meltdown," Wickremasinghe said in the report.

Stiff competition prevented the airline from levying fuel surcharges to recover rising costs, SriLankan said.

Passenger traffic declined to 2.7 million from 3.2 million.

The airline plans a "major re-engineering" of routes to cut costs and to enter code-share arrangements to expand its network, Wickremasinghe said.

SriLankan added two new single-aisle Airbus A320 planes in the year under review and acquired a third in the quarter to June 30, he said.

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka increased for the first time this year in June, a month after the government ended the quest of the Tamil Tiger rebels for a separate homeland.

Sri Lanka's hotels may be fully booked from December to April as visitors return to the island's white-sand beaches, ancient Buddhist sites and hill resorts, Ajit Gunewardene, deputy chairman of John Keells Holdings Plc, Sri Lanka's biggest hotel operator, said August 5.

SriLankan is 51 per cent owned by the government and 43.6 per cent by Emirates Airline.

The government took over running of the carrier in April 2008 after Emirates decided not to renew its 10-year management contract.

Emirates has said it may consider selling its stake in SriLankan.

http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Aviation/10344148.html

kflyer2

August 28th, 2009, 11:34 AM

Srilankan1

August 28th, 2009, 11:39 AM

UL made losses because of nothing other than bad management. Airlines such as BA are the ones who always incur losses - they're simply too big and come with heavy costs. Singapore incurred only a quarterly loss and will be profitable on full year. EK did not make losses. Airlines of UL's scale can easily make profits if they have a good management that does not invest millions to change uniforms to government's colour. How shameless they say that they acquired three new aircraft ? They sold four to acquire three. No, UL will not refleet its widebody fleet by 2011 - trust me.

Exactly Bro.I hate this when people says All other Airlines have losses and thats why UL is having too.But We had a good run under EK management and there were many many Airlines had losses that time too.

This is only because of mis-management of Vaas Gunawardane and Co.

Praetorian

August 28th, 2009, 02:19 PM

Well they could make profit by selling the aircraft and then getting them back under lease, oh wait already done that under Emirates. Thats how Sri Lankan made "continuous" profit under Emirates, long term its self defeating and of course Emirates skimmed any profit that was made while Sri Lankan was under them. Assuming they keep using the same leased aircraft (they are certified for operation for 15-20 years or so) Sri Lankan will have to fork out more money in the fortune, where it would have been cheaper to actually have kept the aircraft than sell them.

Now the airline actually own only 4 aircraft or less or is it none?

Back in 1998 it owned 12, was actually making huge profit and there were excellent expansion plans including purchase of a flight simulator that went to Dubai thanks to the Emirates deal. Now our pilots have to go to Singapore (Emirates refused to train our pilots -wasn't in the agreement anyway) costing huge sums of foreign exchange. Not to mention the loss of gates on vital routes, Emirates (like Singapore Airlines before it) stole gates reserved to us, i.e. they became primary while we became secondary, lots of $$$ had to be forked out to regain/maintain the gates). But what the heck Chandrika wanted her retirement fund and a home by the Nile.

Colombo Dockyard is another example of profit theft thanks to Premadasa selling part of it off to the Japanese firm Onomichi. The workers at CDL are Sri Lankan, the equipment, wages, contracts, technology, everything is done in Sri Lanka by Sri Lankans, next to nothing was received from Japan other than a some technical which CDL could have acquired from its own profits prior to the Onomichi deal, or simply acquired from anyone else without prostituting the company to Onomichi. Another self-defeating move (but Premadasa's wife wanted a good house and like a good man he could not refuse the Misses), now CDL has to keep giving "royalties" to the Onomichi family who in reality did absolutely zero for CDL save for skimming profit of someone elses hard work.

kflyer2

August 28th, 2009, 03:19 PM

Praetorian

August 28th, 2009, 05:18 PM

Praetorian,
1. Tell me a single year Air Lanka was profitable
2. In 1998, all that Air Lanka had was L-1011s, do you really think they were so cool aircraft to value the ownership of ?
3. Sale and Lease Back deals are nothing to be ashamed of. Any airline does them in order to increase cash reserves plus a lot of benefits come with a leasing agreement such as free insurance
4. Tell me one airport where Emirates stole a single slot of SriLankan
5. Are you giving those reasons to tell us that SriLankan is now in a much greater level than it was under Emirates management ?
If you were a real patriot, what you should have admired would have to be profits, not losses.

1. Tell me a single year Air Lanka was profitable

I just did. Between late 96-98 (up to the deal), it was making profit, huge sums compared to what it was making earlier.

2. In 1998, all that Air Lanka had was L-1011s, do you really think they were so cool aircraft to value the ownership of ?

Er no, it owned 4-6 A340s and 2-3 A320s along with the Tristars. And "coolness" is not the issue now then is it? Those aircraft (Tristars) were already reaching their end, which is what part of the then Air Lanka expansion plan also involved, basically to replace them, which just happened to coincide with the Emirates deal. So truthfully another great achievement of Emirates was really done by Air Lanka, but hey Emirates deserves a pat on the back for doing jack.

3. Sale and Lease Back deals are nothing to be ashamed of. Any airline does them in order to increase cash reserves plus a lot of benefits come with a leasing agreement such as free insurance

Thats where bulk of the mighty Emirates run Sri Lankan profit came from.

4. Tell me one airport where Emirates stole a single slot of SriLankan

Singapore, Bangkok, Zurich, Frankfurt and ironically Kuwait come to mind. And the slots were not stolen, Sri Lankan was pushed to the side, big boy Emirates first etc etc.

5. Are you giving those reasons to tell us that SriLankan is now in a much greater level than it was under Emirates management ?

No. I am giving those reasons to show that "profit" under Emirates was an illusion. Everyone is under the influence of having something "foreign owned" and run means its all superb and fine and nothing can go wrong or bad be done.

Air Lanka was actually managing itself pretty well in 98.

By 98 the expertise was there, the pilots where there, the engineers were there, we actually had a good carrier, after the Emirates deal we lost this. A brain drain of sorts, Emirates re-shuffled the management and took the best people out of it (don't blame them for that), leaving "yes men" type duds in charge, who as we can see now FAIL. Furthermore the Sri Lankans experts, (pilots, engineers, management staff) who did not want to abandon the airline were maligned, "punished" and ostracised by Emirates. Of course when this happened it was all hush hush, we only get happy tails and magical fairy stories because: "Sri Lankan is foreign owned! Nothing can go wrong!"

The current MR Government had the opportunity to fix all the wrongs (though heavy in the pocket), but we all know that what happened was a major failure creating further failures along with a useless budget airline that does not understand the meaning of budget in every sense imaginable.

If you were a real patriot, what you should have admired would have to be profits, not losses

What? This is how you judge patriotism?

Whats the point in "admiring the profit" when the "profit" is achieved artificially and most of it goes out of the air line/country in some manner.

The Emirates deal was flawed, done at the worst imaginable time (when a local product, run by locals, -Air Lanka, was doing well). Chandrika did it because she was a corrupt worthless whore who believed that Air Lanka was her toy since "under her" it did well and she was interested in short term "cash injection" (into her veins) to be made for something already healthy.

The propaganda about it "failing" was created and used by Chandrika as a lame justification playing on false perceptions of the people (which exist to this day) to carry out what was day light robbery.

Sadly our people lick the boots of all things foreign, whatever they say and do is right. Had we listened to them the LTTE would still be the "alternative power" and a potent Military force.

We lost more than we gained, but everyone harks on about the fraudulent "good times" with Emirates.

FlyHighFly

August 28th, 2009, 10:47 PM

Mihin Lanka soars

The Mihin Lanka Airline which had been the butt end of much Opposition and media criticism in the past, has shown very satisfactory progress during the January-July period this year and it can be transformed into a profitable and a much service-oriented venture soon if its staff persisted with their dedication and efficiency in work, said Ports, Aviation, Irrigation and Water Management Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.

Addressing a progress review meeting of the Ports and Aviation Ministry at the Ministry Office, Minister Rajapaksa said people criticised Mihin Lanka without a proper knowledge about its true objectives.

Mihin Lanka’s major objective was to serve the ordinary public including teachers, carpenters and Sri Lankan expatriate workers at affordable rates.

Air travel which was restricted to foreigners and the local rich people earlier had been made early accessible to the ordinary public too with the setting up of the airline, he said.

Nearly 30,000 people had travelled in Mihin Lanka to Dubai since January this year while another 20,000 have travelled to Trichy. From July, a large number of people have also travelled by Mihin from July this year. Generally speaking the number of passengers had increased from 30 to 82 percent, he said.

The Minister said his Ministry would develop Mihin Lanka further by purchasing new aircraft and increasing efficiency.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/08/29/news05.asp

FlyHighFly

August 28th, 2009, 11:04 PM

see what summary given on the above news for both of thse airlines. you will see where gov is looking to invest.. that is king's mihin :nuts:

srilankan:-
But revenue enhancement, new code-share partnerships, pricing, route re-structure, pring and cost management have made directors "confident of the Company’s ability to continue in operation for the foreseeable future," the report said.

mihin: -
The Minister said his Ministry would develop Mihin Lanka further by purchasing new aircraft and increasing efficiency.

Praetorian

August 29th, 2009, 12:27 AM

^^^Sigh.

Mihin was a good idea when it was floated in light of the Sri Lankan Airline catastrophe, but soon after it became point less and then failed primarily because its ticket prices did not meet operational costs (fuel, food, water, cleaning, engineering, wages etc). It was/is a budget airline with below budget priced tickets yet offering fully fledged long haul carrier type services = Mihin loosing money = buttressing by the tax payer = FAIL

Truthfully this is not administrative miss-management that is happening. It is not ineptitude and in ability to find people with ability to handle a complex business that is happening (we have the skill, including the selected ministerial stooges –believe that or not). It is trying to provide "subsidised" air travel. Joining the long list of subsidises services in Sri Lanka, like rail and bus transport (though those have been taken over by gangs and transport mafia), fuel, electricity etc etc.

One thing that has to stop at the BIA is the monopoly Sri Lankan Airlines have on both routes and ground handling -another lame way to make "profit" which prevents other operators developing and growing, it also stunts the growth of BIA as a major hub (this monopoly has been more damaging than LTTE attacks).

kflyer2

August 29th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Praetorian, be aware that not all your facts are correct.
1. Pre 1998, UL had only 3 A340s, 1 A320, 5-6 L1011s. Of which only around half were owned.
2. Emirates control achieved a 49 usd mn profit for UL in fiscal 2008, which was the only year where they did a sale and cash back deal.
3. Without EK management, UL would be already history.
Do you really think a government management could have steered the carrier throughout 9/11, SARS and the worst of all Tsunami ?
It is not a licking of boots, but one should learn to credit where credit is due. And if it was under government control, some politician's relative would have already busted it.

It is no wonder MJ is profitable because they get the A320 at a below market rate, which is yet another reason for UL's loss.

kflyer2

August 29th, 2009, 11:09 AM

I certainly agree with Praetorian's second point. UL should not have a monopoly at BIA and it is what prevents from Colombo being a hub and another major reason why foreign carriers have a larger share on the market. I remember Ranil's government once called applications for private operators to begin international ops, however all the companies could not comply to the deadline and unfortunately the governments changed. This government however has a very rigid restriction in place completely removing any chance of scheduled international passenger ops by private operators.

banuthev

August 29th, 2009, 11:58 AM

Well, Why can’t Lanka private operators apply for International Cargo operations now? Expoair is already doing that, also Expoair is operating the cargo flights for Sri Lankan. Sri Lanka is an emerging freighter market. Destinations in Sub Continent, Far East and Gulf… can be introduced.

Expoair is only operating 1 times a week direct-flights to Karachi, Kozhikode and Lahore and Three times a week to Malé. Also some charter flights to Bengaloru, Dubai, Gan Island and Mumbai.

Sri Lankan Cargo is only operating 3 times a week to Trivandrum using single AN12.

kflyer2

August 29th, 2009, 01:19 PM

Cargo traffic does not justify the yield for a startup to begin operations with. Unless more better trade agreements are in place, air freight does not have a huge potential in Sri Lanka. Fact is, actually the market has not developed and the foreign operators cannot do it alone. Nor do local operators have sufficient funds to acquire large freighters.

banuthev

August 29th, 2009, 09:18 PM

I recently heard that CMB is planning to open new cargo entrance and near by closed public roads that closed due to problems earlier.

lordvader

August 30th, 2009, 04:16 AM

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

The National carrier SriLankan is to launch a new staff uniform in blue on September 1, at a mega show, as a part of its new marketing drive —- despite a thumping operational loss of Rs.10bn, sources revealed.
The new outfit is to be modelled by actress Anarkalli at the show and the new Sri Lankan costume will be worn by the staff from December onwards
Lakbimanews learns that the name tag of employees will have an imprint of a lotus, similar to the Mihin Lanka logo.
CEO Mihin Lanka, Kapila Chandrasena when asked whether there is a major tie-up with SriLankan said, “There is no tie-up as such with SriLankan. However, both companies have a common majority shareholder. In the case of Mihin it is 100% owned by the government; and in the case of SriLankan, majority ownership is by the government. As such, we try to leverage the economies of scale in areas of operation. The aircraft operated by Mihin is leased (on a ACMI lease) from Sri Lankan Airlines; Mihin obtains (on commercial rates) the essential maintenance and engineering services and the flight crew (Captain, First Officers) from Sri Lankan. Furthermore. Mihin also purchases its on-board meals from Sri Lankan Catering.”
“However Mihin’s business operations are run separately. We have our own sales/marketing teams, finance and administration, airport operations etc and Mihin targets different traveler segments. Our objective is to be competitive for budget-conscious travelers (employment, holiday etc). In addition, Mihin aggressively targets groups that travel overseas on religious pilgrimages. We operate as a low cost airline model (LLC - Low Cost Carrier) but we try to differentiate our product from the other competitive LLC’s operating to Sri Lanka. I have no knowledge of any tie-up between Mihin and Sri Lankan.”
In a recent interview with our newspaper, CEO of SriLankan, Manoj Gunawardane claimed that the new costume is not blue and even if it was so, it has nothing to do with politics.
“For the last 30 years SriLankan staff wore the same costume which badly needed a replacement. Stewards and other ground staff will get redesigned saris and jackets,” he explained.
According to Gunawardane, all service customer touch-points’ and staff uniforms will undergo a change. “Some of the changes were in the pipeline for a long time and all I did was to reprise them last year.”

http://www.lakbimanews.lk/news/laknew4.htm

lordvader

August 30th, 2009, 04:18 AM

National carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines has saved Rs. 6 billion through its restructuring and cost saving measures implemented in the last accounting year (2008/09 upto March 31, 2009) and the company is forging ahead with some more cost cutting initiatives this year, according to a top official.

