Aviation & Airports [Archive] - Page 12

SLAA

March 14th, 2010, 01:28 PM

First father and son captains make history at SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines recorded a unique event when Captain Ranjit Pedris and Captain Shavantha Pedris became the first father and son to hold the coveted title of Captain in one airline at the same time in the history of Sri Lankan aviation.

SriLankan's Head of Flight Operations Capt. Druvi Perera said: "This is certainly a memorable event in the history of aviation in Sri Lanka, as there had not been a father and son duo of captains in up to now in either Air Ceylon or SriLankan. We congratulate both Captain Ranjit Pedris and Captain Shavantha Pedris on this unique achievement."

Capt. Ranjit Pedris, 60, is today the second most senior Captain at SriLankan Airlines.

He was one of the airline's pioneering flight crew, joining what was then AirLanka as a First Officer from Air Ceylon where he had started his career, and being confirmed as Captain in 1985.

A visibly delighted Capt.

Ranjit Pedris said: 'It is an extraordinary feeling to witness my son becoming a Captain of the airline which has been an integral part of my life for more than 30 years.

To be Captains together at the same time, and to be the first father and son to do so, is simply indescribable.

It is the pride of any father to have his son follow in his footsteps, but most are retired by the time their sons achieve a level of distinction. I have indeed been fortunate to witness my son being promoted to command while I too am flying.'

His son Capt. Shavantha Pedris joined the airline as a Cadet Pilot in 2002 and after six years as a First Officer carried out his first command flight on an Airbus A320 on the 18th of January 2010.Capt. Shavantha Pedris, who is now 30, added: "I didn't realise that my father and I would be making history until quite recently. There have been several Captains whose sons became First Officers, but in all those instances either the father left or retired, or the son left to another airline, so they were never Captains at SriLankan at the same time. I've flown five flights up to now as First Officer with my father as Captain, and each one was very special."

Looking forward to the future, Shavantha says that although there are many opportunities for pilots to join other airlines, he has his sights firmly set on the National Carrier.

"It is absolutely fantastic to fly for SriLankan.

We have a route network that enables us to experience so many cities from Europe in the west to Japan in the east.

Also, everyone at SriLankan knows us, and you're not just a number.

It's a great feeling to work with people whom my father has trained over the years.

It was more than good enough for my father for 30 years, so it's certainly good enough for me," he said.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/03/14/fin70.asp

Cayman

March 14th, 2010, 04:37 PM

@kflyer,
Who is Majali?

Cayman

March 14th, 2010, 04:47 PM

First father and son captains make history at SriLankan Airlines

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain..... and my son will be flying this sector" :)

Reminds me of the recent incident at JFK ATC, where a controller got his son to hand over the flights :)

kflyer2

March 14th, 2010, 04:59 PM

@Cayman Samer Majali, Gulf Air CEO
Most of UL pilots are pretty talented. Far more talented than most of their regional counterparts. Mr. Druvi Perera himself is known as one of the best professionals in the carrier. A person highly respected by many pilots and called as someone who's doing all the hard work behind scenes to carry on the airline.
The JFK incident was far different. It was illegal, but the child however had correctly instructed the pilots for finals.

Cayman

March 14th, 2010, 05:16 PM

@kflyer,

Thanks for the info.

BTW, JFK 'child controller' did not clear pilots for finals, he was merely handing them out to departures, which is just a routine radio call.

Amal

March 15th, 2010, 07:24 AM

Sri Lankan Airlines to expand routes, frequencies

Mar 12, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lankan Airlines plans to add more destinations and increase frequencies on existing routes as it expands and the island's tourist trade revives with the end of a war, senior officials said.

The island's national carrier also intends to lease more aircraft, raising its fleet to 20 aircraft from 12 Airbus aircraft of various types today, said G S Vitanage, additional secretary of Sri Lanka's aviation ministry.

The state-owned airline plans to start flights to Shanghai, in China where it already flies to Beijing, and also operate to Jakarta while increasing the frequency of flights to Tokyo, he said.

Shri Senanayake, the airline's international relations manager, said it aims to carry 55 percent of tourists into the island with the end of the ethnic war resulting in a revival in tourist arrivals.

"With the war now over a whole lot of new opportunities are now before us," he told a news conference.

The country returned to normal only after May 2009 when government forces defeated the Tamil Tigers, ending a 30-year war.

"Not even one year has passed since normalcy returned and the global recession is still with us," Senanayake said.

He also said the airline's was moving towards becoming profitable after making losses owing to the global economic slump and the problems caused by the island's war which had deterred travel.

"Now we've managed to reduce losses. There's a gradual rise towards profitability."

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=188234620

Amal

March 15th, 2010, 01:01 PM

Kingfisher set to launch 7 international routes

March 15, 2010 14:04 IST

India's second largest private carrier Kingfisher Airlines will launch seven international routes this summer, which include a daily non-stop flight between New Delhi and London starting March 28 and one between New Delhi and Hong Kong beginning April 7.

The two services are part of seven new international routes, for which Kingfisher Airlines received traffic rights from the Indian government last month, Kingfisher Airlines commercial administration and industrial affairs general manager Arjun Dasgupta said at the ITB Berlin 2010 -- the world's largest tourism fair.

The other routes include New Delhi-Bangkok, New Delhi-Dubai, Mumbai-Colombo, Mumbai-Bangkok and Mumbai-Dubai.

http://business.rediff.com/report/2010/mar/15/air-kingfisher-set-to-launch-7-international-routes.htm

banuthev

March 15th, 2010, 01:45 PM

Do you think Korean Air will have enough traffic on the route of Colombo-Seoul (ICN) vv.??. As the demand of Sri Lanka Cargo improves, Korean Air Cargo might resume flights to Colombo.

Just wondering why Colombo booking has not been added yet on the Korean Air website. http://www.koreanair.com.

kflyer2

March 15th, 2010, 02:14 PM

@Banuthev It is a charter.

Sidekicker

March 15th, 2010, 06:08 PM

what does Charter Flights mean anyway? not sure

saraprobe

March 15th, 2010, 11:31 PM

www.srilankadevelopment.com (www.srilankadevelopment.com)

saraprobe

March 16th, 2010, 06:30 AM

Mar 16, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lanka is to become a "Naval, Aviation, Commercial, Energy and Knowledge hub." We are already an incipient aviation hub for the southern Indian region, including the Maldives. How did we get here? How can we build on what has been achieved?

How did we get here?

First, the government reformed airport operations with the creation of Airport Aviation Services Limited (AASL) as a government owned company in 1983, with the intention of allowing it to function efficiently, unshackled from government administrative culture.

That structure was a distinct improvement from what existed before, and the airport was for several years superior to its Indian peers (though of course not to Singapore, Bangkok, etc.). Airports compete with other airports in the region. To stand still is to fall back.

Anyone who has seen the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/) will understand the need for reforms in the management of the Bandaranaike International Airport.

While the physical infrastructure has been much improved in the past few years, the organization is now showing the ill effects of abuse of power for political and venal purposes and the creeping recolonization by government mindsets.

Concrete and jetways do not an aviation hub make. An aviation hub is one where transit occurs. Many passengers come to a hub airport not because they want to visit the country where the airport is located, but because they wish to catch another plane.

The airport makes money from the services it provides these transit passengers and to the airlines that carry them. The people from the country where the airport is located and who use it as their primary connection with the world benefit because the transit traffic justifies a much richer schedule of direct flights to a range of destinations.

The BIA is an incipient hub because even today SriLankan Airlines brings in a lot of passengers who are travelling to/from India. Some of these people do not leave the airport at all, connecting to flights that leave immediately after they arrive.

Others do leave the airport, staying in hotels for a few hours or longer, before coming back to catch a flight. This (as well as the attraction of Indians to Sri Lanka as tourists) was made possible by the initiative taken by the then Minister for Economic Reforms, Milinda Moragoda, back in 2002 to allow visa-on-arrival to Indian visitors, despite the stubborn refusal of the Indian Foreign Service bureaucracy to relax visa requirements for Sri Lankans visiting India.
http://www.lbo.lk/newsimages/10lbomar16colombo.gif
Table 1 shows the results, with Colombo recovering faster from the worldwide decline in air travel caused by 9/11, even though it was hit doubly hard because of the LTTE’s airport attack.

Unilateral liberalization of the visa regime yielded immediate benefits in terms of tourism (India rising to become the largest market, with one of the highest growth rates), but also created the conditions for Colombo to emerge as an incipient regional aviation hub.
http://www.lbo.lk/newsimages/10lbomar16topfive.gif
The India Sri Lanka Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) process which was initiated through a 2003 joint study report with major contributions from the Ministry for Economic Reform, Science and Technology was intended to lock in these benefits. Though the report preceded the negotiation of the CEPA proper, it yielded immediate benefits by liberalizing the aviation market in 2004. The Sri Lanka-India routes were liberalized with permission being granted to Indian private airlines to fly into Colombo and constraints were lifted on flights into India by airlines from Sri Lanka.

The combined results of the visa and market liberalizations can be seen in the accelerated growth of passengers going through Colombo in 2004 (Table 1) as well as in the rapid increase of transit passengers in Colombo, pulling ahead of India’s principal gateway airport, Mumbai (Tables 3 and 4).
http://www.lbo.lk/newsimages/10lbomar16transit.gif
Table 4 shows that the rapid growth of transit passengers plateaued by 2008, along with overall passenger traffic, indicating that the momentum of 2002-04 is running out. More reforms are urgently needed if Colombo is truly to achieve hub status.
http://www.lbo.lk/newsimages/10lbomar16arriving.gif
The preoccupation with the war and the lack of a consistent focus has allowed some of Colombo’s lead to shrink. For example, Jet Airways is in the process of converting sleepy Chennai airport into a hub, connecting even Sri Lankan passengers to its direct flights to Europe and beyond through the Anna International Terminal.

For inexplicable reasons, the government balked at signing the CEPA. It has so far failed to implement a good regulatory regime for BIA, still governed by archaic monopoly arrangements for ground handling services. The unpardonable and avoidable mess of Mihin Lanka has cast a pall on the entire industry.

The management turmoil caused by trying to renationalize SriLankan and the resultant financial crisis have made it even less likely that it could be weaned from its reliance on ground-handling profits to reduce losses from flying operations.

In 2004, the Civil Aviation Authority Annual Report contained comparative data on ground handling charges in Colombo vis-à-vis regional competitors which showed that the charges here were, for the most part, too high. A similar study does not appear to have been conducted since the departure of the then DGCA, Mr H.M.C. Nimalasiri, perhaps because of the sensitivity of the topic.

How can we build on what has been achieved?

We are close to India, but are not India. We are small and therefore have the potential to be nimble and fast. Despite many shortcomings, the airport still works a little better than most of its counterparts in India. These are the central truths we must work from, if we are to at least keep up with the Indian economic juggernaut, now that it has been awakened from its long licence-raj slumber.

Hubs cannot be decreed into existence. Hubs emerge because the economics are right. They disappear when the economics go wrong. In the 1950s and 1960s, Singaporeans came to Colombo to connect to flights to Europe. Since the 1970s, we have been going to Singapore to connect to flights.

The decline of Colombo and the rise of Singapore were based on massive investment, good regulation and public-private partnerships. If Colombo is to rise again, merely talking about making it a hub will not do. We will need a laser-like focus on the increasing investment through public-private partnerships and in creating a modern regulatory regime for airport and aviation services that will facilitate investment and efficiency.

Some of the investments are being done; others need to be done. Currently, aircraft have to carry extra fuel when coming to Colombo because the nearest alternative airports (Male and Chennai) are more than one hour away. The construction of the Mattala Airport will remedy this problem. But there is still the need for a second runway, arguably even more important than the alternative airport.

Anyone who has seen a real hub airport will appreciate that we do not have enough gates to justify being called a hub. Construction must begin now of another terminal at BIA. All this requires investment. It is best that this come from willing private entrepreneurs, rather than from the government’s meager budget. The path is not one of greater reliance on government, but on public-private partnerships, on the lines of what is being done in the major international airports of India.

Hyderabad becoming the world’s fifth best airport in 2010 is a wake-up call. Even if the early results are going to be disappointing it is imperative that Colombo join the ASQ rankings. If even Chennai has the guts to be assessed against the competition, why not Colombo?

Colombo’s future as viable regional hub airport depends on continuing progress on reforming the airport and introducing competition. Infrastructure reforms must not depend on which government is in power. The actions that made Colombo an incipient aviation hub were taken by previous UNP governments, other than the privatization of SriLankan Airlines in 1998.

It is heartening that the current President has, in addition to giving priority to the construction of an alternative airport, made the aviation hub a centerpiece of his second term. The Mahinda Chintana Idiri Dekma lays out the vision of what is to be achieved, but is thin on how it is to be achieved.

The how is spelled out in the “Sri Lanka National Congress Agenda for Influencing the Government,” the manifesto of Milinda Moragoda’s campaign in 2010. The relevant actions include:

• See India as an opportunity not a threat and engage to create Sri Lankan jobs
• Enter into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) [with India]
• Facilitate public and private sectors to work together in a win‐win partnership
• Rationalize archaic rules and regulations and bureaucratic red tape that obstruct and hinder progress and economic development

One hopes that there will be bipartisan consensus on the next stage of making Colombo an aviation hub for the southern Indian region, including the Maldives, and that the consensus will be translated into right actions and consistency of purpose.

Rohan Samarajiva is a former Sri Lanka Telecommunications regulator. To read earlier columns please go to the 'Choices' category on LBO's main menu or click on the 'related stories' below.