"From this July onwards we suspended all staff increments, bonuses, inducements and allowances and 90% of the unions agree with these measures," Manoj Gunawardena, CEO, Sri Lankan Airlines told the Sunday Times FT.

He said the company has also agreed on a two-day voluntary pay cut for a month for the staff, which works out to a half month's pay per person per year. "The total saving with this initiative is about Rs. 1 billion for a year. With this initiative we want to show we have a personal commitment to uplift the airline, "he said.

He said last year's ‘Business Turnaround Plan’ saw the company restructuring its passenger and cargo revenue generation, restructuring of route network, savings through increased fuel efficiency, reducing company fixed costs, renegotiating of contracts with service providers, optimizing of sales channels, careful targeting of publicity efforts, reduced IT and communication cost and increasing productivity while focusing on People, Processes, and Technology.

“Another key initiative was the setting up of a specialised department for aviation fuel, with the responsibility of optimizing fuel efficiency, the control of costs and the elimination of wastage in all departments and activities of the organization. These included identification of the largest cost items, renegotiation of contracts with suppliers, and by simply finding ways by which to do things in a less expensive and more efficient manner," he added.

He said the tourism industry is looking forward to the 2009/10 Winter Season with much expectancy, and a number of important European tour operators have already agreed to feature the island's attractions in their brochures, while the opening up of the eastern beaches have provided an added dimension with year-round possibilities that are not subject to the seasonal monsoon.

He said the group's revenue for last year was Rs. 74.2 billion compared to Rs. 80 billion in 2007. "Since the operating expenditure rose slightly to Rs.84.4 million last year from Rs. 81.7 million in 2007 mainly due to the fuel price increase, Sri Lankan posted a loss before tax of Rs. 9.9 billion for 2008, against the Rs. 4.9 billion in 2007," he said.

He said the net loss after tax was Rs. 9.9 billion last year compared to the Rs.4.8 billion net profit in 2007. He said November will see the staff uniforms change in the company. "We will change the appearance of all our customer touch points including the cabin crews and we will go for a colour change," he said.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090830/FinancialTimes/ft45.html

kflyer2

August 30th, 2009, 05:37 AM

If I'm not mistaken they will change SriLankan's logo to the 'Mahinda mala'.

Srilankan1

August 30th, 2009, 03:34 PM

Sri Lankan Cargo is only operating 3 times a week to Trivandrum using single AN12.

Oh Gosh.that means the Second AN12 Gone too.

We had a good run with those 2 Aircrafts under EK management.

We were flying to many other Destinations than Trivandrum.

kflyer2

August 30th, 2009, 04:12 PM

SriLankan does NOT own any An-12s, BOTH aircraft are gone. They are using an An12 chartered from EXV solely to run this TRV flight. Head of Cargo's excellent plan to buy a 757F and go to long haul destinations, for which Peter Hill actually was very close to sign the lease ( for an A310F ), were also scrapped by the new management.

lordvader

August 31st, 2009, 01:06 AM

What happened to Harry J as Chairman? I remember him being quite eager to expand the fleet as well.

kflyer2

August 31st, 2009, 02:12 AM

Harry was replace by Nishantha, Bro In Law of Prez.

banuthev

August 31st, 2009, 11:57 AM

Mihin Lanka has relocated the ticket office from Trivandrum to Chennai.

.

Pround_lankan

September 1st, 2009, 09:01 AM

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/08/31/bus34.asp

banuthev

September 1st, 2009, 07:26 PM

Sri Lanka must have budget terminal: Air Asia founder - http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1848542610

As per Winter 2009 Schedule, Kuwait Airways will be using only A320s in the CMB route. I expect that KU would increase more flights to Sri Lanka after the privatization by this 2009.

.

kflyer2

September 3rd, 2009, 02:48 AM

KU using A320s ? Sounds like impossible. I do not think range will be enough and also traffic is not so low. OAG shows A300.

Amal

September 3rd, 2009, 05:45 AM

Air Blue flights to Sri Lanka planned

By Our Correspondent

Thursday, 03 Sep, 2009 | 05:10 AM PST

COLOMBO: Pakistan is to resume air services to Sri Lanka after a seven-year gap, following plans to improve commercial ties between the two countries, newspapers reports said on Wednesday.

The plan to recommence the air link comes amid Sri Lanka’s efforts to carry out an ambitious tourism plan after the end of the 30-year-old war with the Tamil Tiger rebels.

‘Air Blue’, the Karachi-based private airline, would start flights to Colombo, the reports said. The move towards the resumption of air services followed a discussion between Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Tripoli on Tuesday, on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Libyan revolution.

The Sri Lankan president also asked for increased landing rights for Sri Lankan commercial aircraft. If Air Blue, which has 30 per cent of the Pakistani market, takes up the project, it would be an expression of confidence in the commercial soundness of the venture.

The Pakistani prime minister said that his foreign minister would meet Sri Lanka’s aviation minister to discuss trade and aviation issues during his visit to Colombo for a meeting of the Regional Cooperation Development Forum in October.

Pakistan International Airlines’ flights to Colombo were suspended on January 1, 2002, after India refused to allow Pakistani aircraft to fly over its territory in protest against an attack on the Indian parliament on December 13, 2001.

Sri Lankan Airlines, however, continued to fly between Colombo and Karachi via Mumbai. Early this year, direct flights between the two commercial centres were started to serve about 20,000 people who travel between the two countries each year.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/business/09-air-blue-flights-to-sri-lanka-planned--szh-07

banuthev

September 3rd, 2009, 09:23 AM

@ Kflyer - No, Kuwait Airways will use A320 and it has reduced the CMB block time to one hour.

.

FlyHighFly

September 3rd, 2009, 03:13 PM

Also Kuwait Airways (KU) is reducing the staying time at CMB to one hour only. Normally KU used to take off after 1 hr 20 mts after schedule landing. KU also cutting service on India flights. e.g. Delhi - Daily to 4 times, Kochi - 5 times to 3 times and Hyderabad will be suspended from winter 2009.

A320 kuwait to colombo. lol.
OAG is not correct tho. i cant even find the airasia's colombo flight timings on there..

Amal

September 3rd, 2009, 03:20 PM

KU using A320s ? Sounds like impossible. I do not think range will be enough and also traffic is not so low. OAG shows A300.

From Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A320_family

"Typical range with 150 passengers for the A320-200 is about 2,900 nautical miles (5,400 km)."

And according to the following source:

http://www.happyzebra.com/distance-calculator/between.php?city1=Kuwait%20City

The distance from Kuwait city to Colombo is 4153.2 km

FlyHighFly

September 3rd, 2009, 06:26 PM

I recently heard that CMB is planning to open new cargo entrance and near by closed public roads that closed due to problems earlier.

its good, things are coming to normality

i hope BIA will build a budget terminal and lanka airasia will fly soon from colombo.

banuthev

September 3rd, 2009, 07:19 PM

@ Kflyer - See the Kuwait Airways Flight Schedule - http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3663/kuwaittimes.jpg

.

Sidekicker

September 3rd, 2009, 11:26 PM

...If BIA builds another terminal builds the "planned" terminal it would be right in front of the public viewing area..which obviously coudn't be used anymore if the terminal is buillt... I say they should build a viewing area on top of the terminal like in Frankfurt.

Cayman

September 4th, 2009, 07:14 AM

It will be better if Sri Lanka operates all the Domestic flights out of CMB. As we already discussed it will be providing the connectivity for passengers who travel between International and Domestic.

I agree with you with regards to convenient connections at CMB, but why not develop RML as an exclusive low cost terminal? The runway could be extended towards the Bellanthara side further (if required) to accmmocade A320 / 321 and B737 / 737NG sized aircrafts and most of all it is closer to Colombo.

Come to think of it, I have not seen many connections achieved with one leg in LCC group and the other in legacy carriers due to the way connecting tickets are priced as most of the LCCs are not in the IATA pricing scheme (so will the future domestic operators).

RML could also be a great cargo hub, as most of the industried in the area (and down south) have easier access.

kflyer2

September 5th, 2009, 05:29 AM

If I launch an aviation forum, setup to continue these threads and allow you guys to pick the same usernames, will you be continuing this thread there ?

Amal

September 6th, 2009, 07:55 AM

kflyer2, I could double post the articles I come across :)

banuthev

September 6th, 2009, 08:07 AM

Good Job Kflyer.

.

kflyer2

September 6th, 2009, 05:36 PM

Okay guys, here we go.

Sri Lanka Airlines thread :
http://airlineindustryreview.com/forum/?topic=2.0
Sri Lanka Airports thread :
http://airlineindustryreview.com/forum/?topic=3.0

Please join in for the discussions and support the forum. Do not let the forum investment be a waste. Thanks !

kflyer2

September 8th, 2009, 10:23 AM

Our queries have been answered - UL schedules changed. Expect changelog VERY SOON TODAY at the new forum.

Amal

September 11th, 2009, 11:53 AM

Milan to Colombo direct on SriLankan Airlines

Posted on: 11 Sep 2009 at 09:16 AM in Airline

SriLankan Airlines will launch a new twice-weekly direct service from Milan to Colombo on 16th December, to enhance Italian tourism into Sri Lanka and serve the sizable Sri Lankan community in northern Italy.

The new service will support the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to encourage Sri Lankan expatriates residing overseas to visit their native land following the Dawn of Peace. Apart from northern Italy, it will also serve travellers in neighbouring regions such as the south of France and southern Switzerland.

Nishanta Wickremasinghe, Chairman of SriLankan, said: “SriLankan Airlines firmly believes that its responsibilities as the National Carrier are of paramount importance, and we are launching this service after considering the requests of the Sri Lankan community in the region, and carefully studying the tourism potential as well.”

Milan is Italy’s second largest city with its metropolitan area having a population of 7.4 million. It is considered one of the major financial centres in Europe.

The National Carrier launched services to Rome last December, which serves the southern and central regions of Italy, and will continue to fly twice-weekly to the Italian capital.

Major tourism markets, including those in Europe, are expected to relax their travel advisories for Sri Lanka following the Dawn of Peace, and the National Carrier is supporting efforts to enhance awareness of Sri Lanka as a destination of choice through a number of marketing campaigns. SriLankan is also working hand in hand with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and the country’s travel industry.

The Milan service will also offer one-stop flights via Colombo to such popular Far Eastern destinations as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Beijing, plus six cities in India, and also the Maldives which is a favourite holiday destination of Italian tourists.

With the addition of Milan, SriLankan will expand its route network to 44 destinations in 29 countries across Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East, and North America. SriLankan briefly served Milan in 2000/2001.

Despite the worldwide slowdown in air travel due to the global economic meltdown, SriLankan is continuing to strengthen its route network by launching services to selected destinations, and by strengthening its codeshare network with partner airlines. Just two months ago SriLankan expanded its network to Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta, and Seoul through an enhanced partnership with Malaysia Airlines. Last October, SriLankan expanded its partnership with Etihad to cover Geneva, Dublin, Munich, Brussels, Manchester, and Amman.

The Milan flights, on modern Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, will operate on Wednesday and Saturday. Wednesday’s flight UL565 will operate on the route Colombo-Paris-Milan-Colombo, while Saturday’s flight UL 555 will fly Colombo-Frankfurt-Milan-Colombo.

http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/milan-to-colombo-direct-on-srilankan-airlines/

Amal

September 13th, 2009, 05:29 PM

Deccan Air ramping up investments in post-war Sri Lanka

Domestic airline and helicopter operator, Deccan Aviation Lanka this week said it has opened a check-in lounge and facility in Colombo. Similar to city check facilities in European metros, the conveniently located modern facility enables passengers to check in directly in the city while enjoying the facilities at the lounge.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090913/images/aviation-1.jpg
The new facilities

Passengers will then be transferred via luxury coaches to the airport for their onward flight to Jaffna, the company said in a statement. The new air conditioned facility, open to all passengers, provides comfortable and relaxed seating, cable TV, and broadband access. Passengers will also be served hot or cold drinks and snacks.

“What we hope to achieve with this is to change the perception of air travel to Jaffna. Our guests have a convenient and comfortable check in location, and we take care of them from that point onwards. It’s time that passengers on flights connecting our country’s two biggest cities are treated to a world class flying experience,” said airline Managing Director Suren Mirchandani. At present most passengers on domestic flights to Jaffna have to undergo rigorous security checks at the airport entrance and the move is seen as a means to offer passengers a better class of service.

Similar facilities are also planned for the rest of the island, most importantly Jaffna. They will have the same architectural elegance and standardised amenities as the Colombo lounge, the statement from the domestic airline said.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090913/FinancialTimes/ft40.html

lordvader

September 14th, 2009, 10:27 AM

By Indika Sakalasooriya

High fuel prices, travel advisories and global recession have taken their pound of flesh from the country’s national airline, SriLankan which recorded a Rs.10 billion loss for the financial year to March 2009.
Despite, this staggering loss the airline has recorded, Sri Lankan CEO Manoj Gunewardena seemed very upbeat about the future.

“Now that peace has dawned in the country, the tourist arrival numbers for the last two months have been positive. For the last two months our flights have been flying almost full” he said. “In this positive backdrop we are also planning to take the average ticket value up by increasing frequencies, adding onboard facilities and promoting more front end cabin business we will be able to do that”

The airline is also looking at reviving some of the routes it has trimmed during the gloomy times, on the basis of their strategic importance to Sri Lanka.