SLAA

March 17th, 2010, 10:31 AM

For all those interested, just a reply to the quick email I wrote to Austrian Airlines on whether they will be returning to Colombo. I also wrote a similar one to Turkish Airlines.

Dear Mr.SLAA,

Thank you very much for your interest in our Austrian network to Sri Lanka. For this moment we have no additional capacity to reopen another destination. Nevertheless we monitor the demands and the traffic throughout Europe very carefully. We are fully aware, that the situation has changed in Sri Lanka already, and as soon as we are convinced that we can operate a profitable flight to colombo, we will take this option into consideration.

In closing I thank you in your trust in our Austrian Airlines operation, and do hope you will find another opportunity within our Austrian Network!

Kind Regards
Wolfgang Ebner

They answered in like 12 hours! That's what I call efficiency. Guess, what I even adviced them to look on starting onward flights to Australia in the future! Haha never hurts to suggest :lol: I did the same to Turkish, tho I've heard they're starting flights to Sydney through Jakarta.

lordvader

March 18th, 2010, 01:37 AM

Is the new Colombo Airport terminal and expansion still being built? I havent really heard anything about it recently. Its imperative it gets built soon with all the new airports springing up in the South Asian region.

Fusionist

March 18th, 2010, 07:42 PM

For all those interested, just a reply to the quick email I wrote to Austrian Airlines on whether they will be returning to Colombo. I also wrote a similar one to Turkish Airlines.

They answered in like 12 hours! That's what I call efficiency. Guess, what I even adviced them to look on starting onward flights to Australia in the future! Haha never hurts to suggest :lol: I did the same to Turkish, tho I've heard they're starting flights to Sydney through Jakarta.

ah, you can call that efficiency. But if I was the managing director of Austrian Airlines I would be concerned that the staff has all the free time in the world to answer basic emails within 12 hours, that too in detail. I would rather asign them more work or consider options of making them redundant and save money for the company ;)

banuthev

March 18th, 2010, 10:35 PM

Mahan Airlines (W5) will be flying once a week nonstop flight from Tehran (IKA) to Colombo, using B744. Operation period: 19 Mar - 02 Apr 2010.

lordvader

March 19th, 2010, 12:39 AM

Mahan Airlines (W5) will be flying once a week nonstop flight from Tehran (IKA) to Colombo, using B744. Operation period: 19 Mar - 02 Apr 2010.

Do you reckon UL or Mihin will pick up this route later on if its profitable? Then again Mihin might have problems, seeing that their name is quite similar to Mahan!

Sidekicker

March 19th, 2010, 02:14 AM

Mahan Airlines (W5) will be flying once a week nonstop flight from Tehran (IKA) to Colombo, using B744. Operation period: 19 Mar - 02 Apr 2010.

Why is it only operating for that short period??

SLAA

March 19th, 2010, 02:17 AM

ah, you can call that efficiency. But if I was the managing director of Austrian Airlines I would be concerned that the staff has all the free time in the world to answer basic emails within 12 hours, that too in detail. I would rather asign them more work or consider options of making them redundant and save money for the company ;)

Well that's why you have customer service:):) And I don't think that it would take more than 10-15 minutes to write back an email. Gotta keep everyone happy. It's all about the relations with the passengers :yes:

Lovelanka

March 19th, 2010, 01:14 PM

Japan and Sri Lanka concludes “mini” open-skies deal

Japan and Sri Lankan this past week has concluded a “mini” open-skies deal during its latest bilateral air service revision talk. Although both parties didn’t consider this a “open-skies” deal, in general there are no traffic restrictions between the two countries, excluding Tokyo area.

Highlights are:

Liberalization of frequencies and destinations
Limits of weekly frequencies and destinations between the two countries, are removed, except Tokyo

Tokyo Narita
Sri Lankan carrier can increase Colombo – Tokyo Narita service from 3 to 5 weekly, as early as starting March 2010. Same benefits for Japanese carriers is guaranteed if they wish to operate similar level of frequency.

Codeshare Expansion
Limitations of frequencies and codeshare citypairs are removed. This only applies traffic between the two countries

Press Release in Japan issued b Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on 18MAR10 can be found here.

http://airlineroute.net/2010/03/19/japan-srilanka/

Lovelanka

March 19th, 2010, 01:16 PM

SriLankan/ETIHAD US codesharing

SriLankan Airlines’ “UL” code is appearing on ETIHAD’s US service. Codeshare routes and flight numbers as follows:

ROUTE UL Codeshare EY Operating
Abu Dhabi – Chicago UL2651 EY151
Chicago – Abu Dhabi UL2650 EY150
Abu Dhabi – New York JFK UL2601 EY101
New York JFK – Abu Dhabi UL2600 EY100

http://airlineroute.net/2010/03/15/uley-uscodeshare/

Cayman

March 19th, 2010, 02:22 PM

^^
Strange, because EY's own CMB service was a good connection for at least the ORD flight.

Amal

March 19th, 2010, 03:14 PM

Serendib Treasures unveils its fabulous new collection

SriLankan Airlines has unveiled its fabulous new Serendib Treasures on-board duty free collection, with more than 50 exciting new items for passengers to choose from.

The new collection of more than 150 products includes a large number of the world's most famous name brand items in fragrances, cosmetics, designer watches, jewellery, travel accessories, designer pens, spirits, and tobacco. There are also airline souvenirs and children’s delights such as model aircraft and airport sets and watches.

...

In keeping with the National Carrier's policy of promoting Sri Lankan products, Serendib Treasures includes the ‘Memories of Sri Lanka’ collection of items such as brassware, jewellery, handicrafts, batiks, ties, cufflinks, tiepins, CD's of Sri Lankan songs including an instrumental selection and one by Clarence Wijewardana, and a Siddhalepa herbal spa pack.

A new addition is "The Patriot Collection" by the Mother Sri Lanka Foundation (www.mothersrilanka.lk), which is an initiative by the Government of Sri Lanka to inspire positive thinking about the country and bring about a change in attitude among Sri Lankans. It includes T-shirts, caps, tie pins, key tags, paperweights, and mouse pads, all branded with the national flag and lion emblem.

http://www.biz.lk/biz/businessnews/results.asp?key_c=3243

Sidekicker

March 21st, 2010, 07:02 AM

Colombo Airport Hub Article:
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/03/21/a-regional-aviation-hub-what-will-it-take/

Lovelanka

March 22nd, 2010, 04:07 PM

Ban on private flying may be relaxed

CAA Saturday, 20 March 2010 00:00

By Lakna Paranamanna and Amreen Ameen

The Civil Aviation Authority yesterday said it would soon consider lifting restrictions on private flying in selected parts of the country.

CAA Director General Parakrama Dissanayake said the ‘open skies’ scheme is being discussed with the relevant authorities including the defence authorities and expressed hope that the scheme would come into effect within the next few months.

“Air movements were curtailed during the past few years, on recreational aviation mainly due to the conflict situation that prevailed in the country.

But due to the high demand and the positive changes in the country the CAA decided it’s time that some of the restrictions were relaxed to encourage recreational and educational aviation activities,” Mr. Dissanayake said.

According to him this decision was taken between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Force last week.

“Now that the situation of the country is back to normal we don’t have any threats, but precautionary methods have still been taken so that there will be freedom of aviation for the people,” he said.

He said the authorities had been getting inquiries from tourists who have been keen to bring in their own equipment for use in the island.

Usually only commercial flights, chartered flights and military flights were granted permission to fly within the Sri Lankan airspace due to threats of terrorist activities by air.

However, an ‘open skies’ scheme was declared in 2006 in the South named ‘Southern Free sky’. “Through the lifting of the restrictions on private flying we hope to revive similar ‘open skies’ schemes,” he said.

He said even the aviation schools that are operating in Sri Lanka were facing hardships as the air movements were curtailed within the country. “Therefore certain areas within the local air space would be granted access for recreational and educational purposes suitably,” he said adding however, certain limitations might still exist considering as a result of security concerns. “Areas of restriction would include defense installations and ports,” he added.

Among the activities that would be allowed access in the ‘open skies’ schemes include hot-air ballooning, hang-gliders, powered gliders and flying micro-light aircrafts and model aircrafts.

When inquired by the Daily Mirror from the SriLankan Airlines whether they would resume sea plane operations in the inland tanks and lakes a spokesman for the airline said there was no decision to resume such operations. “The main reason was heavy security restrictions at the time. There were times that we suspended flights at short notice and paid heavy pay backs to customers, as per strict consumer laws prevailing in courtiers of origin of passengers”, the spokesperson for Sri Lankan airlines said adding that “It was clearly a business decision.”

http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/news/front-page-news/6438.html

banuthev

March 23rd, 2010, 01:55 PM

@ Sidekicker – Charter-flight definition is found here (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-charter-flight.htm). I guess Mahan Air (W5) is also operating the charter flight for some Persian Tour Package.

According to this article (http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/news/19681944-sri-lanka-reports-record-visitor-numbers.html) British Airways has chances of fly the Sri Lanka route back again. Existing London (LGW) - Malé route can be extended to Colombo.

Please Vote "Colombo Bandaranaike Airport" for an Emerging Airport. Thanks.

Here is the Vote-Link:
http://www.arabianreach.com/emaa/vote.htm
.

saraprobe

March 24th, 2010, 12:33 PM

Mar 24, 2010 (LBO) - A makeshift airstrip built by Tamil Tiger separatists in the jungles of northern Sri Lanka is to be turned into an aviation complex under government post-war reconstruction plans, an official said.
L H Indrasiri, director, geographical information systems of the Urban Development Authority, said the proposal was part of a regional development plan for the island's northern province.

The Tamil Tigers built an airstrip in thick jungle at Iranamadu, near an irrigation reservoir, when the area was under their control.

The airstrip was used by the rebels for training for their air wing made up of light aircraft and was bombed several times by air force jets.

The Tigers were crushed in May 2009, ending their 30-year ethnic war in the north and east.

The government wants to develop the airstrip into an aviation complex, training and research institute, Indrasiri told a seminar organised by the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council to brief investors on investment opportunities.

Another former Tiger stronghold in Mullaithivu, on the northeast coast, has been earmarked as a centre for fisheries-based engineering equipment industry and for sea-based and eco-tourism, Indrasiri said.

It would have facilities for boat building, fishing gear and ice plants.

The Nanthikadal lagoon in the area, where Tiger leaders made their last stand before being killed by government troops, would be made available for the private sector for hotels and guest houses.

saraprobe

March 25th, 2010, 02:42 AM

Harischandra Gunaratna at the ITB in Berlin

Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe yesterday expressed confidence that the national carrier would in the near future acquire the stake Emirates Airline has in it and that discussions are now going on.

He said it is imperative that we buy over the 49% stake the the UAE airline has if Sri Lanka is to focus on the future.

Wickremasinghe emphasised the need to improve the existing infrastructure and increase the exisisting fleet from 14 aircraft to double by 2014-2015.

"The airport is now fully congested and passengers even don’t have room to move about as there is a marked increase in the number of passengers moving in and out of the country," he pointed out.

If we miss the opportunities that have come our way now we will never get another opportunity he said adiding that a number of foreign aitrlines who didn’t operate to Sri Lanka in the last few years now want to operate here and some have already commenced operations he said.

Airlines already operating here want to increase the number of frequencies to the country as there is a better yield with the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka, Wickramasinghe noted.

The BIA will be too small for future operations with a number of airlines touching down at the BIA and many more to come.

Hence there is an urgent need to look at short term measures such as expanding the size of the airport , add more aircraft to the fleet as well as imporve the services at the airport he added.

The Chairman said that he was surprised to see the congestion and the long queues at the BIA when he came to the airport to board the UL flight to Frankfurt last Sunday and added that an immediate solution has to brought in to this problem before it is too late.

Asked how he plans to increase the fleet, Wickramasinghe said the government has guranteed the finaces for the lease or outright purchase of aircraft since there is an urgency.

"We also have to have another airport to meet this demand and Mattala is the answer,’ he noted.

Due to lack of aircraft A-330 and A-340 used for long haul flights have been forced to operate on short haul routes as well resulting in big losses for the airline, he said.

Sri Lankan Airlines is planning to lease a few A-321 aircrat in trhe immediate future to solve this porblem, he said.

A new service will be introduced from June 1 to Shanghai flying thrice weekly and there are plans to introduce daily flights to Beijing in time to come he said. The daily flights from Colombo to Bangkok will be extended to these two cities he pointed out.The National carrier will also introduce a fifth frequency to Frankfurt.

He also sad that the Airport and Aviation Authority and other allied institutions would have to work much closer with the national carrier if we are to achieve the desired results.

Island (http://www.island.lk/2010/03/25/business18.html)

lordvader

March 25th, 2010, 05:36 AM

Less talk more action! I suppose theyve revamped their service so lets see where they go with this!

banuthev

March 25th, 2010, 09:58 AM

SLAA

March 25th, 2010, 01:36 PM

Its good news SriLankan has thought of getting few more A321s. A321 will also be best equipment for routes like Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kuwait (non-stop)...

Its weird that above news says SriLankan to operate Shanghai (PVG) with three times per week from June 1. It should be wrong. Actually SriLankan will fly Shanghai with four times per week, effective July 1. PVG = UL00886/7 via Bangkok.

Royal Jordanian (RJ) to operate new Airbus A330-200 in the Colombo route, effective mid May 2010. RJ is currently flying Colombo with three times per week.

Hey Banuthev, I know you have good sources, but can you provide any links about the PVG flights? And what will happen to the Hong Kong flights if Beijing and Shanghai get serviced via Bangkok? Hopefully they will be direct? And how many frequencies does Frankfurt have at the moment??

Srilankan1

March 25th, 2010, 02:35 PM

Too many press issues and plans are revealed.

But I cant see that much happening with Srilankan Airlines.

banuthev

March 26th, 2010, 01:04 AM

@ SLAA - I got the PVG flight details from amadeus dot net. UL will operate PEK & HKG flights via BKK even after PVG launch. PEK - 4 weekly & HKG - 3 weekly. Most interesting matter I have spotted on the flight timetable was 2 UL flights will be landing at BKK in just 10 mins intervals on tuesdays, effective July 1. Previously I saw 2 UL aircraft at LHR, were queuing up one after another for scheduled take-off. First-bird was A343, which was for CMB non-stop and another one was A332 for CMB via DXB. This was happened 9 years ago. Lets comeback to FRA flights. UL operates 4 weekly to FRA. It appears to be FRA's frequency are going to be the same though out the summer 2010 unless UL make the changes later on.

SLAA

March 26th, 2010, 12:50 PM

SLAA

March 26th, 2010, 12:57 PM

SLAA

March 26th, 2010, 01:02 PM

Lovelanka

March 26th, 2010, 01:16 PM

quote: Sri Lankan Airlines is planning to lease a few A-321 aircrat in trhe immediate future to solve this porblem, he said.

What about Srilankan getting wide-body aircraft this year? Which aircraft they looking to get?

tig

March 26th, 2010, 02:42 PM

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zw5SmXJkwvs/S5oPV3TFk-I/AAAAAAAABYc/ytErNZ4Ries/s720/P1290013.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_zw5SmXJkwvs/S5oPW8JlelI/AAAAAAAABYg/m62Qf5nYWfk/s720/P1290014.JPG

Courtesy of Payal
[B]
SO Empty

at this time they want to build another airport in Hambantota ? Bandaranaiek is not even busy, may be airport in Jaffna or Trincomale/Batiicola would have been a gud idea, Hambantota its not far away from Colombo to have a another airport. After teh airport completing other than a cricket stadium and 3, 3 STAR hotel there is nothing there, waste of money, they could have used it to make clean washrooms and stuff

banuthev

March 26th, 2010, 03:13 PM

Helitours Soaring High - completes 200 domestic flights Helitours the largest & premier domestic air service in Sri Lanka, operated by the SLAF, completed its 200th flight on the 24th March 2010 since resumption of operations last year.

Helitours resumed its operations on the 21st of July last year after the successful conclusion of the "humanitarian operations". Since then, Helitours has transported 2669 passengers, clocking nearly 520 flying hours in the process.

Immediately after the cessation of hostilities with the A9 road yet to be opened, those who needed to visit the North had to wait on a long waiting lists to book seats on one of the few private airliners in operation or were forced to take the sea route. - Full news ... (http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100326_07)

banuthev

March 26th, 2010, 03:26 PM

@ SLAA - Yes, Sri Lankan will operate 11 weekly to Bangkok effective July 1.

I came across this article on the Airliner World Magazine. Click here (http://i42.tinypic.com/16iuoea.jpg) to see the picture.
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kflyer2

March 26th, 2010, 03:39 PM

SriLankan will only operate 10 weekly to BKK. It was one A321 that was due to join by July, but now it seems as if a 5th A330 is in operation by July. However, I think the operation is still not fully finalized thus not reflecting actual fleet.

banuthev

March 26th, 2010, 04:21 PM

@ Kflyer - Yes, GDS now shows Beijing flights will be 3 weekly from March 28 and Hong Kong flights 4 weekly between March 28 to June 30 . Therefore Bangkok will receive 10 weekly from July 1, while PEK is 3 weekly. GDS keeps on changing the days of operation. Nothing seems to be finalized yet.

lordvader

March 27th, 2010, 02:28 AM

@ SLAA - Yes, Sri Lankan will operate 11 weekly to Bangkok effective July 1.

I came across this article on the Airliner World Magazine.

http://i42.tinypic.com/16iuoea.jpg

Good to see SriLankan back in aviation publications. Are they currently refurbishing the fleet or is that yet to start?

SriLankan will only operate 10 weekly to BKK. It was one A321 that was due to join by July, but now it seems as if a 5th A330 is in operation by July. However, I think the operation is still not fully finalized thus not reflecting actual fleet.

So theyre now getting an A321 and an A330 (200?) this year? Are they still getting adding a second narrowbody plane this year (A321 or A320)? UL now seem to have a target of at least 20-28 aircraft by 2014-2015 as stated by various people to the media.

lordvader

March 28th, 2010, 02:37 AM

DATE: 19/02/10
SOURCE: Air Transport Intelligence news

By Mary Kirby

SriLankan Airlines has contracted airline rating organization Skytrax to conduct a full audit of its customer experience, as the flag-carrier gears up to refurbish and re-fleet.

"The audit is in progress and will run for several months, as the Skytrax team travels on board SriLankan flights in all regions, and evaluates every aspect of customer service and our product," says SriLankan Airlines CEO Manoj Gunawardena.

"I'm proud to say that refurbishment and re-fleeting are on the cards in the near future, thus reflecting our vision to achieve a five-star status not in terms of size but quality onboard service."

Late last year, SriLankan announced its intent to begin a comprehensive long-haul fleet renewal. The carrier plans to replace its five ageing Airbus A340-300s with the same number and variant, sourcing them from lessors, with the aim of reducing fuel burn and introducing upgraded in-flight entertainment systems.

The first A340-300 is expected to be placed into service by the end of 2010, with the remaining four scheduled to arrive at around eight-monthly intervals for use on SriLankan's long-haul services to Japan, the UK, France and Germany.

In a statement today, SriLankan says it will begin its transformation with new uniforms for front line staff. Flight attendants' iconic Kandyan Saree uniform will still retain "its oriental charm" but have a distinctive modern appeal and contemporary look, says the carrier.

SriLankan's onboard kitchen "has turned an entirely new chapter" that includes offering a five-star meal to passengers whenever they wish to dine. Passengers will "have the added choice of ordering from a new a la carte menu", it says.

Also in the works is "a new experience" in in-flight entertainment, says the carrier, and SriLankan "will continue this journey of new discovery with more comfortable seats on board with more leg space and flat bed seats in the business class".

Further details are not immediately available.

"We've struggled to stay airborne during the past two years. In the process we didn't deliberately set out to do anything new and revolutionary. In fact we were often thought to have lost focus of our customers. With these wide ranging and sweeping changes we now reassure our thousands of customers that they certainly are our focus. We are changing their travel experience in a multi-dimensional manner and stretching the boundaries of hospitality," says Gunawardena.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/02/19/338607/srilankan-taps-skytrax-for-study-as-refurbishment-plan.html

Has anyone heard anything about the above refleeting before? Does anyone have any additional information about it? Hopefully theyll get the A340-300E variant, although they (and A343s in general) are pretty rare these days (to lease at least). Im assuming that these aircraft will be in addition to the much speculated A320/A321 and A330/A345 additions. If they get the A345 I hope its one of Kingfisher's deliveries, their interiors are pretty swell!

Lovelanka

March 31st, 2010, 04:28 PM

Lovelanka

March 31st, 2010, 04:31 PM

Turbulence in Colombo-Doha open skies

Wednesday, 31 March 2010 06:17

1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

The decision by the Sri Lankan civil aviation authorities to grant day-by-day approval for Qatar Airways’ third flight has caused turbulence in Colombo-Doha open skies.

After the Middle Eastern carrier filed for three daily flights from the previous two, the Government had granted approval for the operation of the additional inaugural flight on Monday. That approval was stated as “an exceptional” basis. Thereafter, Tuesday’s flight too was approved. This form of ‘piecemeal’ approval is unconventional under bilateral agreements, aviation sources claimed.

By yesterday evening, however, the now customary day-by-day approval hadn’t come through for Wednesday’s additional flight, causing confusion in airline circles.

The third flight of Qatar Airways during the past two days had arrived in the early hours whilst the other two flights are operated in the mornings and afternoons.

There was speculation last night that despite not getting approval, Qatar Airways was planning to operate the third early morning flight on the strength of the open-ended open skies deal between the two countries.

Analysts said that if Qatar operates the third flight, Sri Lankan civil aviation authorities will have to either turn it away mid-air refusing landing rights in Colombo or let it land but refuse unloading of passengers. Qatar operates an Airbus A321 which can carry over 200 passengers.

Qatar Airlines, which is owned by the Doha Government, has issued severe warning of serious repercussions on Sri Lanka if the third daily frequency isn’t granted, which it said was a legitimate request under the type of open skies deal between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan authorities have been wary of Qatar’s request because it, in its opinion, would endanger the viability of SriLankan Airlines in the heavy-traffic Colombo-Doha sector. (Daily FT)

http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/business/117-other/2746-turbulence-in-colombo-doha-open-skies.html

saraprobe

March 31st, 2010, 11:55 PM

With the intervention of the Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, the monopoly of a taxi service operated by the wife of a powerful ruling party politician, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has been stopped.

According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, the woman who resides in the area had controlled a cartel of taxis numbering around 150 of which she owned only about 10 vehicles.Those operating this fleet were allowed to always have a monopoly over the others where the hires were concerned.

"Anyone who opposed this operation or spoke against had to face repraisals and even there have been occasions some of the taxi drivers have been assaulted," he said.

In fairness to the politician’s wife, he said "She is not the only person connected to a politician who has monopolised the taxi services at the BIA and over the years most of the top politicians who were Ministers in successive governments have had a hand in the ‘taxi mafia’ which enjoyed a monopoly at the BIA, directly or indirectly, he pointed out.

Further he said now that this trend has been broken by the Ports and Aviation Minister, he must ensure that it would not be done by a another powerful politician and another taxi mafia doesn’t come in to existence.

He said "The UPFA government has crushed the terrorist outfit, the LTTE and terrorism has been eliminated. Tourist arrivals are increasing, there will be a surge by the next season and the political leadership of the country should not leave room for anyone to monopolise the taxi services at the BIA,"

In the past various politicians have boasted about introducing an express train service from the BIA to Colombo and a few years ago one Minister went to the extent of claiming that a speed train which would cover the approximately 20 km distance from the BIA to Colombo in 28 minutes will be introduced in the near future, but that the day has not dawned on us yet, another source said.

At the KulaLumpur airport in Sepan an express train operates every 20 minutes to the KL City and it takes only 28 minutes to the cover the 70 km distance and the fare is only 35 ringit (approx Rs 1500).

A sky train to the Suvarnabhoomi Airport from the Bangkok City is scheduled to operate from next month covering the 40 km distance.

The Metro train service operates Meenambakkam to Chennai City and the railway station is not even 100 metres from the airport.

Where do we stand? he asked.

He attributed that one of the key reasons why a train service from the BIA to Colombo is not operated is that some of the politicians are more concerned about the income generated by the taxis rather than the benefit enjoyed by the public.

Island (http://www.island.lk/2010/04/01/business10.html)
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Dirty politics, anyway hope for the best now^^^^

Asia-Bike

April 2nd, 2010, 07:26 AM

Sri Lankan Airlines lures ladies with feats of all-female flying crew

Sri Lankan Airlines said it wants to encourage more young women to become pilots with the national carrier, pointing to recent flights by an all-female flying crew.

Sri Lankan Airlines’ lady pilots have "quietly revolutionized" aviation in Sri Lanka, with several international flights being carried out by all-female crews, the airline said in a statement.
Captain Anusha Siriratne and Junior First Officer Madini Chandradasa were the first all-female crew, operating a flight from Colombo to Trichy and back on November 1, 2009. Each leg on an Airbus A320 aircraft took one hour.

They repeated the feat on New Year’s Day 2010 by flying to Karachi and returning, also in a twin-engined A320, with each flight taking three hours and forty minutes.

The airline currently has four ladies among its 189 pilots, the others being Senior First Officers Chamika Rupasinghe and Roshani Jinasena.

"Sri Lankan Airlines encourages more young women to seriously consider careers as airline pilots. As our first four lady pilots have proven, the sky is the limit," the airline's Head of Flight Operations, Captain Druvi Perera, said.

"Sri Lankan does not discriminate between men and women in its recruitment for any post, including pilots, and it was simply a matter of time before our lady pilots made history with an all-female flight.

"Of course, the all-female crew flights are no different to those operated by male pilots. At Sri Lankan, where safety is of paramount importance, what matters is not a pilot’s gender, but his or her experience, training, and expertise."

All pilots must have a minimum of seven years of commercial airline experience before being considered for the post of Captain, the statement said.
Capt. Anusha Siriratne, 34, is at present the first and only lady Captain at Sri Lankan Airlines, and has been flying since 1998.

She has flown aircraft such as the Lockheed L1011 Tristar, Airbus A320, A330, and A340.

"Women took to the air only a few years after the Wright Brothers invented the airplane, and some have been pioneers in aviation, although there have been fewer women flyers than male ones," she said.

"Many airlines around the world have women pilots, and there is absolutely no difference between the flying of male and female pilots."

She and her husband, Hemantha Siriratne, are also the first husband-wife duo to be Captains at Sri Lankan.

Two other female pilots, Chamika Rupasinghe and Roshani Jinasena, are now flying the long-haul A330 and A340 aircraft to Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

All four lady pilots trained in Sri Lankan’s Cadet Pilot Training Programme, which has launched the careers of hundreds of pilots over the last three decades, flying for both the national carrier and foreign airlines.