“Apart from that we are looking at some destinations in India and a few in Europe. We will soon start a direct flight to Milan, Italy as there are a lot of Sri Lankans domiciled there” he said.

When asked what kind of competition the airlines is experiencing with the entrance of the budget airline, Air Asia, Gunewardena said that budget airlines have always been there and entrance of Air Asia has brought the subject into focus.
“We have worked along with airlines such as Air India Express and Jetlite which have true budget products. We understand our product is different and if we are priced at a premium, we should provide a premium service for our customers and that we do. So budget airlines do not pose a threat for us. It stimulates us to be more efficient and work harder” he remarked.

“The only issue that all of us in the industry want ensure, is that there is no indiscriminate capacity and price dumping in the market place. Budget airlines do not dump price. They have their prices curves that starts low and ends at very high” he added.
The airlines Maintenance and Repair Organisation (MRO), which was set up few years back, provides total maintenance to third parties and according to Gunewardena, SriLankan has been talking to some of the South East Asian airlines for much larger contracts. When asked whether the MRO has the capacity to undertake contracts from large airlines, he said that in terms of human labour and expertise the MRO has no difficulty in handling large contracts.

“But we have to add at least another hanger. At the moment we only have two hangers” he said.
Currently SriLankan’s MRO has flight maintenance and repair contracts with Indigo and Air Blue.

http://www.nation.lk/2009/09/13/busi5.htm

banuthev

September 14th, 2009, 07:24 PM

UL employees have been asked to work for free.

.

Sidekicker

September 17th, 2009, 04:32 PM

Don't stop using this Forum for Aviation...KFlyer's website is hard to navigate for me..i like this forum/threads way better lol sorry

lordvader

September 18th, 2009, 01:09 AM

The Ministry of Ports and Aviation announced yesterday that one of the its business undertakings, Mihin Lanka Airlines has achieved break-even point.

The Aviation Ministry in a statement issued to media said that the booking rate for the Airline had increased significantly in August and is expected to rise further in the next three months.

According to the Ministry, at the beginning of the year, Mihin Air carried a total of 3,400 passengers January. In August, the number of passengers carried carried had increased to a total of 13,988. The Ministry also said that the airline is already 20% over booked until the year 2010.

The ministry also said that Mihin Air’s main destination to Dubai the airline carried a total of 2608 passengers and was increased by 86% in the month of August. In its second most popular destination Buddagaya India the ministry said that passenger traffic also increased from 26% to 60% .The passengers traveling to Kuwait also increased from 77% to 94%.

The ministry also said in the month of January the airline maged to earn US$ 522,026 as revenue and was increased to US$1,888,167 in the month of August.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=61869

Amal

September 18th, 2009, 01:09 PM

More SriLankan flights to Tiruchi

New Delhi, Sept. 14

SriLankan, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, will increase the number of weekly flights being operated to Tiruchi from October this year, a senior airline official said here on Monday. “From October, the airline will operate two more flights a week between Colombo and Tiruchi. The launch of the service will see the airline operate 46 weekly flights to six Indian cities,” Mr Lalith De Silva, Manager Sales, Sri Lankan airlines, said at a press conference. The i sland nation also hopes to receive more Indian tourists. “There could be a marginal increase in the number of Indians visiting Sri Lanka. We expect to get about 88,000 Indians, up from 85,000 last year,” said Mr Dileep Mudadeniya, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/09/15/stories/2009091552001500.htm

Amal

September 18th, 2009, 04:23 PM

New wings for Sri Lankan to recover loss

Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa today emphasised the need to replace the age-old air buses of the national carrier ‘Sri Lankan Airlines’ with new ones as a measure to recover from the present loss which now stands at Rs.10 billion.

Minister Rajapaksa told Daily Mirror today that they had a meeting a few days ago to discuss ways and means to resuscitate the national carrier from the present unprofitable state. He pointed out that the global economic recession had hit the airline industry of the world, and that Sri Lanka had also felt its effects.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=61938

Pround_lankan

September 18th, 2009, 07:37 PM

Deccan Aviation Lanka will invest one million US Dollars on a new aircraft to transport domestic travellers, corporate clients and foreign tourists, Managing Director, Deccan Aviation Lanka, Suren Mirchandani told Daily News Business.

He said that the new aircraft is due in Sri Lanka by the end of this year with all related infrastructure.

It will be the lowest in the company s price list meeting the Government s requirement for a low cost domestic air transport operation.

He hoped that it will be a very critical component for the industry as it is looking beyond other destinations apart from Jaffna.

The other destinations are Koggala, Nilaveli, Hingurakgoda and Weerawila. Mirchandani said that there has been a rapid improvement in the aviation industry with the end of war and it would have a bright future.

He said that Deccan Aviation Lanka started five years ago to cater to tourists but this did not materialize as a result of the war and the industry faced huge challenges.

However, a new market has now emerged to serve corporate clients. Earlier, it catered to local companies transporting investors to visit sites in Sri Lanka and a few foreigners, he said.

He said that the 17-passenger new twin engine aircraft that was brought in May 2007 was a great success from the beginning.

There was a sharp increase in passenger demand with 14 flights per week.

Deccan Lanka caters to passengers in three categories - high end, medium and economy.

Deccan Aviation Lanka is the holder of the helicopter operator s licence in Sri Lanka since 2004 and the Group has 24 percent equity of the company.

Deccan Aviation Lanka jointly with JS Air operates a Beech 1900c on domestic and international charters. Domestic charters consist of transportation of essential cargo between Colombo and Jaffna as well as passenger charters within the country.

http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2009/9/47960.html

banuthev

September 18th, 2009, 08:36 PM

@ Sidekicker - Now I have created my own Sri Lanka Discussion Forum. I am sure this is more userfriendly than other forum sites. - http://www.airsrilanka.org/forum. If you experience any problems just email me on: contact@airsrilanka.org.

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saraprobe

September 20th, 2009, 01:19 AM

SriLankan Catering (Pvt) Ltd. has reported a post-tax, net profit of Rs. 1.26 billion during the last financial year, and is looking forward to an even greater performance with the expected boom in the country's tourism industry.

Nishanta Wickremasinghe, Chairman of SriLankan Catering who is also the Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Group said in a statement: "SriLankan Catering continues to be a tower of strength to our nation and the SriLankan Airlines Group, with yet another stellar performance. The company has proven itself to be a perfect example of consistency and has crossed the Rs. 1 billion profit mark for the third time in the last four years."
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090920/images/sarath.jpg
Sarath Fernando

This performance for the financial year 2008/09 was a 30% increase over the net profit of the previous year, a tremendous achievement by the catering arm of Sri Lanka's National Carrier during a year of crisis in the global airline industry, the statement added.

Sarath Fernando, CEO of SriLankan Catering, said: "Peace has brought with it exciting possibilities for growth in the country's tourism industry. SriLankan Catering is perfectly positioned with a state of the art operation and an experienced team to grasp these opportunities with both hands and propel the company towards even greater heights."

Mr. Fernando, the first Sri Lankan CEO of the company noted that the SriLankan Catering Team has worked hard to overcome the multiple challenges faced during the past year.

SriLankan Catering is the fully owned subsidiary of SriLankan Airlines, and provides inflight meals for airlines that operate in and out of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). These include such globally reputed airlines as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, as well as Mihin Lanka and SriLankan Airlines.

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090920/FinancialTimes/ft51.html)

banuthev

September 21st, 2009, 07:39 PM

Zurich should be the next destination for UL after Milano introduced from 16 December 09. UL would fly CMB-FRA/ZRH-CMB - Twise a week

SLAA

September 22nd, 2009, 09:56 AM

Zurich should be the next destination for UL after Milano introduced from 16 December 09. UL would fly CMB-FRA/ZRH-CMB - Twise a week

Hey Banuthev, when you mean "should" do you mean they WILL, or you hope they will?
Thanks :)

SLAA

September 22nd, 2009, 10:00 AM

Hey guys I thought that I should let you guys know that I heard from an insider in Expo Lanka Bangladesh that Mihin Lanka, our favorite airline, will be flying to Dhaka, Bangladesh at the end of October or November. Expo will the handling agents in Dhaka. Wonder why they haven't made any announcement yet..

banuthev

September 22nd, 2009, 07:38 PM

@ SLAA - Well, UL is planning to fly Zurich via Frankfurt. I heard this from the UL employee. I better not give more details until they announce this news publicly.

UL increases 3 more flights to Kuala Lumpur via Singapore while Malaysian is increasing upto 5 flights a week to Colombo from 25 Oct 09.

.

banuthev

September 25th, 2009, 08:50 PM

Sri Lankan airline industry loses billions; Misfortune, carelessness or downright inefficiency?
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2009/09/25/sri-lankan-airline-industry-loses-billions-misfortune-carelessness-or-downright-inef

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Sidekicker

September 29th, 2009, 01:35 AM

why does the Sri Lanka thread look so different now?? :-( I don't like it

SLAA

September 29th, 2009, 04:53 AM

why does the Sri Lanka thread look so different now?? :-( I don't like it

I do agree that it is now takes a little longer to find things where they are at the moment, but it is in a way more organized :) I know change is sometimes hard to expect hehe, but its inevitable, we will all get used to it :banana::banana:

Sidekicker

September 29th, 2009, 04:37 PM

very true SLAA..i think i have it figured out now haha :-) so any new news???

lordvader

September 30th, 2009, 01:50 AM

why does the Sri Lanka thread look so different now?? :-( I don't like it

There was a thread about it a while ago :):
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=900792

Pround_lankan

September 30th, 2009, 02:46 PM

The mutilated body of a 50-year-old Indian pilot attached to SriLankan Airlines was found brutally murdered and hanging from the staircase of his house in Negombo this morning.

Police Spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said a neighbour had seen the body through a window and called the police who had broken open the door and entered the house

Police had found bloodstains and a knife on the floor. But the body had been hanging from the staircase.

Initial investigations indicated that the victim had been stabbed and then hanged.

The victim Raman Kumar Roy reportedly stayed in the house alone, when in Lanka. His family was living in Canada.

He had reported for work on September 23 and applied for several days leave.

Since then nothing had been heard of him until his body was discovered today.

He is believed to have been killed some days ago. The JMO is to conduct a postmortem examinationat the Negombo Hospital. Negombo Police are conducting investigations. (KK)

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=63077

Amal

October 2nd, 2009, 10:41 AM

Malaysia Airlines to increase flights to Sri Lanka

Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia will increase its flight frequency to five times weekly from October 28 to meet the growing demand.

Kuala Lumpur is a favourite destination for tourists and business travellers due to close business and family ties between the two countries. Our average load factor is 90 percent as we are a preferred airline offering convenient schedules, seamless connectivity and services of a full service carrier", said Malaysia Airlines Area Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Manmohan Singh.

"Our schedule has been designed for customer's convenience. Arriving early in the morning gives them a head-start in their trip, be it business or leisure. In addition, they can easily and seamlessly connect to ASEAN countries, China, Australia via our vast network," he said.

http://www.lankatimes.com/fullstory.php?id=21734

banuthev

October 4th, 2009, 07:08 PM

ceylon

October 6th, 2009, 11:50 AM

SLAA

October 8th, 2009, 09:19 AM

Crisis ridden SriLankan looks at purchasing new aircraft

Rajapakse noted that the airline needed to invest in new airplanes to match up with other international airlines. When asked how the airline would come up with the money for this, Rajapakse said that he was confident that if the airline followed its business plan it would be able to self finance it. “They are an independent entity,” Rajapakse said of the airline and brushed off a possibility of the government funding the new aircraft purchase.

SOURCE: LANKA EVERYTHING

Keep on brushing off government funding dear Rajapakse. After all, the government owns only like half of the company right? At least if he doesn't want to put in some sort of investments into the airline (Of course, in defense of him, it can be seen that the government right now is funding many development projects in Sri Lanka), maybe he should ask someone to revise this so called business plan that Sri Lankan has been successfully upholding, for the past one and a half years, with such growth methods like returning aircraft, NOT replacing them:

“The first step is to UPDATE (?!?!)the old A320 fleet of five planes. We have replaced three, RETURNED ONE, and one is on a waitlist to Mihin Airlines. It will be returned at the beginning of next year,” Gunawardena said.

Ask the staff of SriLankan in Colombo, many are trembling with fear, due to the talk that exists within of the massive losses the airline incurs everyday.Of course, he must not know much about business plans clearly by looking at his useless side project, Mihin Lanka, an airline, who's plane, soon to be planes, can be used to increase the national carrier's frequencies, to ensure better connectivity, which is the only aspect the airline can rest on until they get better, more up-to-date planes.

Crisis ridden SriLankan looks at purchasing new aircraft

He added that the A320s were all on operating lease. The CEO went on to say that the refleeting of the A330 and 340 would not be necessary immediately. “We have current leases (on those models) until 2011.” Gunawardena said.

SOURCE: LANKA EVERYTHING

The saddest part of this quote is that after 2011, this means that the airline will continue to lease more planes, not order brand new ones which THEY will own. If they want to order brand new ones, which will arrive between 2012-2013, they should start ordering now, because aircraft companies cannot make planes in the timeframe of a day, a week, or even a month. But then again, they CAN'T BECAUSE OF THEIR STUPID BUSINESS PLAN, AND ALSO BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT GETTING ANY EXTERNAL OR GOVERNMENTAL FUNDINGGGGGGGGGGGG.

Right, I'm done with my rant :) Just thought that I should get my feelings out over an airline which I grew up with and am experiencing heartbreak to see at such a terrible predicament. :ohno:

Can somebody please tell me that everything is going to be alright for our airline? Just for some false hope?

Amal

October 8th, 2009, 02:10 PM

Oman Air forced to delay Maldives, Sri Lanka launch
by Andy Sambidge

Thursday, 08 October 2009

Oman Air said on Thursday it was having to postpone the launch of its four weekly flights to the Maldives and Sri Lanka due to a delay in winning approval from Sri Lanka.