The airline said entry into its cadet pilot training programme is highly competitive, and most cadets today possess university degrees, as well as experience in flying light aircraft and small commercial aircraft.

tig

April 2nd, 2010, 02:50 PM

SLAA

April 2nd, 2010, 03:41 PM

No passengers to Jaffna? Airlines withdraw

Commercial airlines plying to Jaffna have suspended flights in recent weeks after the load factors fell dramatically since the A9 highway to the north is now open, airline industry sources said. While Deccan Aviation suspended flights from around January, Expo Air has stopped flying since March 12 as passengers had dropped to a trickle on its 50-plus seater planes.

The opening of the A9 highway has seen heavy traffic and special AC buses plying to and from Jaffna at prices ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 (one-way) compared to an air-ticket which costs about Rs 10,000 (one-way).

Sources at Expo said they were looking for a smaller 19-seater aircraft to resume flights, maybe on a reduced schedule as against the daily flights. Currently Helitours, the commercial arm of the Sri Lanka Airforce, is operating three flights a week to Jaffna and back. Industry sources said the frequency could increase since other two airlines have suspended operations.

On the other hand, industry sources say that the euphoria and excitement of travelling to Jaffna for southerners keen to visit the north, some for the first time, would wear off in time and regular northern travellers may return to travel by air.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100328/BusinessTimes/bt05.html

Yeahh, demand is elastic right now to fly in SL, but I'm sure if you give it some time it will become an inelastic, especially because of business travellers. I mean COME ON. Almost 90 US Dollars? Even my parents would scoff at the idea, I mean the area is not even developed, it's really not THAT worth flying up there at the moment... But of course I know there are people who want to go up there just because the war ended and all but how long will the trend last? Domestic air travel still has a long way to go, even with diaspora coming back.

ANYWAY. Does anyone have anything new?? This thread picked up insanely in the last few months and things have got slow.. Or is it because I'm just a sucker and check here like twice a day :banana::banana:

NEW NEWS PLEASSEEEE!! UPDATES!

(Paging for Banuthev) :lol:

mrpanini

April 3rd, 2010, 04:36 AM

Hambantota Airport is a stupid idea,

They should have build one in north in jaffna or near Trinco/Batticola. Hambantota airport is so close to Bandaranaike airport and CMB airport is not like Heath-row receiving 60mil passenger, ppl need their need an airport their and more Tamils are likely to visit their

With the end of the war the number of flights and passenger arrivals at CMB has increased greatly (70% increase in Feb 2010 compared to Feb 2009). Even though the terminal has eight jetways, the airport feels crowded when only a few large flights come in. CMB is just too small and it's getting worse as the number of flights and visitors keeps increasing with the end of the war.

The design work by Japan Airport Consultants Inc (Japan), Nippon Koei Co (Japan), Durrant & Co ltd (UK) and Airports and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) of the CMB expansion project was completed only last year and includes the construction of a new passenger terminal building, a new runway, and the renovation of the departure and arrival porch and walkway at the existing terminal building. The government is currently looking for funding for this project so it's not even close to actually commencing construction.

The infrastructure in Jaffna/Trinco/Batticola and roads from these towns to Colombo are just not good enough to build Sri Lanka's second international airport at these locations. Plus the vast majority of international air passengers arriving in Sri Lanka want to FIRST go to Colombo or Kandy or the southern beach resorts, not Jaffna/Trinco/Batticola. Colombo is a tiring 8+ hour drive from Jaffna/Trinco/Batticola. Who'd want to do that after being on a plane for 10 hours? It doesn't make sense.

Some say Hambantota will be a white elephant, and that the money should have been put into expanding CMB. What Hambantota does have going for it is that it's close to the new port, it'll be connected to the new Southern highway which is under construction and will make the entire southwest easily accessible, and it's close to the southern beach resorts. Only time will tell if the development of Hambantota was visionary or a white elephant.

Poosa

April 3rd, 2010, 12:34 PM

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, SriLankan Airlines and SriLankan ground handling agencies concluded a successful road show in Shenzhen and Guangzhou which was held from March 23 to 24. The road show in Guangzhou was held on the sidelines of the Annual Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF).

With the assistance of the tourism authorities in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the Sri Lankan team led by Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama presented the island as an attractive travel destination, making the prospective travelers of the area aware of the peaceful environment now prevailing in Sri Lanka after the 30 year conflict.

In Shenzhen, the tourism officials and the representatives of the Sri Lankan ground handling agencies held effective one to one meetings with the local travel agencies and media where they discussed common issues pertaining to promoting Sri Lanka in the Shenzhen travel market.

Although this is the fourth time Sri Lanka participated at GITF, this is the first time the country is promoted in Guangzhou after the complete eradication of terrorism from the island. Sri Lanka's Ambassador to China Karunatilaka Amunugama spoke on the current political and economic situation of Sri Lanka and the steps Sri Lankan authorites have taken in recent time to welcome tourists, particularly from China.

He also explained the development infrastructure which had added tremendously to boosting the travel industry in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador said that in keeping with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision of "Visit Sri Lanka 2011", all efforts are made by the respective authorities to position Sri Lanka as a key travel destination to visit in the coming year and invited the travel agencies and the media to work together with Sri Lanka tourism at this opportune moment. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Director (Director Marketing) Madubhani Perera sapoke on the specialized promotional plan of Sri Lanka in China, particularly in Shenzhen and Guangzhou and emphasized on the increased number of familiarization tours which will be organized for the Chinese travel agencies and media within this year and also on the launching of the advertising campaign scheduled for the year.

Addressing a much needed requirement in promoting Sri Lanka in Southern China, which is to expand travel routes from China to Sri Lanka, the Ambassador and the tourism officials held fruitful discussions with the President and the senior management of China Southern Airlines. As a result, China Southern Airlines agreed to work closely with the SriLankan Airlines to expand air connectivity to Bangkok and other destinations aiming to add Colombo as their next destination.

The Ambassador also held discussions with Nanhu Travel Services, a leading Charter Flight Organizer in Guangzhou, on arranging special charter flights from Guangzhou to Colombo specially at Chinese National Holiday periods where there is a significant increase in outbound travel in China. Ambassador Amunugama met the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Guangzhou President to discuss investment promotion programs related to tourism during this visit.

With over 7000 members in and around Guangdong province, CCPIT Guangzhou is the leading institution representing economic and trade sectors in the area.

Several local media namely Foshan Television, Travel Logue Magazine, China Southern Television, Guangzhou Transportation Radio, New Express Newspaper, Foshan Radio and China Southern Daily held exclusive interviews with Sri Lanka's Ambassador and officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and carried articles and programmes in their respective media, giving Sri Lanka Tourism much needed coverage in local media.

The Tourism Boards of the Provincial Governments of Shenzhen and Guangzhou extended their support to Sri Lanka's promotional efforts by attending the road shows and exchanging their ideas with the participants.

At the GITF, the Sri Lanka pavilion projected main tourist attractions of Sri Lanka with SriLankan Airlines, Aitken Spence Travels, Jetwing Travels, Walkers Tours and Lanka Sports-Reizen which attracted over 10,000 visitors in three days.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/04/03/bus20.asp

tig

April 3rd, 2010, 01:23 PM

With the end of the war the number of flights and passenger arrivals at CMB has increased greatly (70% increase in Feb 2010 compared to Feb 2009). Even though the terminal has eight jetways, the airport feels crowded when only a few large flights come in. CMB is just too small and it's getting worse as the number of flights and visitors keeps increasing with the end of the war.

The design work by Japan Airport Consultants Inc (Japan), Nippon Koei Co (Japan), Durrant & Co ltd (UK) and Airports and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) of the CMB expansion project was completed only last year and includes the construction of a new passenger terminal building, a new runway, and the renovation of the departure and arrival porch and walkway at the existing terminal building. The government is currently looking for funding for this project so it's not even close to actually commencing construction.

The infrastructure in Jaffna/Trinco/Batticola and roads from these towns to Colombo are just not good enough to build Sri Lanka's second international airport at these locations. Plus the vast majority of international air passengers arriving in Sri Lanka want to FIRST go to Colombo or Kandy or the southern beach resorts, not Jaffna/Trinco/Batticola. Colombo is a tiring 8+ hour drive from Jaffna/Trinco/Batticola. Who'd want to do that after being on a plane for 10 hours? It doesn't make sense.

Some say Hambantota will be a white elephant, and that the money should have been put into expanding CMB. What Hambantota does have going for it is that it's close to the new port, it'll be connected to the new Southern highway which is under construction and will make the entire southwest easily accessible, and it's close to the southern beach resorts. Only time will tell if the development of Hambantota was visionary or a white elephant.

YES, ur correct ppl do want to go to Southern beaches and explore Colombo, but then y do u need another one near by ? it would cost them more to maintain Hambantota airport than Bandaranaike, b`cause it would be new and who would wanna land in a dry hot village with no where to go ? bro. may be somewhere near East would have been a better choice.

mrpanini

April 3rd, 2010, 02:20 PM

From the April 3 2010 Colombo page:

Minister Rajapaksa added that work on the Hambantota international airport is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year and the airport would also be in operation soon after the port commences operations. Hambantota Port is scheduled to commence operations by November this year.

mrpanini

April 3rd, 2010, 02:28 PM

Does anyone know why all the jetways are not used at CMB?

I arrived on a SriLankan flight from London and the plane parked on the apron and the passengers had to disembark down stairs and take buses to the terminal building.

I counted at least 4 of the eight jetways unused and available. Furthermore most of the planes using the jetways were smaller narrowbodies. Our plane was a widebody with a lot more passengers needing to disembark.

kflyer2

April 3rd, 2010, 04:35 PM

@mrpanini Using air-bridges incur higher charges. The aircraft might also have been due for a maintenance interval.

banuthev

April 6th, 2010, 01:03 AM

SriLankan to purchase an Airbus A330-243 from BMI. It will be either G-WWBB or G-WWBM.

Sidekicker

April 6th, 2010, 02:47 AM

SriLankan to purchase an Airbus A330-243 from BMI. It will be either G-WWBB or G-WWBM.

Any Sources?? and when will this happen?

kflyer2

April 6th, 2010, 08:18 AM

Although there is no way to confirm that news, I can pretty much confirm that UL is looking at adding an A330. BMI is looking at offloading their A330s, but I'm a bit skeptical as to the condition of these aircraft.

kflyer2

April 6th, 2010, 08:38 AM

President has stated that he will be cancelling all Open Skies agreements to protect SriLankan and to make Colombo a hub. This will only humiliate Sri Lanka internationally and could result other countries from barring Sri Lankan aircraft entering their airspace ( as the case was with Oman and currently Qatar - government suddenly cancelled approval for QR's 3rd daily flight ).
The irony is he won't be able to make Colombo a hub without Open Skies.

Amal

April 6th, 2010, 08:44 AM

President has stated that he will be cancelling all Open Skies agreements to protect SriLankan and to make Colombo a hub.

Any sources for this claim? Just interested.

pathum1986

April 6th, 2010, 09:05 AM

[QUOTE=kflyer2;54638647]President has stated that he will be cancelling all Open Skies agreements to protect SriLankan and to make Colombo a hub. This will only humiliate Sri Lanka internationally and could result other countries from barring Sri Lankan aircraft entering their airspace ( as the case was with Oman and currently Qatar - government suddenly cancelled approval for QR's 3rd daily flight ).
The irony is he won't be able to make Colombo a hub without Open Skies.[/QUOTE

in my idea ,open sky agreements notmaking colombo as a hub,coz when QR or oman air or any other airline increace flights mean doha or muscut become the hub not colombo it means those cities having transit passengers not for colombo ,colombo just a arrival and departure...in one way president stateent is correct(not my political viwe)

kflyer2

April 6th, 2010, 10:56 AM

@Amal http://lbo.lk/fullstory.php?nid=303408010
@Pathum Sorry mate, you cannot make a hub with a single airline. Find out how Dubai and Singapore became hubs and why Toronto is not becoming a hub.
An airport does not become a hub just for the sake that it's national airline carries more passengers. In fact, at a true hub foreign carriers will have a bigger share. The passengers they funnel in will enable the local carriers to increase their share. If SriLankan cannot face the competition, the issue is with efficiency, not with Open Skies. DXB in fact is a total Open Skies airport, and it has the world's fastest growing long haul carrier. In fact that Open Skies is what brought EK to this point.
Open Skies = more 6th freedom = better traffic = the hub. No Open Skies = no hub.

SLAA

April 6th, 2010, 01:33 PM

Echh, looks like the BMI cabins aren't much of a difference from UL's cabin... And I'm pretty sure they will keep them the same for the moment if they do buy BMI aircraft.

Business -
http://www.airliners.net/photo/BMI-British-Midland/Airbus-A330-243/1623569/&sid=237f69b9f356b0c9aa67d4b64726864a

Economy -
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Star-Alliance-%28BMI/Airbus-A330-243/1346527/&sid=237f69b9f356b0c9aa67d4b64726864a

kflyer2

April 6th, 2010, 01:48 PM

In fact, BMI Business Class is more spacious.

banuthev

April 6th, 2010, 03:37 PM

@ Sidekicker - Exactly not sure , They are still on the process of checking the aircraft's condition. I will keep this thread updated.

Cayman

April 6th, 2010, 06:57 PM

It will be a collosal mistake to cancel the open-sky agreements.

This will not only destroy country's credibility, it will ruin the tourism and potential international investments too.

UL has already done enough damage to this country by creating a bottle neck at CMB, it is about time they fix their problems or disappear altogether.

Cayman

April 6th, 2010, 06:58 PM

I sincerely hope this is 'election talk' from the president, because this is a really stupid idea from the otherwise astute man.

Srilankan1

April 6th, 2010, 07:09 PM

I sincerely hope this is 'election talk' from the president, because this is a really stupid idea from the otherwise astute man.

You cannot expect anything else from a Stupid President..OR???

kflyer2

April 7th, 2010, 09:46 AM

Garuda is moving forward very successfully under a government that is not protectionist and has wanted Garuda to be commercially efficient. And Indonesia is the most crowded air travel market in South East Asia, and growing. The President, is a retired Four Star General of Army.

Lovelanka

April 7th, 2010, 01:08 PM

Colombo/Male Emirates 2010/2011 Operation changes

EK656 (DXB CMB MLE DXB) Canceled from 01JUL10

EK654 (DXB MLE CMB DXB)
eff 01MAY10 Reduce from 6 to 5 weekly (Day x27)
eff 01JUL10 Reduce from 5 to 3 weekly (Day 135)
eff 01AUG10 Reduce from 3 to 2 weekly (Day 35)
eff 31OCT10 CANCELED

EK652/653 NEW Routing DXB MLE CMB vv with 777-200 or -300
EK652 DXB0940 – 1500MLE1630 – 1830CMB 777 x135
EK653 CMB2135 – 2235MLE2345 – 0250+1DXB 772 x135

01JUL10 – 31JUL10 Day x135
01AUG10 – 30OCT10 Day x35
31OCT10 - Daily

In total, 2 Daily to Male and 3 Daily to Colombo.

http://airlineroute.net/2010/04/07/ek-201011-update7/

AirCeylon

April 7th, 2010, 10:40 PM

Wow.. nice pics guys.. tx....

AirCeylon

April 9th, 2010, 07:58 PM

By the way, does anyone know whether UL still offers three options of meals in Economy??[/QUOTE]

Yes... 3 options in Y class.

SLAA

April 10th, 2010, 05:15 AM

banuthev

April 10th, 2010, 10:19 AM

@ Lovelanka & SLAA,

Emirates (EK) is currently operating as follows : -

EK00348/9 - 5 weekly (DXB-CMB-SIN-CMB-DXB)
EK00650/1 - 7 weekly (DXB-CMB-DXB)
EK00654 - 6 weekly (DXB-MLE-CMB-DXB)
EK00656 - 4 weekly (DXB-CMB-MLE-DXB)

EK flights between DXB and CMB are now 22 weekly. As Lovelanka posted EK will not operate the triangular route between MLE and CMB from 1st July. Instead of triangular route EK will operate DXB-MLE-CMB-MLE-DXB (EK00652/3). Please note EK is increasing EK00348/9 (SIN) to 7 weekly, effective 1st July.

Amal

April 11th, 2010, 08:21 AM

dramirez

April 11th, 2010, 06:52 PM

‘Fly Dubai’ soon in Lanka

Emirates’ budget carrier, Fly Dubai has made an application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to launch services to Sri Lanka and this is currently being reviewed by the regulator, according to informed sources.

If approved, this will be the second budget carrier in Colombo after Malaysia’s Air Asia.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100411/BusinessTimes/bt05.htm

Hope they let them through. Dubai takes through a lot of traffic, and has a large expat population.

I believe there's an error though... surely there are four budget carriers in Colombo?

- Air Arabia
- Air Asia
- Mihin Lanka
- FlyDubai (to be confirmed)

banuthev

April 11th, 2010, 11:31 PM

@ Kflyer - I understand Korean Air Charter has dropped the plan of flying to Colombo this time. Please confirm if I am correct.

@ Dramirez - Air India Express also does LCC operation at CMB.

BTW that remainds me Air India has announced they will codeshare on SriLankan flights between Delhi, Mumbai and Colombo. It shows they are targeting on Sri Lankan Passengers who fly to Europe, North America ...

Cayman

April 12th, 2010, 09:06 AM

‘Fly Dubai’ soon in Lanka

Emirates’ budget carrier, Fly Dubai has made an application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to launch services to Sri Lanka and this is currently being reviewed by the regulator, according to informed sources.

If approved, this will be the second budget carrier in Colombo after Malaysia’s Air Asia.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100411/BusinessTimes/bt05.htm

It appears they are requesting daily flights.

This will kill Mihin Air as FZ also operate to/from T2 at DXB.

kflyer2

April 12th, 2010, 01:29 PM

Needless to say, FZ offers 'low fares' unlike MJ which charges a higher fare on the inbound leg. So it is inevitable FZ won't be given permission, specially if Sajin Vaas becomes Aviation Minister.

Lovelanka

April 12th, 2010, 04:21 PM

Air India/SriLankan Airlines launch codesharing

Air India has started codesharing on SriLankan Airlines’ service on Colombo – Delhi and Colombo – Mumbai route. Codeshare flight numbers below:

ROUTE AI Codeshare UL Operating
Delhi – Colombo AI6046 UL196
Colombo – Delhi AI6045 UL195
Mumbai – Colombo AI6042 UL142
Colombo – Mumbai AI6041 UL141

http://airlineroute.net/2010/04/12/aiul-codeshare/

dramirez

April 12th, 2010, 07:15 PM

I don't know if anyone's already posted... Mihin has a new website homepage. It's not bad, but booking is really a pain! You have to buy the outbound ticket first before they show you the inbound prices.

Lovelanka

April 15th, 2010, 03:21 PM

dramirez

April 16th, 2010, 01:05 PM

Phone them up. Its much quicker. :D

I have to agree!

But I was only checking for curiosity's sake. Does anyone have an estimate of how much Mihin charge for a CMB-DXB-CMB return flight? Thanks.

Amal

April 16th, 2010, 01:51 PM

SpiceJet plans flights to Dhaka, Colombo

Low cost airline SpiceJet will introduce international flights to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal from Kolkata by June.

"We have plans to introduce flights from Kolkata to Dhaka, Colombo and Kathmandu by next June," Samyukth Sridharan, chief commercial officer, SpiceJet.

To a question he said, the airline has no plan to operate flights on the Agartala-Dhaka route because of low traffic potential.

Spicejet introduced its first daily Kolkata-Agartala flight yesterday. Sridharan said, Agartala was the 19th destination in

SpiceJet's route network and would be connected with a daily service to Guwahati from May 10.

http://business.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/16/spicejet-plans-flights-to-dhaka.htm

banuthev

April 16th, 2010, 04:05 PM

@ Dramirez - USD 235 + Tax USD 33 Dubai return. Mihin Lanka.

I do not think SpiceJet would fly Kolkata to Colombo. It is probably a mistake in the news. Perhaps he meant Chennai to Colombo flight.

What happened to the Jet Airways and Kingfisher's plans of operating flights from Mumbai to Colombo?

"

dramirez

April 16th, 2010, 10:18 PM

@banuthev: Thanks! Just interested to see how Mihin fares up against competitors. Air Arabia's fares are ~USD 325 with tax.

Also - why is a Kolkata flight not likely?

Cayman

April 17th, 2010, 02:13 PM

^^
Bear in mind that Air Arabia flies in to SHJ, which is an absolute dump in the truest sense of the word. (and a good 1.5 hours away from Dubai during rush hour)

Mihin on the other hand flies in to (albeit less affluent) T2 in DXB, which is 15 mins from down town.

Poosa

April 18th, 2010, 03:30 PM

London Heathrow Airport's operator and its air traffic service are to assess whether wing-tip clearance warnings to taxiing aircraft can be improved, after analysis of ground collisions revealed circumstantial similarities.
During an inquiry into a wing-tip clash between a SriLankan Airlines Airbus A340 and a British Airways Boeing 747-400, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch identified nine other ground collisions that had taken place at Heathrow since 1975.
"In all cases the collisions were the result of a widebody aircraft attempting to pass a stationary aircraft waiting at a holding position," it says.
Various contributing factors led to the incidents, it adds, including the difficulty of judging wing-tip clearance from the cockpit of a large aircraft, and the belief of some pilots that following a centreline track ensured adequate separation.
In its newly-released report into the SriLankan collision the AAIB says the airport operator should "improve the effectiveness" of warnings issued to manoeuvring aircraft. These warnings, it adds, should clarify to pilots that separation is not assured, regardless of taxi clearances given by air traffic controllers.
The SriLankan A340 had been attempting to pass the BA 747 on the night of 15 October 2007.
Although the A340 crew had heard an automatic departure message before taxiing, which included a caution over wing-tip clearance, the AAIB says the pilots had misinterpreted its meaning as a disclaimer.
While the 747 was stationary at the A1 holding point, near the threshold of runway 27R, the A340 was cleared to take the adjacent taxiway on the left and hold at A2.
The A340 crew understood that the taxi clearance "meant that there was nothing to impede their progress" towards A2, says the AAIB, but the pilots nevertheless discussed their separation from the 747 and even steered the A340 to the left of the taxiway centreline.
None of the passengers and crew members, nearly 650 in total, was injured in the subsequent collision but the 747's left winglet was severed, 1.7m (ft) from its tip, and the A340 sustained winglet and navigation light damage on its right wing.
Air traffic service NATS, which has responsibility for Heathrow ground control, points out that it is "incumbent" on pilots to ensure adequate clearance while taxiing but states that it is willing to work with Heathrow's operator to explore options for improvement.

Source - http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/04/08/340402/heathrow-wing-clash-probe-seeks-heightened-warnings-to-pilots.html

SLAA

April 19th, 2010, 01:46 PM

Hey guys, just thought I would post something interesting on here about the UL Shanghai flights.

Okay so even though Shanghai can't be booked through Srilankan.aero, it can be through Expedia.com!! Although the price at the moment is at a hefty $1700!! I think it's because its not been properly integrated in the system, i.e. UL's CMB-BKK-HKG flight is selling at less than half the price at $682, so I'm sure in a bit the price will be adjusted.

Anyway, so I put a dummy booking in August on a Saturday departure from CMB, and a Monday departure from PVG (Shanghai Pudong), and found out that UL 886 will leave CMB at 1.35am, arriving in BKK at 6.35am, completing a 3.5 hr flight. Then, it will leave BKK at 7.35 am, arriving in PVG 12.45pm, 4hr and 10 mins later. Then the return flight UL 887 will leave PVG at 4.20pm, arriving in BKK at 6.45pm, 3hr and 25 mins later. Then it will leave BKK 7.50pm, arriving in CMB at 9.45pm, 3hr and 25 mins later. The aircraft shown to operate will be A330-200.

On the other hand, the UL 422, and return UL 423 on the same days of departure will leave CMB at 7.20am, arriving in BKK at 12.20pm, leaving to HKG at 1.20pm, and arriving at 5.20pm. The return flight will leave HKG at 6.20pm, arrive at BKK at 8.10pm, then leave for CMB at 9.10pm and arrive at 10.55pm, also operated by A330-200.

Looks like the Shanghai flights are well timed, especially on the BKK to PVG sector, the 7.35 am flight will be able to catch a few business travellers as well who want to get out at that time.

Lovelanka

April 19th, 2010, 02:44 PM

Tussle over ‘Open Skies’ policy

President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently raised a nagging issue in the country’s tourism and travel trade circuits: the ‘Open Skies’ policy. Hitting out at the opposition United National Party, the President, speaking at the launch of the Central Bank’s annual report for 2009 said the open skies policy during the then-UNP government (in the years the party ruled the country) had eroded the viability of national carrier, SriLankan Airlines and this has become a financial problem to the state.

The national carrier is snowed in debt – though making operational profits. Part of the losses is due to the global financial crisis that affected the airline industry across the world, an issue that cannot be blamed on the Sri Lankan airline alone. The cost of restructuring after Emirates quit as a management partner some years back, is also taking its toll with the recovery period taking longer than expected. Additionally, SriLankan is seen as a big brother to loss-making, budget airline Mihin Air. SriLankan Airlines has been sharing some of its losses, according to industry sources.

But the point the government and Rajapaksa is making is that allowing foreign airlines with too many frequencies, is eating into SriLankan Airlines’ profitability and threatening its very existence.
In a way, that is true because SriLankan’s operational costs are not as affordable than for example any of the Middle East carriers – Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Saudi Air or Oman Air – which are profitable or are subsidised by oil-rich countries. With high budget deficits and lower revenues, countries like Sri Lanka cannot afford to subsidise state institutions including national carrier – though that would continue to happen, at huge cost however to the taxpayer.

More flights for foreign carriers would affect the national carrier and place a higher burden on the exchequer to keep the airline running. Furthermore, the taxpayer is paying a huge price in the subsidy given to Mihin Air.

However, if the government is targetting 2.5 million tourists by the year 2016, there is no way the national carrier can accommodate even half this number, as it does now: carrying half the number of 500,000 tourists visiting Sri Lanka annually. The 500,000-figure is also doubtful as the data collection of arrivals include those visiting on business, NGO workers and overseas Sri Lankans.

In this context could Sri Lanka afford a protectionist policy? On one side, the country is trying to raise the number of tourist arrivals by over 400% in 16 years and on the other hand, the authorities are pushing ahead with a policy of making sure SriLankan Airlines doesn’t suffer with new airlines coming in and the existing ones, seeking more frequencies.

In our story on the open skies policy, the travel trade – while acknowledging the need to protect the national carrier – says SriLankan Airlines won’t be able to cater to the demand for seats, not only in terms of more tourist arrivals but also more travel by Sri Lankans. The number of Sri Lankans travelling abroad is also on the rise, in addition to tourist arrivals. In the month of February for example, hotels in and out of Colombo were fully booked and had a problem, for the first time, of overbookings. The same applied to SriLankan Airlines and other carriers.