Oman Air planned to inaugurate services on October 10 providing scheduled passenger and cargo air services as part of its international expansion programme using a new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft.

Barry Brown, Oman Air's chief commercial officer said: "We are extremely disappointed to announce this delay caused by the inability to secure approval from the Sri Lankan Authorities. As a result we plan to inaugurate services to both Sri Lanka and the Maldives with effect from October 17."

In a statement, the airline said it was currently contacting more than 300 affected passengers offering alternate travel arrangements.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/569872-oman-air-forced-to-delay-maldives-sri-lanka-launch

Wonder what's going on...

ceylon

October 8th, 2009, 02:32 PM

Keep on brushing off government funding dear Rajapakse. After all, the government owns only like half of the company right? At least if he doesn't want to put in some sort of investments into the airline (Of course, in defense of him, it can be seen that the government right now is funding many development projects in Sri Lanka), maybe he should ask someone to revise this so called business plan that Sri Lankan has been successfully upholding, for the past one and a half years, with such growth methods like returning aircraft, NOT replacing them:

Ask the staff of SriLankan in Colombo, many are trembling with fear, due to the talk that exists within of the massive losses the airline incurs everyday.Of course, he must not know much about business plans clearly by looking at his useless side project, Mihin Lanka, an airline, who's plane, soon to be planes, can be used to increase the national carrier's frequencies, to ensure better connectivity, which is the only aspect the airline can rest on until they get better, more up-to-date planes.

The saddest part of this quote is that after 2011, this means that the airline will continue to lease more planes, not order brand new ones which THEY will own. If they want to order brand new ones, which will arrive between 2012-2013, they should start ordering now, because aircraft companies cannot make planes in the timeframe of a day, a week, or even a month. But then again, they CAN'T BECAUSE OF THEIR STUPID BUSINESS PLAN, AND ALSO BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT GETTING ANY EXTERNAL OR GOVERNMENTAL FUNDINGGGGGGGGGGGG.

Right, I'm done with my rant :) Just thought that I should get my feelings out over an airline which I grew up with and am experiencing heartbreak to see at such a terrible predicament. :ohno:

Can somebody please tell me that everything is going to be alright for our airline? Just for some false hope?

I agree with you,Srilankan is mismanged by govt.Emirates contract with Srilankan may be not favroble for our intrest,but it make Srilankan a preferable airline. Govt could have extend the contract for 05 years and allow them to re fleet the airline. Emirates had plan to increase fleet up to 25 aircrafts.After that contract govt could have think of manage it.
Srilankan now cannot order new aircrafts,if they do they will get it only after 2014 or 2015 so best option will be lease. As a national carrier it should have least few own aircrafts.
As per CEO they will going to have 05 A320 ?. After 2011 they can replace A340-300 with A330-200 or few A330-300 aircrafts.Then later Srilankan can swith to A350. We can hope for the best.

banuthev

October 8th, 2009, 07:45 PM

What aircraft is gong to be used by Mihin when its 4R-ABE returned at the beginning of net year ?

.

banuthev

October 9th, 2009, 03:59 PM

Sri Lankan Airlines Annual Report 2008/2009 - http://www.srilankan.aero/aboutus/SriLankan_Airlines_Annual_Report_2008_2009.pdf

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SLAA

October 10th, 2009, 07:02 AM

Sri Lankan Airlines Annual Report 2008/2009

http://www.srilankan.aero/aboutus/SriLankan_Airlines_Annual_Report_2008_2009.pdf

SOURCE: Sri Lankan Airlines

Sounds promising, now starts the wait to see what their next move is in 2010. At least they say they're upgrading the A320 cabins?! Let's see about that... And again it seems that the old aircraft might be the culprits in creating a Net Loss for the airline, seen as the operating expenditure is so high. If you compare 2009's operating expenditures and net loss to 2004's results you can see how much money can be made if those costs are lowered... Can anyone tell what other operating expenditures? Other than fuel, etc?

lordvader

October 11th, 2009, 04:44 AM

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Sri Lanka’s budget airline Mihin Lanka, earned over Rs. 1.2 million profit last month for the first time after it was set up.

The revenue the airline received from its Buddhist circuit routes to Bodhigaya and Baranas added to its profits. The airline hopes to maintain this trend in the future too and would not call for funds from the Treasury from next year.

Mihin Lanka is planning to operate two additional fights to Dhaka and the Maldives from next month to cater mainly to the student market and Sri Lankan expatriates.

Mihin hopes to acquire a new 156-seater aircraft for the purpose from a Malaysian based company to replace the current, A320 aircraft leased out from SriLankan Airlines.

This would enable the airline to have additional flying hours for new destinations. The new aircraft has been used for six years and is currently undergoing its final tests in Malaysia. It would then be flown to India for additional flying tests and is expected to be ready by early next month.

Mihin operates a Sunday flight to Bodhigaya and a Wednesday flight to Baranas with both flights operating on a 100 percent seat factor. “As we have received many bookings for a special Buddhist ceremony in Baranas, on October 28, we have decided to operate three flights on this day including a charter flight from SriLankan,” said Manager, Government and Public Affairs Division, Gamini Abeywardane.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/10/11/new05.asp

ceylon

October 11th, 2009, 08:36 AM

[QUOTE=lordvader;44427992]by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Sri Lanka’s budget airline Mihin Lanka, earned over Rs. 1.2 million profit last month for the first time after it was set up.

The revenue the airline received from its Buddhist circuit routes to Bodhigaya and Baranas added to its profits. The airline hopes to maintain this trend in the future too and would not call for funds from the Treasury from next year.

Mihin Lanka is planning to operate two additional fights to Dhaka and the Maldives from next month to cater mainly to the student market and Sri Lankan expatriates.

Mihin hopes to acquire a new 156-seater aircraft for the purpose from a Malaysian based company to replace the current, A320 aircraft leased out from SriLankan Airlines.

This would enable the airline to have additional flying hours for new destinations. The new aircraft has been used for six years and is currently undergoing its final tests in Malaysia. It would then be flown to India for additional flying tests and is expected to be ready by early next month.

Mihin operates a Sunday flight to Bodhigaya and a Wednesday flight to Baranas with both flights operating on a 100 percent seat factor. “As we have received many bookings for a special Buddhist ceremony in Baranas, on October 28, we have decided to operate three flights on this day including a charter flight from SriLankan,” said Manager, Government and Public Affairs Division, Gamini Abeywardane.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/10/11/new05.asp[/QUOT

Operate to Dhaka is ok for Mihin bcz there are lots of srilankan students and expatriates are in Bangladesh.By this service Mihin can tap bngladesh expat community in Maldivies also. As a budget airlineif if it can offer convienient connections to middle east trough CMB then they can tap huge Bangladesh community in there.Hope this will be a success.
Mihin will lease A320 from Malyasia ?.

kflyer2

October 13th, 2009, 09:19 AM

SriLankan is rumoured to be closed down and replaced with a new company. Don't know. What they should have done was to end Emirates contract and retain Peter Hill. Peter wasn't an Emirates employee. He was hired specially for the contract. And now Oman Air is growing under his leadership.
SriLankan need not to add any A320s, they do not have enough flights to operate them in. Their current fleet is already highly underutilized.
SriLankan recently sold three A330s that they owned. They currently own only one A320, which is leased to Mihin, and it will be likely sold before the year end when it returns from Mihin.
There is noone to lease an A320 to Mihin in Malaysia. Must be a 737 of MAS.

saraprobe

October 13th, 2009, 07:00 PM

Oct 14, 2009 (LBO) - A new terminal for export air cargo will open at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport in January 2010 which doubling capacity at the airport, state-run SriLankan Airlines said.

Sri Lanka's state airport authority, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd had handed over the terminal to the airline and it is being modified and prepared for the launch of services.
"Cargo is a key area of the airline’s business and annually contributes approximately 14 percent to the group’s revenue," SriLankan airlines head of worldwide sales Mohamed Fazeel said.

"The new building will place the airline in an ideal position to capitalise on the expected increased cargo traffic as the country begins an economic revival and the world comes out of its economic crisis."

After the new export terminal is opened the existing cargo terminal building will handle imports.

The 13,300 square metres building is on two floors and has facilities for perishables, courier cargo, mail, cool and freezer rooms, animal holding rooms and quarantine offices and will use barcodes to speed up handling.

"The new building will greatly increase our warehouse and handling capacity to approximately 300,000 metric tonnes of cargo per annum," Janaka Munasinghe, manager cargo operations said.
SriLankan is the main handling agent for all airlines that fly to Colombo.

In July, SriLankan Cargo had commissioned a new SkyChain cargo handling system.
The airline carries cargo on passenger aircraft and also has dedicated charter aircraft mainly for the Maldives and South India.

banuthev

October 13th, 2009, 09:24 PM

Also there is a rumour that Government is planning to change the name of "Sri Lankan Airlines" back to AirLanka.

.

kflyer2

October 14th, 2009, 10:19 AM

SLAA, just FYI - the aircraft are certainly not old as they tout and they are enough fuel efficient if the mismanagement was avoided. Only someone insane would need to replace the A330s. Highest expenditure is fuel followed by staff which we have five times more than the industry standard .

lordvader

October 15th, 2009, 01:25 AM

SriLankan is rumoured to be closed down and replaced with a new company. Don't know.

Are you being serious? Is it that bad?

SriLankan is rumoured to be closed down and replaced with a new company. Don't know. What they should have done was to end Emirates contract and retain Peter Hill.

I wholeheartedly agree with you on that. His management skills would've been valued. However the current management has promised stuff in their annual report, so we should see what happens.

There is noone to lease an A320 to Mihin in Malaysia. Must be a 737 of MAS.

It will be interesting to see what aircraft they get and where from.

FlyHighFly

October 16th, 2009, 10:06 AM

kflyer2

October 16th, 2009, 02:48 PM

As far as I am aware, government did not allow them and now they are looking at November. But not sure.

banuthev

October 18th, 2009, 12:33 AM

Oman Air plans to operate Daily flights to Colombo - http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091018/FinancialTimes/ft53.html

.

Amal

October 18th, 2009, 09:42 AM

Etihad to restart Colombo flights

Abu Dhabi : 18 minutes ago

UAE national airline Etihad Airways said it will resume flights to Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo from January next year following the recent end to the civil conflict in the country.

The airline will operate four flights per week from Abu Dhabi to the largest Lankan city using an Airbus A320 aircraft, Etihad said in a statement.

Flight EY266 will depart Abu Dhabi on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9.55pm and arrive at Colombo’s Bandaranaike international airport at 3.45am the following day.

Return flight EY267 will depart Colombo on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 4.45am, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 8am the same morning.

The resumption of flights follows the recent end to the civil conflict in Sri Lanka and the boost that this is likely to provide to the tourism sector and to the wider economy as a whole, said a top official.

“Colombo will be our first new route launch of 2010, and bring to 58 the number of destinations available across our expanding global network,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive.

'Sri Lanka is an established market with a strong local traffic base. We expect the resumption of Etihad flights to be welcomed by the considerable Sri Lankan expatriate community living in the UAE and those living across the Middle East region who will be able to connect quickly and easily back home via Abu Dhabi,' he noted.

'This year July and August already witnessed a 30 per cent increase in visitors to the island compared to the same period last year, and the Sri Lankan government too is now targeting 2.5 million visitors a year by 2016,' he added.

The timing of the flights has been carefully scheduled to facilitate onward connections from a number of key destinations on the airline’s network, including Moscow and North America, Hogan pointed out.

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=TTN&artid=168949

SLAA

October 18th, 2009, 10:21 AM

New flight schedule from SriLankan

SriLankan Airlines will increase flights this winter season to a dozen cities throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Subcontinent, and Far East, based on passenger numbers that will definitely increase following the Dawn of Peace in Sri Lanka.

Mohamed Fazeel, Head of Worldwide Sales at SriLankan, said: "Forward booking for winter season is very encouraging and we are providing more flights to destinations where we experience high market growth. The flights will be effective from October 25, and our new Milan service will be launched on December 16."

The country's tourism industry has witnessed steady growth since its 30-year war ended in May, with tourists flocking to the island despite the global economic downturn which has discouraged air travel.

Statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority show that tourism from all countries grew by 34% in August 2009 in comparison to the same month in the previous year, and 28% in July.

In Europe, Sri Lanka's National Carrier is launching a new twice-weekly service to Milan in northern Italy, with considerable expectations of increased Italian tourism into Sri Lanka.

It is also adding two flights a week to London, bringing the number of flights to 12. The UK has long been one of the largest tourism markets into Sri Lanka, and also has a sizeable population of Sri Lankan immigrants.

In the Far East, SriLankan will add no less than three additional flights to both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, which will each be served by 10 flights per week.This will also serve Sri Lankan outbound traffic to these popular Southeast Asian cities.

One additional flight will commence to Hong Kong, which will then have 4 weekly flights.

Four cities in the Subcontinent region will receive additional flights, to support South Asian tourism into Sri Lanka.

Trichy in South India and the Maldivian capital Male will each receive two additional flights.

Trichy will then have a total of 9 per week, while Male, where SriLankan has for many years been the largest carrier, will have no less than 23.

The airline is also increasing one flight each to Bangalore and Karachi, which will then have 5 and 3 flights respectively.

The airline will increase one flight per week to Bahrain, Doha and Dammam, which will thus be served by 3, 5 and 4 weekly flights respectively.

With the addition of Milan, SriLankan will expand its route network to 44 destinations in 29 countries across the world. Despite the worldwide slowdown in air travel due to the global economic meltdown, SriLankan is continuing to strengthen its route network by launching services to selected destinations, and by strengthening its codeshare network with partner airlines.

In July SriLankan expanded its network to Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta, and Seoul through an enhanced partnership with Malaysia Airlines. Last October, SriLankan expanded its partnership with Etihad to cover Geneva, Dublin, Munich, Brussels, Manchester, and Amman.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/10/18/fin72.asp

banuthev

October 18th, 2009, 01:37 PM

@ Kflyer - Anynews about "WY" starting flights to CMB ?