Times are getting better for a country that is still to savour the fruits of peace and post-conflict economic growth. That would happen this year and the years to come, with the prolonged period of elections over. The appointment of Hiran Cooray, a charismatic leader in the travel industry, as Sri Lanka’s first-ever Chairperson of the Bangkok-headquartered Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at its AGM in Malaysia next week is like a manna from heaven, coming at a time when the country is free from terrorism and ready for a spurt in tourist arrivals. Cooray apart from his duties and obligations towards the entire membership of the Asia-Pacific body, will no doubt use his high office to promote Sri Lanka as a conflict-free, and mystery-filled destination.

Preparing for the surge in tourists leaves us with one question: Is the national carrier capable (capacity-wise) of carrying in excess of over 1.5 million tourists per year, in 16 years time? Its current capacity is far, far below those numbers and the only way out is expansion by buying more aircraft, increasing staff and flying more frequencies which under its current budget constraints is too much to ask. While making a national carrier viable is a priority, the government needs to take a deep look at the local carriers – SriLankan Airlines and Mihin Air – and come up with a gameplan to meet the future demand, and balance national interests while at the same time ensuring more frequencies are allowed to other airlines, to ensure there are enough seats to carry 2.5 million tourists by 2016.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100418/BusinessTimes/bt08.html

Lovelanka

April 19th, 2010, 02:45 PM

* No flights operating to Europe from Sri Lanka yet

Sun, Apr 18, 2010, 08:31 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Apr 18, Colombo: Sri Lanka aviation authorities said no flights are operating to Europe yet as European airports remains closed for the fourth day in a row due to the drifting volcanic ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano into the atmosphere.

Head of Management at the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, S. Hettiarachchi requested the travelers to Europe check with their respective airlines before arriving at the airport.

The official said only the flights to European destinations are affected and the flights to other destinations in the world are operating as usual.

Sri Lanka's national carrier SriLankan Airlines requested travelers to call 019-733-5500 to obtain details on the flight schedules and other details.

All major airports in Europe remained closed stranding thousands of travels as the volcanic ash drifted as far as Russia.

British aviation officials have extended the ban on the flights till Sunday evening while several European countries carried out test flights to explore the possibility of flying at certain altitudes.

Test flights by Dutch airline KLM at an altitude of 10 kms and the German airline Lufthansa an altitude of 8km showed no signs of damage to the planes, aviation officials said.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10/Apr1271602917CH.php

banuthev

April 20th, 2010, 01:28 AM

SriLankan (UL) resumes European operation from 20th Apr (today). UL re-started Rome flights on 18th Apr, operated as CMB-FCO-CMB.

banuthev

April 20th, 2010, 08:44 AM

Mihin Lanka, the state owned low cost carrier of SriLanka is likely to start flight operations between Dhaka and Colombo by end May 2010. Initially they plan to operate twice a week flight using Airbus A320 which would eventually increase, as demand grows. They have already obtained necessary permissions from Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to operate the flights, says a source, close to CAAB.

Meanwhile, they have also appointed a GSA to represent the Airline in Bangladesh. Mihin Lanka commenced its operations on April 24, 2007 flying to Dubai and with a view to expand further to SAARC and regional countries, Middle East etc. It was launched to cater low cost air transportation to the travelling public, which operates it's international flights from Bandaranaike International Airport. The Airline's aim is to continue and establish long-term and reliable business contacts and enhance route network to meet the expectation of their passengers.© (http://bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1351&CID=1)
.
.

AirCeylon

April 20th, 2010, 11:05 AM

SriLankan (UL) resumes European operation from 20th Apr (today). UL re-started Rome flights on 18th Apr, operated as CMB-FCO-CMB.

This flight is temporary flight to FCO. Will start on 2nd of July as UL 571 a dedicated flight to Italy. Schedule is CMB-FCO-MXP-CMB or viceversa..

Sidekicker

April 22nd, 2010, 04:57 AM

Sri Lankan Airlines flies King of Bollywood
http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/business/127-local/8690.html

Sri Lankan Airlines resumes flights to London, Paris, and Milan
http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/business/127-local/8689.html

kflyer2

April 22nd, 2010, 01:00 PM

Combined loss of UL&Mihin for FY2009 - USD115m. An increase compared to the previous year, despite what they claimed in the middle of the year.

lordvader

April 24th, 2010, 11:05 AM

Any news about Mihin, UL or any fleet additions (the much talked about A321, A345 or BMI A330 for UL or Mihin's 2nd A320)?

Alongside plans to relaunch direct flights with national carrier SriLankan Airlines and stage a road show in Sydney and Melbourne later this year, the Sri Lankan government is hoping the peace will convince DFAT to change its advisory.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/peace-of-renewal-20100423-thsr.html

Looks like Australian flights are in the pipeline for UL!

banuthev

April 24th, 2010, 10:22 PM

SriLankan Airlines Hit Hard By Flight Cancellation - http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/04/25/srilankan-airlines-hit-hard-by-flight-cancellations/

"

phil.froelich

April 25th, 2010, 03:07 PM

The airline will go bankrupt soon at this rate, terrible to see the effects of excessive political interference...

Srilankan1

April 25th, 2010, 03:38 PM

Bring back a foreign Management.Srilankan government is not capable of running an Ailrine in a professional way.Otherwise We will be loosing Our Beloved National Airline.

Cayman

April 25th, 2010, 05:36 PM

^^
SL probably does not need a 'Beloved National Airline'.

Any repeatedly loss making enterprise (collosal losses at that) is a serioius drain on the country's finances, hence should either be sold or dissolved.

Srilankan1

April 26th, 2010, 12:44 AM

Lankan jailed for groping

25 April 2010 16:03
A Sri Lankan passenger on a flight from Singapore to Hong Kong was so enchanted by the flight attendants he couldn't resist touching their breasts and buttocks, a Singapore magistrate heard, the Standard reported.

Chief Magistrate Ernest Lin Kam- hung jailed Sri Lankan Halpita Acharige Wijith Thalis, 47, for 14 days and fined him HK$15,000 after he admitted indecently assaulting three Cathay Pacific flight attendants last week.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault under the Aviation Security Ordinance at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court.

Thalis, who was on a business trip with two assistants, boarded Cathay Pacific flight CX 710 from from Singapore to Kansai, Japan, via Hong Kong.

When the first victim was serving passengers in the row in front of Thalis, she felt someone touching her left buttock. She turned round and saw Thalis withdrawing his right hand.

She told him: "Don't touch me, if you want something, ask me by name, but don't touch me." She said the defendant put up his hands and replied "sorry" before making a funny face.

Shortly before landing at 2pm, he did the same to another flight attendant.

When the aircraft landed, the second victim went to the defendant to return his jacket. She also felt someone touching her buttock. She turned round and saw Thalis withdrawing his right hand. A passenger also pointed to the defendant.

A male crew member tried to talk to the defendant but was snubbed. Then as he was disembarking, Thalis nudged with his elbow the right breast of a third flight attendant who was standing on one side of the corridor to allow passengers to pass.
The attendant reacted with shock, but it did not fluster Thalis.

The three flight attendants reported the matter to their manager, who alerted the police through security staff. Thalis was arrested by airport police.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/3333-lankan-jailed-for-groping-.html

:banana:

SLAA

April 27th, 2010, 07:22 AM

A male crew member tried to talk to the defendant but was snubbed. Then as he was disembarking, Thalis nudged with his elbow the right breast of a third flight attendant who was standing on one side of the corridor to allow passengers to pass.
The attendant reacted with shock, but it did not fluster Thalis.

How classy. Damn good that they got his name, and published it. What a prick.

SriLankan Engineering launches new website
SriLankan Engineering has strengthened its reputation for excellence and customer-friendliness among airlines in the region with the launch of its new website www.srilankan.aero/mro.

SriLankan's Acting Head of Engineering Priyantha Rose said: "Our new website has been designed to provide existing and prospective clients with detailed information on our products and services, and to also provide rapid responses to their queries. We have already had some excellent reviews on the website from customer airlines and we intend to improve the site further."

SriLankan Engineering has positioned itself as an MRO of choice with its competitive rates, high level of expertise, and on-time completion of projects. It is accredited by the prestigious European Aviation Safety Agency, the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates, the Civil Aviation Authority of Qatar, the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

The aircraft Maintenance-Repair-Overhaul (MRO) arm of SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Engineering recently carried out major projects for a number of new airline customers in South Asia, including the large Indian carriers GoAir and IndiGo, and has a longstanding customer in Pakistan 's Airblue. It also handles all the work on the SriLankan Airlines fleet.

SriLankan Engineering's facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport have been much modernized in recent years, and several new programmes are ongoing to increase its capabilities further.

Products and services, including aircraft maintenance services; maintenance support and aircraft component repair services; aircraft engineering tools and spares are available; and training for aircraft engineers and technicians of other airlines.

The website, which was designed in-house at SriLankan Airlines, also includes the history of SriLankan Engineering and the certifications it holds from various authorities. It also contains informative photographs of SriLankan Engineering's hangars, workshops, technical training school, and other facilities.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/travel/39-business-travel/3277-srilankan-engineering-launches-new-website-.html

It says in the "Aircraft Maintenance Services" section that one of their customers is Lufthansa Cargo. First time I even heard Lufthansa Cargo flies into CMB!!

banuthev

April 27th, 2010, 10:46 AM

SriLankan Engineering website incorrectly states Gulfair, Lufthansa Cargo and Singapore Cargo are the current users at CMB. They may want to show-off that they are servicing the popular airline companies.

Lovelanka

April 29th, 2010, 03:58 PM

Emirates starts Amsterdam Sri Lanka run

Apr 29, 2010 (LBO)

Emirates airlines said it was starting flights to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam from Colombo first and business class passenger being given complementary stays in Dubai.

"Sri Lanka and the Netherlands are linked by centuries of history and trade,” said Devika Ellepola, Emirates sales manager in Sri Lanka.

"Amsterdam will therefore be a destination of much potential for Emirates out of Colombo, and we expect the added value of a break in Dubai to fan even more interest."

Holland is also major source of tourists for Sri Lanka.

First Class passengers travelling to Amsterdam will be given two free nights at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai, and Business Class travellers one night.

The inaugural Economy Class fare will be 115,100 rupees with taxes, the airline said.

From May 01, Emirates airlines flight EK 145, operating Boeing 777-200LR aircraft will leave Dubai daily at 0825 hours and arrive in Amsterdam at 1330. It will leave Amsterdam at 1530 hours and arrive in Dubai at 2359 hours.

From Colombo, Emirates operates 21 services a week to Dubai.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1444476206

News-heading gives a falce impression as EK will be operating the nonstop flight from Colombo to Amsterdam. They are just gonna a give convienient connection between SL and Holland.

banuthev

April 30th, 2010, 08:13 AM

From what I heard so far, BMI's A330-243 (G-WWBM) is ferried at Manchester from the storage in Dresden. It will be re-sprayed in white colour scheme and to be sent to ILFC.

Does anybody know whether SriLankan has confirmed that they will get the above aircraft.??.

"

Poosa

May 2nd, 2010, 12:12 PM

Passengers on a recent flight from Bangalore that was about to touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport were suddenly told that there would be a slight delay – on account of birds. The reverberations that accompany the lowering of the wheels on the aircraft underbelly were already being felt by the passengers when they heard the announcement:

“Ladies and gentlemen, Air Traffic Control has asked us to hold back while the runway is cleared of a bird strike,” the pilot said on the intercom. The Airbus A 330 then gained altitude and completed a couple of circuits around Katunayake before returning to touch down.

On January 15, 2009, a US Airways plane was forced to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River in New York when a flock of birds got sucked into its engines. There were 155 passengers on board, and all escaped without injury. Pic courtesy Reuters
Bird strikes have become a worry for the airport authorities, who have been compelled to set up a Bird Control Unit at the airport. One of the advisers for the unit is senior ornithologist Professor Sarath Kotagama, who heads the Department of Zoology, at the University of Colombo. Prof. Kotagama has been asked to conduct a study of the bird population around the BIA and make recommendations for handling bird strikes.

A bird strike – also known as a birdstrike, bird hit, or Bash (bird aircraft strike hazard) – refers to a collision between an airborne animal, usually a bird or a bat, and an aircraft. Bird strikes can threaten flight safety, and have caused accidents with human casualties.

Profuse bird breeding in the Negombo lagoon, adjoining the Bandaranaike International Airport, has resulted in a proliferation of birds in the vicinity of the airport.

Indigenous birds that pose a threat to aircraft are lapwings (kirala), egrets (especially cattle egrets), purple herrings, crows, mynahs and pigeons.

“We are seeing an increase in the local bird population, especially cattle egrets, across the country,” Prof. Kotagama told the Sunday Times. “A lack of a proper waste management system could be one of the reasons. Bird strikes can happen any time of the year. There is the danger of birds hitting the front of a plane or getting sucked into the engine.”

Prof. Kotagama said special measures are required be prevent bird strikes when aircraft are landing or departing. Birds can cause damage to engine or cockpit of an aircraft, enforce emergency landings, and even cause air crashes.

The airport infrastructure also requires protection against birds, the bird expert says. “Building structures in and around the Bandaranaike International Airport should be bird proofed,” he said. “The buildings should not attract birds looking to build nests.

“Bird strikes can happen any time of the year. There is the danger of birds hitting the front of a plane or getting sucked into the engine.”

– Prof. Sarath Kotagama, Department of Zoology head, University of Colombo

The cargo areas should be covered with nets and mesh. Once birds are drawn to a building, it is very hard to get rid of them. About five or six years ago, a large number of pigeons were removed from here and dumped in Wariyapola, but most of the birds have come back.”

According to Prof. Kotagama, airports tend to attract birds with their greenery, the lighting, and the general infrastructure.

“Migrant birds are especially drawn to the illumination provided at airports. The migrant bird menace is especially marked in the April-May and August-to-November periods. Migrant birds usually come in flocks.”

Rosy starlings, golden plovers, curlews, pipers, little-ringed plovers, crakes and turns are some of the migrant birds that visit Sri Lanka. The hours of maximum danger from birds are in the morning.
“The time we need to be most vigilant is between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. A large number of flights are scheduled in the mornings.”

Prof. Kotagama said thinning down the surrounding trees was one way of discouraging birds from nesting in the airport environs.

“When there was a thinning of lihinia trees around the airport, we noticed the birds starting to move away from the area. To check the bird threat, you have to eliminate or block spaces or shelters that are potential bird nesting areas.”

The airport management team head H. S. Hettiarachchi says safety measures prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation are in place at the BIA, which is one of the airports with a bird strike control programme.

“We take the bird hazard seriously, and we have taken a number of safety measures. The important thing is discourage birds from coming to the aerodrome. All airport buildings, especially warehouses, should be built and maintained in a way that discourages birds.”

Bird control in Sri Lanka aims at distracting and repelling birds, rather than destroying them, Mr. Hettiarachchi said. Bird control officers work round the clock, seven days a week, he added.

One BIA bird control officer told the Sunday Times that bird carcasses have been found inside aircraft and on the ground. “We found five vulture carcasses in planes coming from India, and also carcasses of small migrant birds. We also had a couple of cases of flight engine damage, including damage to an Air Force Kafir jet.”

The Bird Control Unit uses sound systems, shotguns and firecrackers to frighten away birds, and light beacons to divert birds away from the airport.

According to Prof. Kotagama, birds are also a big financial risk for airports and airlines. “Most insurance schemes do not cover bird strikes,” he said.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100502/News/nws_18.html

banuthev

May 5th, 2010, 09:56 AM

Singapore Airlines upgrades services to Colombo with A330-300 - http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/business/127-local/9644-singapore-airlines-upgrades-services-to-colombo-with-a330-300.html

"

Amal

May 6th, 2010, 05:57 AM

http://www.island.lk/2010/05/06/b4.jpg

maran

May 6th, 2010, 07:31 AM

^^

Could Sri Lankan airlines replicate or do better than these guys? Well, hope so. Otherwise, I may have to migrate, after being a loyal customer to Sri Lankan airlines for the past 9 years.:)

kflyer2

May 7th, 2010, 03:08 AM

SriLankan has never done better than SQ and won't do either. I wish may SQ takeover UL.

Cayman

May 7th, 2010, 03:27 PM

^^
Agreed,

UL was not even remotely comparable with SQ during the time of EK management. Under the current management, they have absolultey no chance in hell.

I will be surprised if they still fly in a couple of years.

dramirez

May 7th, 2010, 05:01 PM

Oh yeah, SQ is still one of the best. Flying with them is really an absolute pleasure, although they sure do make you pay for it compared to the other carriers.

I thought UL were trying to refit their fleet... or are things looking grim?

kflyer2

May 8th, 2010, 03:40 AM

lordvader

May 8th, 2010, 10:06 AM

UL has been upgrading cabins and replacing fleet since 2008 April. Oh, if these ever materialized ! They gotta realise that they need either a capable CEO or a capable partner. Wish Samer Majali or Mark Dunkerley was here..

The following article says that all govt bodies will have new chairmen on the 10th of May:
http://www.island.lk/2010/05/08/news19.html

I wonder if this involves UL? The same site (on another page) claims Harry J has been appointed as the Petroleum chairman, so it looks like he wont be turning up at UL anytime soon. According to several sites, UL was actually profitable when he was in charge. Hopefully someone who can shake things up a bit can be appointed UL chairman.

kflyer2

May 8th, 2010, 02:43 PM

UL was profitable under Harry and employees protested when he was fired, IIRC. However I guess it's more down to CEO and rest of the executives. Even if CEO was good, things won't go perfect if other managers in charge of different sections don't do things right.

mrpanini

May 9th, 2010, 07:36 PM

An interesting interview from 2008

"BIA will be a model airport to be proud of" -Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited

With the completion of the second Phase of the BIA development programme, BIA will see an unprecedented level of development, making it one of the best airports in the region and a model airport to be proud of. The comprehensive master plan will include the construction of the second runway, multi-storied terminals, remote parking structures, a road network, which will be on two levels, catering for to arriving and departing passengers and complementary the allied infrastructures such as a Transit Hotel with fifty rooms at the Airport, Airport Hotel outside the Airport, a tax-free zone and a railway line from Colombo to Katunayake. The emerging infrastructure will also be augmented by the construction of the Katunayake - Colombo super high way.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday Observer, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Chandima P. Rasaputra elaborates on the master plan that will make BIA, the gateway to Sri Lanka, - a passenger-friendly and model airport in the region.

Following are the excerpts of the interview:

What is the current status of the BIA compared to other regional airports?

A: Currently, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) enjoys the number one position in the region of South Asia. The airport stands out and is much better than any of the Indian airports in terms of facilities as well as the level of services. BIA provides. This is, of course, not my own opinion but the opinion of many of Indian airline operators such as Jet Air and Air Sahara, which are operating here.

Annually, BIA handles up to 6 million passengers and the airport has the capacity to handle up to 8 million passengers. However, as the volume goes up, naturally, it will have an impact on the portfolio of services as well.

The development programme of BIA is broken down into two Phases and each Phase is once again, broken down into two stages.

The stages and 2 of Phase I and the second have already been completed and the stage 1 of the Phase II was had been completed in early 2006.

What are the major infrastructure facilities that will come up in the second stage of Phase II of the development plan?

A: Under the Phase II stage I, basically, the new pier and aero-bridges were installed under Phase II, Stage 1. Earlier passengers were transported up to the aircraft by bus and embarked the plane in by using a ladder. Although the BIA, at the moment, has eight aero-bridges at the moment, arriving and departing passengers are being handled on the same level in a single pier.

However, some airports have two levels of aero-bridges; arrivals on one level and departures on another level and the aero-bridges separately handle arriving and departing passengers. Under the Stage 2 of Phase II Stage II, for which, planning has already completed, and consultation for the detailed design will commence within a one month’s time and construction project will commence in 2009.:nuts:

Under the project, BIA will construct a pier with separate 2-levels of aero-bridges to separate for arriving and departing passengers. It will have 16 aero-bridges, almost doubling the current capacity.

The pier will be constructed on eight parking slots although the terminal will have two levels for arriving passengers and departing passengers.

Basically the aero-bridges can be moved on, to suit the needs. With the addition of the new pier and aero-bridges, BIA’s capacity for passenger handling will increase from 6.58 million passengers to 12 million passengers per year. Currently BIA has 25 parking areas. Once the second stage is completed, the number of parking areas for aircrafts will also increase to 32.

Some of the remote parking areas which were for cargo transport will also be utilised for passenger handling. The remote parking areas will also be put to use utilised in instances where there may be a capacity overflow or when BIA running out of capacity and aircrafts have to wait a longer than the stipulated time. In such instances, passengers will transported to the aircrafts by bus and embark by a ladder.

What is the development strategy mapped out for BIA?

A: The corner stone of the current development strategy mapped out for BIA is that we are going to make it a model airport in the region. Switzerland which is not the biggest country in Europe, but it is the model county in Europe, BIA will be a model airport in the region.

We will make BIA the most passenger friendly airport and efforts will be made to ensure total hundred per cent customer satisfaction. The service levels will be raised further to assure substantial reduction of passenger waiting time in lines. even up to the reduction of passengers’ waiting time in lines.

A major portion of fundings for the project has already been guaranteed by JBIC (Japan International Co-operation) and consultation will commence in one month’s time. The project will consist of a multi-storied terminal, remote parking structure with overhead bridge, second runway and a multi-level road network.

A fifty-room transit hotel will be constructed in the airport and another hotel may be constructed at the Eighteenth mile post. Though it is not included in the stage II, we are also exploring the possibility of setting up a Tax-free Zone and also to commission some kind of a transportation system, - a railway line from Colombo to Katunayake as well as a mono-rail operating between the airport and the eighteenth mile-post.

New face for BIA
With the expansion of the BIA, not only does it get a modern face with state-of-the-art facilities such as aero-bridges, but could proudly compete with any other airport in the South East Asian region.

Future goals

* Runway overlay and meeting requirements for large aircrafts.

* Development of Airport access road, and land side curbs, including split level terminal access.

* New Passenger terminal building (120,000m2) with segregated departure and arrival areas to accommodate 6 million annual passenger service Volume

* Pier (40 metres wide and 300 metres long) with segregated departure and arrivals

* New parking aprons to accommodate 8 aircrafts car parks and utilities

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/06/08/imp10.asp

phil.froelich

May 10th, 2010, 01:24 PM

Sounds very ambitious as usual, but it would be nice to actually see some work done for a change...

Amal

May 10th, 2010, 03:07 PM

Sri Lankan Airlines to fly to Shanghai

May 10, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lankan Airlines will launch a four-times a week service to Shanghai in July 2010, the third Chinese city in its global route network, the airline said in a statement.

The new service will expand the airline's cargo carrying capacity between China and Sri Lanka, with rapid connections in Colombo to Sri Lankan’s global route network, it said.

"Sri Lankan’s services to Chinese cities are tailored to pamper Chinese travelers, with flights having Chinese cuisine; Chinese movies and even Mandarin-speaking stewardesses."

Sri Lankan Airlines’ Chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe said the national carrier expects the service to become popular very quickly among both tourists and business travelers of both countries.

The airline said business links between China and Sri Lanka have been growing with several Chinese firms involved in ongoing infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, including construction of ports, airports, power stations and highways.

It said Shanghai is the world’s largest cargo port, serving China’s booming export economy and one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of 19 million.

The flights on wide-body Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft will operate via Bangkok to China’s largest city and commercial capital on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Flights leave Colombo at 01.25 in the morning and arrive in Shanghai at 12.45 in the afternoon. The return flight would leave Shanghai at 4.20 in the afternoon and arrive in Colombo at 9.55 p.m.

Sri Lanka’s national carrier already operates three flights a week to the Chinese capital Beijing, and another three to Hong Kong.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=560830907

kflyer2

May 13th, 2010, 06:07 AM

Anybody got any info on Paradise Air ? They were a Sri Lankan airline that existed between 1998-2000. IATA-RI. According ATDB, they leased one Yak-40 ( jet ) that was registered 4R-PAA. Never seen this bird in schedules. No photos either.

banuthev

May 13th, 2010, 04:43 PM

Yes, I am too wonder about Paradise Air. What about Aerolanka ? I happened to see a picture (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=55304905&postcount=305) of Aerolanka's aircraft parked in Malaysia few months before. Had not they terminated their services of Bankruptsy ?

Qatar Airways is already re-started operating the third-daily flight at Colombo which is now operating in the early morning as they already planned. Does this mean SL GOV will not cancel the open-sky on the foreign countries ?

"

dramirez

May 13th, 2010, 07:20 PM

Has the gov cancelled open-skies agreement with anyone officially since MR's announcement?

Amal

May 15th, 2010, 03:42 AM

Sri Lanka offers Emirates $55 million for airline stake

Shihar Aneez

(Reuters)

15 May 2010 COLOMBO - Sri Lanka has offered $55 million to buy back the 43.6 per cent stake Dubai’s Emirates airline holds in national carrier SriLankan Airlines, the island nation’s treasury secretary said on Friday.

Emirates, the Arab world’s largest airline, had no immediate comment, but earlier this week had said it was willing to sell the stake “at the right price.”

“Sri Lanka is going to buy it... $55 million is the price we have indicated,” P.B. Jayasundera, secretary of the finance ministry and the treasury, told Reuters in an interview.

“The deal is almost done,” Jayasundera said. “We are looking for a strategic partner or somebody from the government to take that (the stake) and maintain the commercial character of SriLankan (Airlines).”

He declined to say whether an arm of the government would take over the stake, or whether it would be sold to an outside partner.

The government will facilitate the transfer “to Bank of Ceylon or somebody who can basically participate in a business,” Jayasundera said, referring to the largest state-owned bank.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=&section=business&xfile=data/business/2010/May/business_May310.xml

kflyer2

May 15th, 2010, 06:30 AM

Well, Emirates bought the stake for $70m, and were looking for around $150m to sell out.

Amal

May 15th, 2010, 09:02 AM

old air lanka ads:

2K5UZRyR7I8

qhRADnCJp-0

lordvader

May 15th, 2010, 09:11 AM

Well, Emirates bought the stake for $70m, and were looking for around $150m to sell out.

I doubt Emirates would get $150m for it. $55m seems realistic given the current state of the airline but Id think theyd want at least what they paid for it originally. Also the treasury secretary interestingly mentioned that they were looking for a 'strategic partner' for the airline. Maybe another airline or possibly a Srilankan conglomerate? Maybe a govt owned company?

lordvader

May 15th, 2010, 09:16 AM

^^
BTW Amal, thanks for the videos.

lordvader

May 15th, 2010, 09:39 AM

SriLankan Airlines plans to double the number of flights to India from 50, but it will not undercut competition to woo passengers

P.R. Sanjai

Mumbai: SriLankan Airlines plans to double the number of flights to India from 50, but it will not undercut competition to woo passengers. In an interview, chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe also narrates the plan to turn around the airline, which will soon be 95% government-owned. For free tickets and free upgrades, one needs to seek the approval of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, he said. Edited excerpts:

http://www.livemint.com/images/4ED51D45-C4B2-42D6-B3ED-E938F56929FEArtVPF.gif

SriLankan Airlines is turning around. How have you done it?