.

banuthev

October 19th, 2009, 08:49 PM

Here is the reply from Oman Air about starting the delayed-flights to Colombo. http://i34.************/ra47sg.jpg

.

pathum1986

October 21st, 2009, 10:09 AM

check this out
Source : skyscanner
Tuesday, 20 October 2009

(20 Oct 09)Four flights a week will operate to the Sri Lanka's commercial capital and largest city from the emirate using an Airbus A320 aircraft.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, explained that Sri Lanka is an "established market" that consists of a "strong local traffic base".
"We expect the resumption of Etihad flights to be welcomed by the considerable Sri Lankan expatriate community living in the UAE [United Arab Emirates] and those living across the Middle East region who will be able to connect quickly and easily back home via Abu Dhabi," he said.

Mr Hogan went on to say that flights to Colombo will be the carrier's first new route launch in 2010, with the route set to take effect in January.

Passengers travelling on the route will be able to benefit from onward connections to Moscow and a number of north American destinations.

Last month, Etihad Airways launched new flights to Cape Town from the emirate, the carrier's second South African destination

banuthev

October 21st, 2009, 05:38 PM

SITA Hybrid network to provide $4.5M cost savings to SriLankan Airlines - http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-35536.htm

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SLAA

October 23rd, 2009, 10:15 AM

Oct 22, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's loss-making state-owned budget airline, Mihin Lanka, is to buy six aircraft, Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said.

He made the revelation during a debate in parliament on Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier, also state-owned, our sister news website, Vimasuma.com reported.

Rajapaksa did not give further details about the new aircraft for Mihin Lanka, which has been making heavy losses since inception.

The airline was grounded at one time as it did not have aircraft and it is also in arrears in payments for aviation fuel to the state refiner, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.

Mihin Lanka now operates an Airbus 320 with scheduled flights to Dubai and Kuwait in the Middle East and two Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India, Buddhagaya and Varanasi, as well as the south Indian city of Tiruchirapalli.

The national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines has also been making losses but has announced new destinations as forward bookings have picked up with the end of Sri Lanka's 30-year ethnic war.

Sri Lankan opposition lawmakers charged in parliament that Sri Lankan Airlines had been run profitably under the previous Emirates' management but now losses had piled up to nine billion rupees.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=65527

What about SriLankan? :ohno:

kflyer2

October 23rd, 2009, 02:43 PM

Nothing, in fact. SriLankan does not have finances and does not have an owner that could inject money. I believe the aforementioned aircraft are not for Mihin either.

FlyHighFly

October 23rd, 2009, 04:20 PM

Nothing, in fact. SriLankan does not have finances and does not have an owner that could inject money. I believe the aforementioned aircraft are not for Mihin either.

goverment will do anything for mihin, know that, they are ready to sell srilankan too. lol

banuthev

October 23rd, 2009, 06:10 PM

Sri Lankan Airlines suffering losses due to mismanagement - http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2009/10/sri-lankan-airlines-suffering-losses.html

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SLAA

October 24th, 2009, 10:26 AM

SriLankan records 80 percent passenger increase

Lakshmi de Silva

Airlines worldwide faced losses due to the global economic downturn in the past years and SriLankan Airlines also felt the recession during that period but it had the courage to face the burden and move forward.

“During September and October in the current year the passengers carried by us increased by 80 percent and the revenue was increasing,” SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasingha said at a press conference at the Ports and Aviation Ministry yesterday.

“The challenge we face now is to increase our income further and strategies have been evolved to achieve that. One such step is to use Information Technology and to increase the number of flights to Europe up to 200 during the coming winter season. A new service to Milano, Italy is to be started on December 16 and we are going to restart the suspended flights to Maldives and Singapore,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gunawardena said SriLankan Airline’s vision is very clear with a long term plan to improve its standards and the allegations made against the airline are totally baseless.

It has a very stable position and would not collapse, he said. Mihin Lanka had leased one aircraft from SriLankan Airlines on rent lease basis and pays a monthly rental.

From January to August this year its revenue had increased by 300 percent and would improve as a business venture, Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/10/24/news11.asp

I'm guessing that this is the quick press reply on the government's behalf to this:

Sri Lankan Airlines suffering losses due to mismanagement

Sri Lankan Airlines is suffering losses due to mismanagement, said Joseph Michael Perera, Chief Opposition Whip in parliament on yesterday morning. Directing a question at the government, he queried the measures taken to ensure that this company returns to being a profitable organisation.

Responding, Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister of Civil Aviation said that SriLankan Airlines had been suffering losses even at the time it was taken over by the government.

He observed that measures had been taken to remove old aircraft, introduce new aircraft and replace routes with more profitable ones.

Joining the debate, UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake pointed out that a large amount of reserves, which were in the possession of the company, had been lost by the present administration. - As quoted by Banuthev.

What a sad, sad aviation industry we have.

banuthev

October 24th, 2009, 12:34 PM

Oman Air has shelved the plan to launch service to Colombo, which was supposed to launch on 01OCT09. However, planned service to Male will go ahead, with Airbus A330-300 operating 4 times a week. The A330-300 features BRAND NEW cabin service, including FIRST Class.

.

ceylon

October 24th, 2009, 12:45 PM

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=65527

What about SriLankan? :ohno:

Are they going to buy Airbuses for Mihin ?

SLAA

October 24th, 2009, 05:54 PM

OMAN AIR AXE COLOMBO; MALE CHANGES

Oman Air has shelved the plan to launch service to Colombo, which was supposed to launch on 01OCT09. However, planned service to Male will go ahead, with Airbus A330-300 operating 4 times a week. The A330-300 features BRAND NEW cabin service, including FIRST Class.

That is sad news, but in the end it is the loss to the Sri Lankan economy. With every airline, and every service lies potential. I would bet that one big reason to why Oman Air was refused landing rights was because Mahinda most probably still has that grudge against Peter Hill, who is now at the helm of Oman Air. As you all must know, he was at Sri Lankan, until an incident where Mahinda wanted a certain amount of seats on a flight at the last minute when other passengers had already fully booked it.. and Hill got fired because he would not back down and offload the passengers and give it to the president's delegation... Yeahp :) So there, my opinion of one huge reason for why Oman Air didn't get approval... And you know what.. its good that they cancelled plans to fly here for now... people, and even more, companies should not stand around for so long begging for approval from such incompetent deparments.

Are they going to buy Airbuses for Mihin ?

Hey Ceylon, no I think the government is going to do the buying.

saraprobe

October 25th, 2009, 01:38 AM

Yes, I do accept that. Here is another sad news because of our Government.

OMAN AIR AXE COLOMBO; MALE CHANGES (http://airlineroute.net/2009/10/23/wy-axe-cmb-mlechg/)

Oman Air has shelved the plan to launch service to Colombo, which was supposed to launch on 01OCT09. However, planned service to Male will go ahead, with Airbus A330-300 operating 4 times a week. The A330-300 features BRAND NEW cabin service, including FIRST Class.

SOURCE: AIRLINERS ROUTE (http://airlineroute.net/2009/10/23/wy-axe-cmb-mlechg/)

Dispute over Oman Air takes a nosedive

Oman has threatened to cancel SriLankan Airlines flights to its capital Muscat and block the use of its airspace for SriLankan flights if the Sri Lankan government fails to adhere to a bilateral agreement between the two countries, the Sunday Times learns.

The crisis follows the Sri Lankan government's refusal, on the advice of SriLankan Airlines, to allow Oman Air, that country's national airline, to resume flights to and out of Colombo, seven times a week, which is agreed under the agreement.

"This issue has reached a diplomatic level," a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official told the Sunday Times. Oman Air sources said the airline had been informed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa, currently in Vietnam, would resolve the impasse on his return.

On the other hand, the Sri Lankan government has been informed that if the issue persists, Oman authorities will cancel the bilateral agreement and block the use of its airspace for SriLankan flights to other destinations like Europe, and stop SriLankan flying to Muscat. SriLankan flies to Muscat via Doha (Qatar), twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.

Airline industry sources say that if SriLankan Airlines loses airspace rights over Oman, it would have to take a detour to Europe including crossing war-torn countries like Afghanistan.

Oman Air, which pulled out in 2004, was due to resume flights on October 10 but postponed the launch saying it has not received approval as yet and cited October 17 as the new date to resume flights. The airline could not keep to the new date too as the issues remained unresolved.

At the centre of the dispute are allegations that two former SriLankan Airlines, CEO Peter Hill and Chief Commercial Officer Barry Brown, who are now serving in the same capacity with Oman Air, are trying to penetrate SriLankan Airlines' market share with a vengeance; It is also alleged that Oman Air has grabbed some of the Sri Lankan national carrier's key staff, and is asking for too many flights and want to break into the national carrier's market, according to SriLankan sources.

But the Oman Air sources say the issue is more about SriLankan Airlines concern over possibly losing a share of its European sector traffic because Oman Air has faster onward connections to Europe from Muscat in addition to better and newer aircraft with revolving seats. "That is the crux of the matter, not the number of frequencies," said one Oman Air source.

The CAA official said the bilateral agreement on air services between Oman Air and the Sri Lankan government in 1981saw Oman Air start two flights a week to Colombo. In 2003, the agreement was amended to permit seven flights a week for both airlines. But Oman Air continued to operate only two flights per week till they pulled out in 2004, saying the route was uneconomical (due to the security situation).

The Oman Air source, however, said that under the 1981 agreement the volumes (the number of flights) was to be mutually decided by the two parties but didn't have a specific number. In 2002, there was a signed contract between the two sides which provides for seven flights a week for both sides. "That number has been mutually agreed and has to be honoured," he said.

Countering this view, the CAA official said the agreement also had clauses which allow a reduction in the frequencies if the demand drops. SriLankan Airlines says there is no demand for seven flights and has asked the CAA to reduce it to two flights, which is what has been offered to Oman Air.

The CAA official said SriLankan Airlines, about two months ago, protested over Oman Air's request for seven flights a week on resumption of services.

"SriLankan said that there is no market demand for seven flights between Oman and Colombo. They also said that the SriLankan sales team in Germany and Britain had been recruited en-bloc by Oman Air and this was among 16 SriLankan staff handling these important markets for the national carrier. They said this was done in a bid to grab SriLankan Airlines' market and that Mr. Hill and Mr. Brown are behind this," he said.

Gihan Karunaratne, Country Manager for Oman Air, was not available for comment.

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091025/News/nws_02.html)

banuthev

October 25th, 2009, 02:16 AM

Increased air traffic expected in Colombo airport - http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/10/25/new04.asp

.

kflyer2

October 25th, 2009, 03:13 AM

lordvader

October 25th, 2009, 07:11 AM

MJ to buy an aircraft and run it only for seven weekly flights.
I read before that this new aircraft should be replacing its current aircraft which is wet leased from UL. Thus it should do more than 7 weekly flights (hopefully).

It'd be a nice outcome if Oman blocks UL from the airspace.
No, a better outcome is if some sort of compromise is mutually agreed upon for the benefit of both airlines. However the fact that UL is scared of Oman Air isnt a good sign.

lordvader

October 25th, 2009, 07:14 AM

Budget carrier Mihin Lanka, now running at breakeven point with a sensible management will receive two brand new planes from a Chinese manufacturer, in the coming months.
A top source said there was no truth in a report published on a website that Mihin was acquiring six planes, as the other four aircraft are for the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The 52-seater aircraft manufactured by the China International Aircraft Corporation is already widely used in a number of countries in Asia, Africa and South America.

Due to the heavy demand for the MA 60 aircraft there is some delay in the delivery. The two aircraft ordered by Mihin should have been delivered already, but for the order backlog.
Sources said the aircraft are being purchased on a very favourable credit line spread over a long period and the interest rate is said to be less than 6%. Among the Asian countries already flying the aircraft other than China are Indonesia and the Philippines.

A Mihin Lanka official said once they take delivery of the two aircraft they would be deployed for domestic and subcontinent flights. It is capable of reaching popular Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India like Buddhagaya and Varnasi with a stop en route.

http://www.nation.lk/2009/10/25/news4.htm

SLAA

October 25th, 2009, 01:16 PM

I believe Etihad does not eat UL's market share, only Oman Air does - such stupidness.
MJ to buy an aircraft and run it only for seven weekly flights. Can someone tell that idiot he's running a LCC ?
It'd be a nice outcome if Oman blocks UL from the airspace. All key airways to every destination is Mid East and Europe runs over Oman and this detour will be a good 2-3h.

You share the same sentiments that I do... I wouldn't blame Hill for wanting "vengeance" on SriLankan, though I doubt that is what he is after, but I'm sure he would have a good laugh if Sri Lankan is banned from Omani airspace. I would do too. I love our airline, but I hate its corrupt execs.

kflyer2

October 25th, 2009, 05:19 PM

MA60 is simply a different derivative of the An26. In fact not a technological marvel like they call it. Not even EGPWS or ACARS I believe. It's known as a cheap plane.

pathum1986

October 25th, 2009, 06:01 PM

http://i38.************/neytdf.jpg
ma 60 looks like Fokker F27-

banuthev

October 26th, 2009, 08:43 PM

Sri Lanka Oman air dispute: SriLankan can overfly desert state - http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=721623242

.

FlyHighFly

October 27th, 2009, 04:48 PM

government have to alow omanair to fly colombo.. they have no choice... can ask omanair to reduce number of flights to 4 days a week.

SLAA

October 29th, 2009, 10:54 AM

Something interesting for you peeps!

Speaking to journalists attending the launch of Turkish Airline’s (THY) first flight to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, THY chairman Candan Karlıtekin said the Turkish flag carrier is determined to expand in global markets and that the executive board will decide on new destinations shortly.

“Our main target is to connect Turkey to every single country with THY flights," the airline executive said. “THY has maintained sustainable growth in the global aviation market over the past few years while increasing its customer base.”

According to Karlıtekin, the company expects to tighten its grip on the market. He added that İstanbul's prominent location in international air traffic has also contributed to THY's success. “We will connect Turkey to every corner of the world.”

The THY executive said there are plans to add around 20 new international destinations to its flight network in the next three years. New flights will be added on North American routes, including daily flights to Toronto and flights to Los Angeles and Washington, DC, according to Karlıtekin. “We will separate the Brazil route from Dakar and fly directly to Sao Paulo. A third, and maybe even fourth destination can be considered in India.”

He added: “A few destinations have already been designated in China. We are also planning flights to Cambodia. We will fly to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Kinshasa. We also plan to organize flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka.”

Karlıtekin cited Bologna in Italy, Glasgow in the UK and Salzburg in Austria to be among THY’s new destinations in Europe. “We will go to Podgorica in Montenegro and Thessalonica as the second spot in Greece. Other planned locations include Tallinn in Estonia, Vilnius in Latvia and Bratislava in Slovakia. We are likely to complete launching new flights by 2012,” he added, noting that the airliner will start flying to Armenia once relations between Turkey and Armenia are normalized.

The rest of the article, which does not by the way discuss anything about the Sri Lankan flights can be found at:
http://www.eturbonews.com/11569/candan-karlitekin-turkish-airlines-roll

We're picking up slowly, but surely!!:) Hope to see the airline here by 2012!

kflyer2

October 29th, 2009, 01:09 PM

If they do that'll be before 2012, but it is still in evaluation level and chances are there it will end up there.

banuthev

October 29th, 2009, 11:01 PM

Mihin Lanka is looking to operate MA60s domestically - http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/29/334130/sri-lankas-mihin-looking-to-operate-ma60s-domestically.html

.

banuthev

October 29th, 2009, 11:04 PM

Colombo is a better destination for TK instead of Phoem Penh, Ho chi Minh City, Dar Es Salaam and Kinshasa. It will be better if TK fly Istanbul to Colombo to Jakarta ?

I know it is too late to ask this question. What is the meaning of "MIHIN"? Sorry I dont speak sinhala :-(

.

pathum1986

October 30th, 2009, 09:03 AM

i think MIHI means earth..........MIHIN giving the same meaning

SLAA

October 30th, 2009, 10:31 AM

Colombo will workout for Turkish Airlines [TK] instead of Phoem Penh, Ho chi Minh City, Dar Es Salaam and Kinshasa.
Why dont TK try to fly Istanbul to Colombo to Jakarta ?

I know it is too late to ask this question. What is the meaning of "MIHIN"? sorry i dont speak sinhala :(

Well Banuthev, I think Ho Chi Minh is a city that Turkish would like to fly to, considering that it is a fast growing gateway... I heard it handled around 11 million passengers in 2008 (a huge growth from 7 million in 2005, and 8.5 million in 2006), the majority international, and that's not that bad for a city like that.. and it welcomes major long haul carriers, like Air France, United Airlines, Lufthansa, etc... It has a MUCH higher chance of success to Ho Chi Minh, than the other cities listed above... (Kinsasha? Really? Within the next 2-3 years? err):lol:

Colombo can definitely be an ideal gateway because of the rising tourism potential, along with the strategic transit point that is Istanbul, there are countless connections to Europe, North and South America... I heard that they are getting good reviews from passengers, amidst their attempts to expand and become world class, in the likes of the premium carriers and also as they are part of Star Alliance, it will have many passengers to feeder from other airlines (Ex. United, Swiss, Lufthansa). Also Frequent fliers on other Star Alliance airlines living in Colombo will take advantage of it.. For example, I have Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer, and I would definitely think twice of flying with Turkish to Europe from SL than for example Emirates or Qatar, because of the MILES :):) It will all come down to marketing in Sri Lanka, and soon people will definitely fly!

And about Mihin.. I'm not sure what it means, but I think its derived from MahInda cHINtana Rajapaksa.... his name!! Thats why its like his pet project.. I'm sure it will be based mainly in Hambantota as soon as the airport opens.

Sometimes it is possible to twist the word "Mihin" in your mouth, with "Himin" the sinhalese word for "slow".. mahahaa :cheers:

FlyHighFly

October 30th, 2009, 03:37 PM

Sri Lanka's Mihin looking to operate MA60s domestically (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/29/334130/sri-lankas-mihin-looking-to-operate-ma60s-domestically.html)

Sri Lanka's government is planning to buy two Chinese-built MA60 turboprops, and may give these to the country's second state-owned carrier Mihin Lanka.

The government has said publicly it plans to buy the two MA60s, says Mihin Lanka head of commercial, Rohana Perera. It could have Mihin Lanka operate the aircraft on domestic routes, he adds.

The main route it might serve is Colombo-Jaffna, while the other domestic destination it is considering is Trincomalee in the east, says Perera.

Jaffna, in the island's far north, was cut off from the rest of the country for many years due to the civil war. The Sri Lankan Government, ensconced in Colombo in the south, fought a long war against the Tamil Tiger rebels that held Jaffna and the north.

Mihin Lanka started operations in 2007 and is named after Sri Lanka's president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who in May claimed victory over the Tamil Tigers following a series of military victories.

The airline operates internationally using a wet-leased Airbus A320 from SriLankan Airlines, the country's larger state-owned carrier.

Perera says the airline is seeking to get a second A320 this year or early next year and wants it on dry-lease.

The airline today serves destinations in India, as well as Kuwait and Dubai in the Middle East. Perera says it plans to use the second A320 to launch services to more overseas destinations and is eyeing Dhaka in Bangladesh and the Maldives.

SOURCE: Flight Global | Leithen Francis (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/29/334130/sri-lankas-mihin-looking-to-operate-ma60s-domestically.html)

are they going to spoil da domestic marktet too ? lol
i thought its only expoair is flying domestic flights. am i right? what happened to aerolanka ?? it doesnt look like srilankan will fly the float planes again too...

someone also give me da update on bahrainair flying colombo :cheers:

Amal

October 31st, 2009, 06:10 AM

came across this nice photo (flickr, user phinalanjji)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2038599616_06561caea6_o.jpg

Pilotofthefuture

October 31st, 2009, 08:02 AM

The A340-300 still is a pretty aircraft.. same with the A330-200. I'm a boeing fan.. but airbus isn't bad at all. The A380, however, i can never come to like. lol.

Anyways.. as many airlines now seem keen on commencing or increasing services to CMB, traffic is really going to pick up and congestion may soon be an issue. I really hope the airport management has implemented the next phases of expansion at the airport especially the second runway and the second pier with additional aerobridges. If they delay anymore it will cost them. CMB can become a decent hub if the infrastructure and facilities are present for efficient transfer of passengers and the ability to handle large banks of arrivals and departures.

banuthev

October 31st, 2009, 09:02 AM

Crisis talks in Muscat over Oman Air flights - http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091101/News/nws_21.html

.

Amal

November 1st, 2009, 11:25 AM

SriLankan adds new flights to Dammam

SriLankan Airlines has launched another flight to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, offering now a total of four flights per week to its Dammam-Colombo route, Arab News has reported. SriLankan has two flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah.

http://www.ameinfo.com/214349.html

banuthev

November 2nd, 2009, 08:53 AM

SriLankan's A330 is now running in the London route. Anybody know why two different flight numbers (UL0510 and UL0502) are in use in the London - Malé - Colombo route (15:35 CMB-landing time)? Also it doesnt looks like SriLankan has increased the flights to London as flights are remains as 8 flights a week.

.

kflyer2

November 2nd, 2009, 02:13 PM

A330 runs for UL505 between 7 Nov - 21 Nov only. Extra flights will begin late November for a total of 12 whereby UL505 will switch to A340 .

ceylon

November 3rd, 2009, 07:05 AM

A330 runs for UL505 between 7 Nov - 21 Nov only. Extra flights will begin late November for a total of 12 whereby UL505 will switch to A340 .

If Srilankan can operate A330-200 to LHR, why do they run it with A340-300 ?
A330 is more economical then A340 bcz A340 is 04 engined aircraft.
I think it is right time for Srilankan to buy few newer A330-200 & A330-300s
to renew the fleet.

banuthev

November 3rd, 2009, 07:33 AM

@ Ceylon - SriLankan is better mix the aircrafts to their destinations using code EQV (Equivalent Varies). Qatar is currently doing that. UL can use the aircraft depend how many seats are sold for that flight. :). Yes, A332 or A333 is more economical for SriLankan.

.

SLAA

November 3rd, 2009, 10:17 AM

After much thought over SriLankan's situation, I think that the best move the airline can make is to direct using its profits on creating new plane interiors. As I think Banuthev (?) told me previously, the Airbus aircraft they have are still economical. And if refurbishing the whole aircraft might be too ambitious at this stage, I think the best thing for them to specialize in is to create a new business class, while also expanding their business class section to accomodate 30 or so seats, as opposed to the 18 or so seats that each of the aircraft has. And lately, there has been ALOT of demand for business class seats on Sri Lanka bound flights because of the new companies investing, and also the smaller percentage of foreigners flying here on holiday, so I think there is much scope for more seats!

Most airlines earn their profit from the premium classes.. And if they are able to upgrade the business class to compete with other carriers, they can also increase the rates by a little, and can still keep the competitive edge, while keeping costs down, for Colombo is a much cheaper hub to operate out, than cities like Hong Kong or Singapore. They can also add more amenities to business class, which could include some features of First class, such as a bar, relaxation area, and upgrading their toilets. And as I said before, because of the lower costs from CMB, they can have higher margins!

Oh and another thing.. I have always had this wish that for when Colombo Airport goes on its new phase of expansion, SriLankan Airlines can request for a separate area to be built for entry for premium passengers, such as a separate check-in area.. which would then grant separate entry into the terminal with a large, new lounge. However, I think it is still relatively too early to say that because the airline is not big enough to really profit from something like that but, should be nice to see in the horizons, when the airline has like 30+ planes in the their fleet of so :)

kflyer2

November 3rd, 2009, 11:41 AM

Cayman

November 4th, 2009, 04:51 PM

UL should go for the A330-300 variant, which is hugely popular as a stop gap measure until the arrival of A350-900.

Latest A333 has a MTOW of 233T as opposed to A343's 357T, so obviously there will be a small reduction, but it will be compensated by the savings in fuel and maintenance.

maran

November 5th, 2009, 02:42 AM

Hi guys, had just bought a ticket from Sri Lankan airlines for the flight from Trichy - Dubai. Upon closer look at the ticket, little did I realised the flight UL 227 route will be as Colombo - Kuwait - Dubai, instead of usual Colombo - Dubai - Kuwait.

Hence, could someone confirm and clarify, whether the current dispute with Oman government, over flying their air-spase, is the root cause for Sri Lankan airlines to take such long-winded route than usual instead???:nuts:

SLAA

November 5th, 2009, 06:48 AM

Things are not as simple as you think. Upgrading Biz class is good, but it will take 15-20mn alone and in the current financial situation this could be too much for UL.
A330 is too small to LHR for year round.

Kflyer, I don't recall mentioning anything about things being "simple". If you read my article you would have understood that what I was trying to bring to light was the simple opinion that this should be the next step taken by SriLankan, when they are able to collect enough revenue, instead of saving up for longer to acquire new aircraft. This will be a short term solution, and if they achieve more success with these new cabin fits, they can buy new aircraft and they can transfer these seats that they made for their old leased aircraft onto their new ones. That is, if the sizes are aligned.

Just an article of interest for you guys:
Sri Lanka to merge with Andaman Islands

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told Parliament that the Indian owned Andaman Islands will come within the area that Sri Lanka hopes to make a claim to as part of its sea bed rights, to the UN Commission on the limits of the continental shelf.

The Minister said that the Government will discuss with India on this issue before making the final submissions to the UN Commission.

Rest of article: http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/05/news51.asp

I don't know about the credibility of this article, and whether this would ever happen, but in the small chance it did, would be interesting to see how the tourism potential and aviation potential would add to the whole Sri Lankan aviation scene.. Right now, it seems that the islands has only one major airport, but this is also pretty tiny... But if you look at the pictures of the island, woahh, you could see it has much potential...

ceylon

November 5th, 2009, 09:11 AM

banuthev

November 5th, 2009, 09:49 AM

@ Ceylon - SriLankan used to fly Nonstop flights to Sydney (10hr 32mts*) using A332 and still mixing A343 and A332 to Tokyo Nonstop (8hr 21mts*). I hope they can. * (includes 15 minute bias and air speed at 460Kts)

.

SLAA

November 5th, 2009, 10:22 AM

banuthev

November 5th, 2009, 10:22 AM

@ Maran - I will check.

.

Cayman

November 5th, 2009, 10:59 AM

SriLankan used to fly Nonstop flights to Sydney (10hr 32mts*) using A332 and still mixing A343 and A332 to Tokyo Nonstop (8hr 21mts*). I hope they can.

* (includes 15 minute bias and air speed at 460Kts)
.

If the UL A330s can reach LHR, SYD and NRT non-stop without any significant payload restrictions, there is absolutely no reason for them to continue to use the A340-300, an aircraft which is being phased out by many airlines due to lack of efficiency. The only two A340 variants that makes at least some sense are the -500 and -600, but even they have not been successful due to competetion from Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER respectively (both twin engined wide bodies).

The current trend is to use the twin engine wide bodies as much as possible due to operational efficiencies derivable and to take the advantage of increased ETOPS.

As for UL, the only meaningful market that they cannot reach with a A330 is continental US, but that is not something UL should worry about at this stage. UL will have no chance at all against the ones like EK, EY and QR who are established operators to North America.

So, in a nut shell, until the UL has to make a re-fleeting decision, which by that time will hopefully revolve around the A350 or B787 offerings, the best fleet decision UL has to make now is to get rid of the A340s on lease and try to lease some new generations A330-300s.

maran

November 5th, 2009, 11:16 AM

[QUOTE=banuthev;45720817]CMB-KWI-DXB-KWI-CMB ?? That is such a waste of money for UL. So this will be applicable to MJ as well.
Can anyone confirm if this is true?

No, it's CMB-KWI-DXB-CMB. Many who bought ticket here in Trichy has a similar bad experience just myself. Too bad, Sri Lankan airlines will indeed, lose large proportion of patrons for Dubai. What a stupid arrogant plan move.:bash::bash::bash:

ceylon

November 5th, 2009, 11:57 AM

If the UL A330s can reach LHR, SYD and NRT non-stop without any significant payload restrictions, there is absolutely no reason for them to continue to use the A340-300, an aircraft which is being phased out by many airlines due to lack of efficiency. The only two A340 variants that makes at least some sense are the -500 and -600, but even they have not been successful due to competetion from Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER respectively (both twin engined wide bodies).

The current trend is to use the twin engine wide bodies as much as possible due to operational efficiencies derivable and to take the advantage of increased ETOPS.

As for UL, the only meaningful market that they cannot reach with a A330 is continental US, but that is not something UL should worry about at this stage. UL will have no chance at all against the ones like EK, EY and QR who are established operators to North America.

So, in a nut shell, until the UL has to make a re-fleeting decision, which by that time will hopefully revolve around the A350 or B787 offerings, the best fleet decision UL has to make now is to get rid of the A340s on lease and try to lease some new generations A330-300s.

For longhual Srilankan need A330-200 s and for medium hual routes they need
A330-300s.Srilankan is a efficeint Airbus operaitor I think best opetion for them is A350

kflyer2

November 5th, 2009, 11:57 AM

Cayman, A340-500 and -600 are the worst. A340-300 is at least slightly better. I fully agree with you that it's not the best. But for UL it's the best.
A332, as I already mentioned, is too small for most destinations. UL's best choice is to order the A350 and use a couple of 777-200ERs, which are available for very cheap, from around 2013 till A350 deliveries begin.
I will check on the UL227 issue and let you know.

kflyer2

November 5th, 2009, 12:04 PM

@maran No change to UL227. You must have mistaken something.

Cayman

November 5th, 2009, 12:15 PM

kflyer,

Both A345 and A346 have been soundly beaten by their Boeing counterparts, so I agree that they are not good planes.

But my observation with regards to A343 was more of a comment for its position within the Airbus lineup. Both 345 and 346 were offered for specific missions to niche markets and they plugged some gaps in the airbus line up that could not be fulfilled by A343 (345 offered better range while 346 offered better MTOW and cabin space).

Compared to A333, the A343 has to offer very little extra, hence the developments that took place over the last 15 or so years during which the A343 has been in existence (such as the increase of the MTOW of A333 and the relaxation of ETOPS rules) have inadvertently made the A343 less useful in many respects.

As of today, it makes much more sense for any airline to replace the existing A343 with A333 and this is happening already. For UL it makes particularly good sense since their A343s are leased, hence easier to get rid of.

maran

November 5th, 2009, 04:41 PM

@maran No change to UL227. You must have mistaken something.

Sorry! No Mistakes! I'm a regular for Sri Lankan airlines flight, for Trichy-Dubai sector. Perhaps, you may check again the schedule for the flight UL 227 on 16 november 2009 itself for your confirmation, since, I'm scheduled to travel on the said date. Please advise.:)

banuthev

November 5th, 2009, 07:37 PM

@ Maran - Yes, UL will fly to Dubai via Kuwait, during the period of 15 November - 19 November, Its going to be taking 8hrs 40 mts to reach to Dubai from CMB. UL's Dubai return flight will operate nonstop to Colombo. But no changes for Mihin. UL flights to DXB will be operating as ususal (CMB-DXB-KWI-DXB-CMB) from 20 November.

This changes is nothing to do with Oman Dispute, because AUH flights are operating as normal on the above period. I think UL wanted to give nonstop flights to KWI on the above period.

.

kflyer2

November 6th, 2009, 04:13 AM

@Cayman
It is not a good choice because
1. Financial state
2. 333 can't fly to any of UL's key long haul markets, where a capacity of 343 or more is required
I agree with you that the 333 is the best in its class, even better than 772A. But there's very little an airline in a situation like UL can do. Otherwise right now you're seeing the lowest market prices in recent history.

@Maran @Banuthev
Sorry I hadn't checked that period. Must be lack of planes. But quiet surprised why would KWI need a nonstop.

SLAA

November 6th, 2009, 05:31 AM

Hey do any of you guys know anything about the loads on UL this forthcoming winter? Have there been any updates from insiders other than the claims that the bookings have been "encouraging"? Any specific statistics yet?

And also, I didn't really understand what SriLankan is doing with the aircraft Mihin is returning to them? Any information on that?

Also, I was wondering whether anyone knew why Milan is still not in the booking engine in www.srilankan.aero when flights start next month??? Is there anyway for people to book online then? Expedia???

Cayman, A340-500 and -600 are the worst. A340-300 is at least slightly better. I fully agree with you that it's not the best. But for UL it's the best.
A332, as I already mentioned, is too small for most destinations. UL's best choice is to order the A350 and use a couple of 777-200ERs, which are available for very cheap, from around 2013 till A350 deliveries begin.
I will check on the UL227 issue and let you know.

Well what about the A330-300E? Doesn't the E stand for "Extended?" Maybe those can fly long haul? I think it would be really nice to see a few Boeings in the SriLankan fleet, but the thing is ordering Boeings will result in the airline having to spend substantial amounts on training its pilots to fly a totally different aircraft, from a different company. However, I'm sure the A350 would not be too much of an offshoot, though the A330-300E sounds like the best bet.

kflyer2

November 6th, 2009, 08:19 AM

A330-300E is in fact A330-300. It is the standard option. Can't fly farther than Istanbul economically from Colombo.

banuthev

November 6th, 2009, 08:45 AM

@ Kflyer & Maran - Yes, UL will fly in CMB-KWI-DXB-CMB route for 4 days (15-19 Nov). But its going to be really tough for the Colombo-Dubai UL pax. UL would've planned to serve Dubai with CMB-AUH-DXB-CMB route just for those 4 days.

.

kflyer2

November 6th, 2009, 09:16 AM

UL website updating is very slow.
The change to UL227 must've been made because at least 70% or more pax are KWI bound.
I'm wondering who's there to give them a plane from Malaysia. Not AirAsia I guess. But it looks as if they're about to get an A320.

banuthev

November 6th, 2009, 10:06 AM

@ Kflyer & Cayman - Seat Capacity is doesnt looks like an issue for UL to have an A333. CX is already operating A330-344s with the seat capacity of 311 seats this includes 44 Biz and 267 Economy. But UL can have 30 Biz and 280 or more Economy.

.

Cayman

November 6th, 2009, 10:25 AM

A330-300E is in fact A330-300. It is the standard option. Can't fly farther than Istanbul economically from Colombo.

kflyer, I knew the A333 had a shorter range compared to A332, but was not aware of the operational efficiencies that made it less economical to fly beyond IST.

According to the great circle mapper distnace between CMB-LHR is 4708nm and the A333 has a range (without penalty) of 5650nm.

Could you please let me know how you came to the above conclusion?

Cayman

November 6th, 2009, 10:51 AM

banu,

Interesting that you mentioned CX, because they are one of the operators who have successfully introduced the A333 in to the mix. I think they have close to 30 of the examples, much more than the number of A343 in their fleet.

CX A343s are memorable to me personally, because out of the 3 times I have flown on them TWICE we had mid air APU shut downs! What are the chances?

One incident the (British) captain was forthcoming about it as he made a delcaration of the impending momentary power outage as pulling in to the gates just before engine shut down.

Second incident, the cockpit crew kept quiet about it but the inevitable power outage between the engine shut down and the connection of ground power was very telling. I spoke to the captain on the way out and asked him if we had a failed APU and he simply smiled.

kflyer2

November 6th, 2009, 01:32 PM

@Cayman Because what you measured is great circle distance and airways are longer. You also need extra fuel for diversion and mid air troubles as the one you mentioned. An A333 with CX's capacity can't fly to more than AMM from CMB economically as it is operating with extra load. In any case, the A333 can never fly to LON ( or even FRA ) from CMB with a full load. The longest 333 route operated even by your favourite CX is HKG-AKL at one very rare occurence. The conclusions are proven operating data.

banuthev

November 6th, 2009, 02:03 PM

@ Kflyer - I accept that range of A332 is longer than A333. However A333 could fly upto 10,500 km with full load. CMB-LHR is only 8,718.49 km. Just in case UL can take technical stop in AMM or IST or BEY... or they can fly nonstop to LHR using A333.

.

kflyer2

November 6th, 2009, 02:23 PM

Guys, learn the facts before you make conclusions. The 333 can't do CMB-LHR. Period.
Maximum is CMB-MXP with a small penalty. The measurement is time, not the distance. Sure it is less than it's stated range, but it takes far long when you travel because the globe is circling. It takes 12h usually for a CMB-LHR flight and the 333 even at the peak of its range can't fly for more than 10h, with a penalty. Without a penalty, max is 8h. Noone wants to lose a plane for a small route planning mistake. Ask a pilot or a route planner if unsure.

Cayman

November 6th, 2009, 05:16 PM

kflyer,

I have never flown CMB-LHR or LHR-CMB nonstop on UL, but my sister and mom have and I am pretty sure the flying time was around 10hrs either way.

Cayman

November 6th, 2009, 05:20 PM

Ok, I have checked the UL website and found this example:

UL 504 (LHR-CMB) has a block time of 10.35 hrs. Considering the traffic in LHR, it is pretty safe to assume the actual wheels up time would be around 10hrs.

However, CMB-LHR may take a little longer taking in to consideration the mandatory 'London city tour' which lastes approxymately 45-60 mins on an average day. Factoring in other variables such as the seasonal winds etc, I think flying a fully laden A333 to LHR nonstop from CMB may be pushing it too far.

Cayman

November 6th, 2009, 05:28 PM

Sidekicker

November 6th, 2009, 05:58 PM

Sri Lankan Engineering Project

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=66727

banuthev

November 6th, 2009, 06:56 PM

Thanks.

.

kflyer2

November 7th, 2009, 01:55 AM

Cayman, were you not aware that westbound flights take longer ? And such data are not published publically.

SLAA

November 7th, 2009, 06:38 AM

Air Mauritius has appointed Mack Air (Pvt) Ltd. as its new GSA for Passenger sales in Sri Lanka from November 1.

Vice President Sales Support and Distribution at Air Mauritius I. Deenanath said that this appointment will give a new boost to sales for Air Mauritius in the Sri Lankan market.

"We already have a good traffic base from Sri Lanka consisting of workers and business traffic and we plan to consolidate on this and also diversify our traffic base by targeting leisure (tourist) traffic especially among the locals and expatriate community. We also plan to promote Mauritius as the transfer point for travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean region," President - Transportation Group of John Keells Holdings PLC Romesh David said.

"We are extremely pleased at the appointment as GSA for Air Mauritius and look forward to working closely with the airline to develop bi-lateral traffic between the two countries. Apart from the business and employment traffic, Mauritius and onward connections to Africa on the Air Mauritius network offers exciting prospects as leisure destinations to the discerning Sri Lankan and expatriate traveller just as much as a peaceful Sri Lanka poses a new and novel option for Mauritian travellers," he said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/07/bus12.asp

Doesn't mean that it will definitely fly here, but still, good to start at the basics :)

SLAA

November 7th, 2009, 06:57 AM

Hey guys, just saying, I think KFlyer is right on the fact that UL can't fly CMB-LHR with an A330-300. I flew SriLankan on the route in January, and I have got to say that even though they say the routing back from LHR is 10.5 hours, it takes slightly more. And the flight to LHR was supposed to take 12 hours, but it took about 11.5 hours. And this was on the A340. There is no possible way that the A333 can fly this long. Just look at even other airlines. The ones that operate A330-300s to London, and I also checked to Paris are primarily US Airways, Air Canada, and Qatar Airways. Each of these flights have a flight time of only about 7-8.5 hours. If you want an even closer regional (sort of) example, look at Singapore Airlines! It flies its A330-300s to Perth, Brisbane and a few Asian cities. All these flights are in the radius of 8 hours. One of its furthest Asian flights is to Nagoya, and this is 6 hours and 15 minutes.

As a matter of fact, UL can't fly to any of its European destinations with it. Here is a rough idea of where it CAN fly to with them;

http://gc.kls2.com/cgi-bin/gcmap?RANGE=3500NM%40CMB&RANGE-STYLE=best&RANGE-COLOR=navy

Anyway I hope this information has somehow helped :) Apologies in advance for my LONG writing style... I enjoy it :cheers:

Cayman

November 7th, 2009, 07:42 AM

Thanks SLAA.

That really puts things in perspective.

banuthev

November 7th, 2009, 11:39 AM

Oman Air to start Colombo flights from Nov 18, settles dispute - http://www.lankaeverything.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1028:oman-air-to-start-flts-from-nov-18-settles-dispute&catid=19:srilanka&Itemid=145

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banuthev

November 8th, 2009, 07:24 AM

Oman Air to start operations next Saturday - http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091108/FinancialTimes/ft05.html

.

FlyHighFly

November 13th, 2009, 02:05 PM

government have to alow omanair to fly colombo.. they have no choice... can ask omanair to reduce number of flights to 4 days a week.

I already know Omanair will fly Colombo with 4 times a week :cheers:
So who is next ??? Bahrainair, Gulfair

pathum1986

November 13th, 2009, 08:10 PM

i love to see Gulf air coming to colombo

banuthev

November 14th, 2009, 09:33 AM

Hello Guys - Can we use this thread also for airport discussion ?

.

banuthev

November 15th, 2009, 01:07 AM

Hambantota airport to take Lanka to new heights - http://www.nation.lk/2009/11/15/inter.htm

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FazilLanka

November 15th, 2009, 05:27 AM

I new airport HIA will be another addition the economic development, but will they be ready by 2011 is a big question???

SLAA

November 15th, 2009, 07:31 AM

SriLankan flies to more destinations

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE reporting from London

SriLankan Airlines will increase its frequencies to Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and France and hoping to re-connect more flights to Indian destinations, said CEO of SriLankan Airlines, Manoj Gunawardane.

He said that the Airline will start flights to Milan from December 16 and operate two daily flights to London. The Airline will also consider a new destination in Germany and increase frequencies to Milan and France, he said.

The CEO said that they would re connect Hyderabad and Cochin as there is a demand for these two sectors.

We are working with Sri Lanka tourism and the travel sector to help promote Sri Lanka as a destination, he said. He said that this is the first time after 30 years of war they are attending the World Travel Mart (WTM) and the feedback they received was very encouraging. This is why we have decided to have two flights a day to London, he added.

He said the airlines faced a down turn during the past two years and it was no exception to SriLankan. We have re fleeted and are rebounding and the cargo sector is doing well which is a positive factor, he said.

Commenting on the Mihin Lanka operations he said that it is not having any negative impact on SriLankan as they have a well coordinated marketing approach.

SriLankan Airlines do not give up anything for Mihin and Mihin does not take anything from us, he stressed. He also said that they may re-start the stalled air taxi service if there is an industry demand. We stoped operations due to security reasons, he said. The Internet bookings are increasing and it accounts to six per cent of the airline sales. We hope to increase this to 20 per cent by end of next year, Gunawardane said. The ‘hot seats’ promotions are becoming popular and the ‘destination of the week campaign’ has been successful.

Expressing his views on the low cost carriers he said that they have helped to increase the market size which has benefited Sri Lanka as well.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/11/15/fin02.asp

Can't wait for the Air Taxis! I'm guessing that the second German destination will be Munich... But I can't wait for the Australian flights to be restarted because it will bring so much revenue to UL, and they can join the kangaroo route (for passengers travelling from Europe to Australia)...

kflyer2

November 15th, 2009, 08:45 AM

Seriously, if they get any new widebody aircraft, SYD must be the priority. And it is of utmost importance and an urgent top priority to avoid QR getting a foothold in this lucrative connecting market.

kflyer2

November 15th, 2009, 09:05 AM

@SLAA It is not high yielding, though

banuthev

November 15th, 2009, 12:01 PM

@ FlyHighFly - Yes, you did ;o) But I am not too sure if Bahrainair or Gulfair when would connect Bahrain and Colombo.

@ SLAA - Yes, Second German destination will be either Munich or Berlin Tegel.

Oman Air in Sri Lankan skies - http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091115/FinancialTimes/ft21.html

.

Cayman

November 15th, 2009, 01:32 PM

Cayman

November 15th, 2009, 01:35 PM

Having the second Ineternational airport in Hambantota makes sense given its proximity to the new port being built there.

This will most certainly promote the combinaiton of the airport and the port as a cargo hub for the region, similar to what Dubai is trying to achieve with JXB and Jebel Ali port.

However, the airport is unlikely to attract large number of business travellers etc, unless there is a very high speed rail link or road link between the airport and Colombo.

kflyer2

November 15th, 2009, 02:02 PM

Good, if things really materialize. To give an insight, twice daily London will take effect only from Winter 2010/11.

Pilotofthefuture

November 16th, 2009, 01:15 AM

Twice daily to London? LHR? Do they have slots?

Skyprince

November 16th, 2009, 06:35 AM

Hambantota Airport will be great idea. I will be visiting Sri Lanka quite frequently from now on, so I can get in to Colombo and out via Hambantota straight to Malaysia, provided Air Asia is flying there. No need to return to the same point of arrival.

banuthev

November 16th, 2009, 08:50 AM

Qatar Airways will be flying 3rd Daily flight to Colombo effective 28 March 2010. more news (http://www.airlineindustryreview.com/qatar-3rd-daily-colombo-kathmandu/).

Can anyone explain to me about "Landing Slot" or "Airport Slot" ? with examples. Wikipedia doesnt have the detailed explanation.

.

kflyer2

November 16th, 2009, 12:47 PM

Landing slots are something that are rare at Heathrow, pricey at Hong Kong and plenty at Colombo. :)

Cayman

November 16th, 2009, 03:51 PM

Can anyone explain to me about "Landing Slot" or "Airport Slot" ? with examples. Wikipedia doesnt have the detailed explanation.

As far as I know, 'Landing slots' are the time slice given to an aircraft to make a landing and clear the active runway. As the previous poster said these are very rare in LHR hence the disgusting (and almost mandatory) London city tour.

Until the green maniacs who populated the marsh around LHR allow for a third runway, the situation will not improve.

Airport slots mostly refers to gate space and the availability of other support services such as baggage handling, re-fueling, de-icing and pushing trucks etc. As far as I know, LHR has no major issue in this area as they appear to have adequate gates and other facilities.

kflyer2

November 17th, 2009, 03:19 AM

To make it more clear, landing slot is a slot that is like a permission to land. Since LHR is one of the busiest in the world and due to limited runways, it is not easy to pickup a slot here. Although the situation has eased recently with many airlines cutting flights, slots are still very costly and usually anybody prefers to keep the slot even if they don't operate to LHR. An LHR slot is around USD50mn usually.

Amal

November 17th, 2009, 11:09 AM

Royal Jordanian increases flight frequency to Milan, Colombo

1 hour, 25 minutes ago

Royal Jordanian has raised the number of regular flights to Milan and Colombo from two to three a week to meet the increased demand on travel to these cities via its route network.

The airline is thus increasing the number of seats offered during weekdays, in addition to providing more choices and flexibility in the flights schedule, to meet passengers' needs.

The increase in flight frequency is due to the growing movement of businessmen and tourists between Jordan, and Italy and Sri Lanka. The decision to increase the number of flights between the kingdom and the two above-mentioned countries helps boost bilateral trade and economic activities, facilitates the traffic of citizens of these countries and enhances cooperation between them in various fields.

Royal Jordanian has added a third trip, starting every Wednesday, to Milan, besides the Thursdays and Sundays trips. It added a third trip to Colombo as well, on Mondays, in addition to the flights on Wednesdays and Fridays.

http://www.ameinfo.com/216357.html

pathum1986

November 17th, 2009, 12:44 PM

did you guys see the google earth ....they update vavniya and kankesanturai map,,, and they refurbing palali runway.

kflyer2

November 17th, 2009, 01:10 PM

Refurbishing ? Can't see anything. Any screenshots ?

banuthev

November 17th, 2009, 01:13 PM

Here you go :)

http://i36.************/op9she.jpg

kflyer2

November 17th, 2009, 02:01 PM

Thanks Banuthev. That's nice. But something looks wrong with the type of laden stuff. For some reason I feel it's not asphalt.

Cayman

November 17th, 2009, 02:29 PM

To me it looks like the asphalt has been removed and the ground being compacted.

Perhaps they are re-enforcing the runway to accommodate larger (and heavier) planes before laying new layer of asphalt.

kflyer2

November 17th, 2009, 02:50 PM

@Cayman It is possible. But how come the aircraft land currently then ? Isn't it the Indian Air Force that wanted to refurbish it and use as one of their hubs in the region ?

banuthev

November 17th, 2009, 03:34 PM

SriLankan is planning to fly twise a week flights to Bhopal Airport. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/09171601.htm

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banuthev

November 20th, 2009, 08:51 PM

The construction work on the second international airport will commence on November 27 at Mattala, Hambantota. http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/21/news02.asp

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banuthev

November 20th, 2009, 09:02 PM

lordvader

November 21st, 2009, 05:17 AM

Hello All,

We are planning to change the name of the "Aviation" thread to "Aviation and Airports". This will make us to discuss the subjects relating Sri Lanka Aviation and Airports in the same thread. I feel that this will be easy and time consuming for our forumers and it will be really interesting for our on going discussions.

Let me know what do you think of it.

Many Thanks
Banuthev

Good idea although we already have an airports thread. Maybe if we merge the two together or something? (although it'll be rather large!)

Some more info and pics on Hambantota Airport: http://www.airport.lk/20091117_1.php

kflyer2

November 21st, 2009, 06:06 AM

Another political fame project. Old infrastructure design, single runway. Creating a LCC Terminal at CMB and extending the runway would've been far more worth it. There is no yield for Hambantota - at least not for at least 5 years from launch.

banuthev

November 21st, 2009, 10:13 AM

Current Picture and Proposed Airport plan of Hambantota Airport - http://www.airport.lk/20091117_1.php

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banuthev

November 21st, 2009, 10:23 AM

@ Pathum - I already aware that we have an existing Airport thread. It'll be better to merge.

.

pathum1986

November 21st, 2009, 11:06 AM

construction work start several months before ....

construction of access road to mattala airport^^
http://i45.************/js0ia1.jpg

contruction of runway ^^
http://i50.************/25rf5gy.jpg^^

http://www.silumina.lk/2009/11/22/

Pilotofthefuture

November 21st, 2009, 01:13 PM

Another political fame project. Old infrastructure design, single runway. Creating a LCC Terminal at CMB and extending the runway would've been far more worth it.

I completely agree with you Kflyer. The construction of the second runway at CMB is needed too. I really hope that the air force would move out now since the conflict is over. That land area could then be put to use for expansion of the airport facilities.

Srilankan1

November 21st, 2009, 10:58 PM

saraprobe

November 22nd, 2009, 08:58 AM

Continuing with the hype and buzz, Sri Lanka is presently attracting, along with some of the island’s best infrastructure projects likely to come off during the next few years, the Sri Lankan Government is to launch another mega landmark project with the construction of the island’s second international airport, commencing November 27, 2009. Hambantota International Airport (HIA), at an estimated cost of US$ 200 million, and funded by the Chinese Government, is a basic eco-friendly airport in Mattala, about 15 miles from the new upcoming Hambantota Port. This is according to the 10-year development plan of the ‘Mahinda Chintana’, where it is categorically stated that an alternative airport is needed in Sri Lanka to position the island as a logistics hub in the region. Last week, The Nation met up with the Chairman- Airport andAviation Services Ltd, Prasanna Wickramasuriya, to find out details about this airport and how it could bear a positive impact on the island’s economy as a whole.

Q: What is the need for an alternative airport?

A: Sri Lanka’s aviation sector presently consists of only a single international airport built over 40 years ago and 12 domestic airports. As Sri Lanka enters a new resurgent growth era, with the end of the long drawn out conflict, demand for passenger traffic as well as cargo growth volumes is on the rise. Therefore, it is important that we stand in a position to leverage on the economic and social opportunity that comes our way to further enhance our skills for the country’s development. On the other hand, the need is for emergency purposes, as we do not have an alternative airport. And the other reason is to save money on fuel, since, if we don’t have another international airport, as is the case now, the problem that airlines face is that they have to bring in excess/additional load of fuel in case they want to divert the traffic. Therefore, having an airport can save a huge amount of money to the country and also attract more international airlines to fly into the country.

Q: Can you justify the location of the airport in Hambantota?
A: There are many reasons that I could argue. This is the ideal location, because with the port and other developments coming up in the surrounding region, there is a valuable commercial hub shaping up in Hambantota. I am firmly of the view that, if our country is to be developed, both sea and air development concepts should go together, which could benefit regional cargo movements and international cargo movements. And as you know, cargo business worldwide is a huge business, so having an airport and port in close proximity, we could attract an increased amount of cargo movements, especially applicable for perishable goods such as fish, fruits and vegetables, where the world is moving to a trend placing high conscience on food hygiene. Also, if you take Hambantota domestically, it is located close to the Eastern Province as well other coastal areas, where an abundance of exportable items are available, coupled with a range of tourist attractions. And the other reason is in terms of air routes, as airlines coming from both east and west, airlines can save fuel as the location is central and closer. Therefore, we expect the new airport to create a large number of job opportunities, and the effectiveness of this new airport will benefit the whole country. We mainly expect that underprivileged districts such as Hambantota, Moneragala, Matara and Ratnapura too would develop with this airport. It should also be noted that the airport is to be strategically located in areas where major road projects such as Colombo-Matara and Hambantota-Batticaloa highway projects are being built.

Q: What are the advantages that the airport would have on the country as a whole?

A: In any country, when you see that the transport system is in order, that is a sign of rapid development. This is the vision of our President Rajapaksa, as well as the guidance that is built upon from the Minister of Ports, Aviation and Water Management, Chamal Rajapaksa. There will be tremendous potential for infrastructure facilities such as hotels, roads, bridges and other facilities, while job opportunities will flow from all sectors once the airport is built. It would be a blessing for the development of these areas and to the whole country as well. There will be both direct aeronautical advantages as well as non-aeronautical benefits to reap from. In terms of direct aeronautical advantages, the airport will attract domestic passenger traffic, regional passenger traffic and international passenger traffic. People could make use of this airport as a regional passenger hub and also as a domestic passenger hub. There will be indirect aeronautical benefits as well, such as expansion of pilot training institutes, MROs maintenance hubs, charters, private jet parking facilities, mechanic training institutes etc. Other tourism related business will also flourish as tourist attractions are already around the airport. Airport related industries such as aircraft painting, aircraft workshops and engine repair shops will also take ground. So the main thing is we Sri Lankans should be ready for the challenge and nurture ourselves from now on with the required skills, so that by the time things open up, we would be prepared.

Q: How have you proposed to construct the airport and what is the duration of the project?

A: It is going to be a basic eco-friendly airport of medium size. The extent of the land available is about 2000 hectares of State land. The initial development will be on 800 hectares, for which the environment impact assessment clearance has already been obtained. During the first phase of the project, only around 400 hectares of land is to be utilised, while the remaining 400 hectares will be used later to develop aviation related industries, such as Maintenance, Repair Operations (MRO) and other facilities. The airport would consist of one four-kilometre long runway and a taxiway built, so that even a big aircraft like an A380 could land. As I am very adamant that the project be completed on schedule, I want to see the first aircraft take off from Hambantota International Airport by the end of 2011.

Q: What is the amount of passenger and cargo traffic you expect to create at the new airport in the next few years?

A: We are expecting that from 2013 onwards, annually, there will be at least one million passengers using the new airport. At present, even in Katunayake we are handling about 5 million passengers per annum, and our target is to double the amount by 2012. This new airport will reduce congestion at the Bandaranaike International Airport and the tourism and hospitality industry will gather momentum.

Nation (http://www.nation.lk/2009/11/15/inter.htm)