Flight plan: Wickramasinghe, who says Air India can learn more from private airlines in India than from state-owned SriLankan Airlines, says he will not undercut any airline to woo traffic.

Flight plan: Wickramasinghe, who says Air India can learn more from private airlines in India than from state-owned SriLankan Airlines, says he will not undercut any airline to woo traffic.
All credit goes to employees of the airline. You would not be successful unless your workers are acting as one team.

What went wrong?

Recession and terrorism. People were just not travelling. The passenger traffic dropped by half. We had planes flying from European destinations with 25% loads. The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), too, had taken toll on the traffic earlier. Besides, we bore the brunt of terrorism. When people were dying daily, how can anybody travel to Sri Lanka? Other carriers can afford to stop flying or reduce frequency of flying to Sri Lanka, but being the national flag carrier we can’t do this. We had the fullest cooperation from the government.

India’s national carrier, Air India, is state-owned and is making huge losses. What can Air India learn from SriLankan Airlines?

Some of the private carriers of India are doing well, Air India should better learn from them than us.

What is your model airline?

We would ideally want to model SriLankan Airlines on Malaysian Airlines, 100% government-owned. Idris Jala, former managing director and chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines, had turned around Malaysia Airlines. Now he is a minister. He is my guru. I am also in touch with Tim Clarke (president, Emirates Airline). I am not ashamed to ask these guys. We have nothing to lose.

How important is India for your airline?

India is an important market for us and it constitutes a little over 20% of our revenues. For Indians, it will be cheaper to fly to Colombo compared to domestic or other international tourist destinations. Since the security is relaxed, I see a lot of tourists coming to Colombo. But we will not undercut any airline for wooing traffic.

At present, we have 50 flights to India. We will have to double it shortly. We have tied up IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) to promote the country as a destination. We are also working closely with the Sri Lankan Tourism Board.

You are into other airline-related businesses.

Yes, we have created a holding company that, in turn, will create profit centres, including airlines, cargo, ground handling services, catering, engineering and holidays. These businesses will report to the board of directors.

In the engineering space, SriLankan Airlines had won a year-long contract from IndiGo. (India’s largest low-fare carrier had signed a year-long contract with SriLankan Airlines in 2009 for conducting airframe maintenance checks on 10 of its A320 aircraft.) We would be looking at more such opportunities from India, Pakistan, Malaysia and other countries.

What’s the key challenge for a state-owned airline?

Generally, people feel it’s their own airline and ask for free tickets, free upgrades, etc. You may also find many guys interfering in the management. Fortunately, I have no such pressures. President Mahinda Rajapaksa had clarified that nobody will be interfering in the airline management. Even for an upgrade, people have go to the President for approval. Whoever wants any free tickets will have to talk to him. The President has clarified that the government in no way will be involved in the airline management. The airline will be run by the chairman, the board of directors and its senior management.

Would you need any financial help from the government?

We would need government’s assistance for two-three years but we are not asking for any money. We need only guarantees and underwriting for the loans we take and lease agreements we enter into. This will help us bring the interest cost down.

Emirates, which was holding a sizeable stake and management control, is no more interested in SriLankan Airlines. Will the government buy back Emirates’ stake?

Emirates has a 43.63% stake in SriLankan Airlines with management control, while the government of Sri Lanka holds 51.05%, and employees 5.32%. The government has agreed to buy back shares from Emirates. In a couple of weeks, the government of Sri Lanka would buy back shares from Emirates.

What difference will it make to the airline?

It makes lot of difference. Till now, the government of Sri Lanka was not able to guarantee or underwrite SriLankan Airlines’ lease agreements or loans because the management control is with Emirates. Because of this we could not grow. We are targeting to double our fleet in next three-four years.

pr.sanjai@livemint.com

http://www.livemint.com/2010/05/13213204/We-have-no-interference-even.html?h=B

tig

May 15th, 2010, 01:30 PM

old air lanka ads:

2K5UZRyR7I8

qhRADnCJp-0

wat year is it from ?

mrpanini

May 15th, 2010, 02:50 PM

wat year is it from ?

It says it in big numbers right on the video

tig

May 15th, 2010, 10:34 PM

It says it in big numbers right on the video

lol didn`t look, and thats left not right lol

simpliCITY

May 17th, 2010, 12:15 PM

An interesting interview from 2008

What is the current status of the BIA compared to other regional airports?

A: Currently, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) enjoys the number one position in the region of South Asia. The airport stands out and is much better than any of the Indian airports in terms of facilities as well as the level of services. BIA provides. This is, of course, not my own opinion but the opinion of many of Indian airline operators such as Jet Air and Air Sahara,

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/06/08/imp10.asp

That is a bit old news. When I visited Colombo in 2007 it was far away better from any Indian airports. But the things are changing very fast.

Now 2 Indian airports (Delhi & Hyderabad) are in the list of world's best airports (http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=6&doc_id=23265)

And India is eagerly building many more classy airports (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1249)through out the country. Colombo should have to take some steps to keep its stand.
Hi from India.:hi:

dramirez

May 17th, 2010, 01:07 PM

That is a bit old news. When I visited Colombo in 2007 it was far away better from any Indian airports. But the things are changing very fast.

Now 2 Indian airports (Delhi & Hyderabad) are in the list of world's best airports (http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=6&doc_id=23265)

And India is eagerly building many more classy airports (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1249)through out the country. Colombo should have to take some steps to keep its stand.
Hi from India.:hi:

I am (somewhat painfully) aware of this, having flown into Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore recently.

I like how the Indians are building their terminals & exterior approaches from scratch. You guys have a few more dollars in the coffers swilling around for these projects and also there is a lot of private interest, if I am correct?

lordvader

May 18th, 2010, 08:35 AM

That is a bit old news. When I visited Colombo in 2007 it was far away better from any Indian airports. But the things are changing very fast.

Now 2 Indian airports (Delhi & Hyderabad) are in the list of world's best airports (http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=6&doc_id=23265)

And India is eagerly building many more classy airports (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1249)through out the country. Colombo should have to take some steps to keep its stand.
Hi from India.:hi:

Yeh its disappointing that they hyped up this article in 2008 (promising that construction would start soon on the new multistorey terminal), and as of yet nothing has happened in regards to the construction. Hopefully something happens fast. I wouldnt even mind a few companies such as GMR, Larsen & Toubro, Malaysia Airports etc building the new terminal on a long lease, so that the govt doesnt have to spend as much money on the construction. The govt could then keep the rest of the airport under its control and use the money it would otherwise spend on the new terminal, to upgrade or possibly build a 2nd runway.

Fusionist

May 18th, 2010, 05:54 PM

The Indian Government has agreed to assist Sri Lanka in the development of the Palali airport in Jaffna and the Kankesanthurai Port.

Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha conveyed this decision to Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne when he called on the Prime Minister to congratulate him on his assumption of office and have discussions yesterday (29).

The widen economic, social and cultural ties with Sri Lanka at all times said a press release by the Prime Minister's office. India was also willing to assist Sri Lanka in its resettlement program in the North.

Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne recalled with gratitude. The timely assistance given to Sri Lanka by India in times of difficulties. Indian assistance was much needed at this juncture when Sri Lanka was striving to achieve economic development after eradicating terrorism.

He said the government had taken all measures to bring community life in the North back to normal. Under President Rajapaksa's leadership people in all parts of the country have gained the opportunity to lead a peaceful life without fear or suspicion.

The Indian High Commission also proposed the conducting of a Buddhist Congress to mark the 2,600 Buddha Jayanthi.

source : http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7016:indian-assistance-in-developing-palali-airport-kks-harbour-&catid=46:general&Itemid=70

lordvader

May 20th, 2010, 01:41 AM

Does anyone know anything about UL or Mihin's expansion these days? Has UL got its much talked about 5th A330 and did Mihin get its 2nd A320 yet?

kflyer2

May 20th, 2010, 03:24 AM

Either has got none.

lordvader

May 21st, 2010, 12:58 AM

Either has got none.

Thats a shame. Hopefully theyll both get the new aircraft soon and im hoping that UL will start refurbishing its aircraft interiors soon. No other news?

lordvader

May 24th, 2010, 12:50 PM

Preeti Hoon
May 24, 2010

Ignitee Digital Solutions Pvt Ltd has won the social media marketing rights for two major international brands – IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) and SriLankan, the Asian airline service.

On awarding the business to Ignitee, Dilip Mudadeniya, MD, Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau, said, “Ignitee is a leading digital marketing agency. We have seen their proposal, which was very interesting, so we decided to go ahead with it. Ignitee had approached us in the past as well.”

On the kind of online activities that Ignitee was expected to perform, he replied, “Ignitee is the official social media partner for the IIFA event, where they will help SLTPB (Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau) to promote the event in the social media spaces such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and much more. While for SriLankan, Ignitee will be promoting them on Google and Yahoo through search engine marketing.”

Mudadeniya further said, “Since it is just a three hours’ journey by flight from India, IIFA is working 24x7 with 500 people involved in it. The Sri Lankan Government has invested 400 million overall on the infrastructure and other areas.”

Commenting on the new wins, Shankar B, National Business Director, Ignitee Digital Solutions Pvt Ltd, said, “We are extremely delighted to announce our association with our new international clients. This will allow us to profile Ignitee on the global platform. With our domain knowledge and expertise in the digital media space, we aim at delivering the best solutions to them in a view to helping them achieve our client’s objectives. We are certain that with the talent and minds back at Ignitee, we will see these wins increasing even further-more.”

It is learnt that no other agency was in fray for this account. The work has already begun, and with this win, Ignitee will be the first digital agency to open up the digital market in Sri Lanka and mark an entry for the first Indian advertising agency to do an activity in that market.

Recently, Ignitee was appointed by Abott as their official online agency for Digene. The agency has also created websites for some of the elite brands like Ministry of Tourism, Aircel, Reliance Life Insurance, Aviva life Insurance, UTI Bank, Warner Bros and Babyshop, to name a few.

http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/izone1/izone_fullstory.asp?Section_id=4&News_id=38226&Tag=3930

Lovelanka

May 26th, 2010, 12:48 AM

Improved facilities at Sri Lanka's international airport

Wed, May 26, 2010, 12:36 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

May 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka government is taking steps to provide improved facilities for the air travelers at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

At the progress review meeting of the Port and Civil Aviation Services Ministry held in Temple Trees this morning President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Port and Aviation Minister has instructed the officials of the Ministry to enhance the facilities at the country's only international air port with modern technology.

It has been According to authorities 23 aviation companies are operating flights to the Katunayake airport and due to the prevailing peaceful environment in the country tourist arrivals have increased by 50 percent.

At present, the airport handles 4.2 million passengers annually but the government hopes to increase this number up to six million by the year 2012.

To accommodate expected rise in passenger arrivals the Ministry will set up another terminal soon. An intercity railway service from Colombo to Katunayaket is also in the plans. Facilities of the duty free shops will also be increased.

The government has decided to improve the conditions at the local airports as well. Under the President's directions 13 domestic airports airport including Ratmalana Airport will get improved facilities. The progress of the proposed international airport in Hambanthota has also been discussed at the meeting..

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/May26_1274814383CH.php

mrpanini

May 26th, 2010, 02:26 AM

Improved facilities at Sri Lanka's international airport

To accommodate expected rise in passenger arrivals the Ministry will set up another terminal soon.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/May26_1274814383CH.php

Sounds very simple and straightforward doesn't it?.....a new terminal will be set up "soon".

What exactly do they mean by "soon"?
6 months or 6 years or 16 years?

tig

May 26th, 2010, 03:30 AM

Sounds very simple and straightforward doesn't it?.....a new terminal will be set up "soon".

What exactly do they mean by "soon"?
6 months or 6 years or 16 years?

nice question, datst he probelm with SL government, they always delay everything, lol

Chariya

May 26th, 2010, 09:24 AM

Sounds very simple and straightforward doesn't it?.....a new terminal will be set up "soon".

What exactly do they mean by "soon"?
6 months or 6 years or 16 years?

I think when we Sri Lankans use the word soon, we probably should think about spelling it like this

"Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon"

because thats how long soon is for us!! :bash:

phil.froelich

May 26th, 2010, 01:52 PM

Haha fully agree with you man...as always the plans are there, but the implementation is more than disappointing...if we want the "Suba Anagathayak" or bright future promised to us...this is one of the first things that has to change...

kflyer2

May 26th, 2010, 03:57 PM

Flydubai will be launching Colombo from 23rd June. 4 times weekly. Fares are around half that of Mihin.

Chariya

May 26th, 2010, 04:22 PM

Flydubai will be launching Colombo from 23rd June. 4 times weekly. Fares are around half that of Mihin.

Are you sure about the price ?? this will put mihin in even worse trouble and they have 2 more air planes which are on the way!!

I guess the hole is getting deeper and deeper for mihin I wonder if we will ever see mihin air break even, atleast in 10years time!!

Fusionist

May 26th, 2010, 05:00 PM

Improved facilities at Sri Lanka's international airport
Wed, May 26, 2010, 12:36 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

May 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka government is taking steps to provide improved facilities for the air travelers at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

At the progress review meeting of the Port and Civil Aviation Services Ministry held in Temple Trees this morning President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Port and Aviation Minister has instructed the officials of the Ministry to enhance the facilities at the country's only international air port with modern technology.

It has been According to authorities 23 aviation companies are operating flights to the Katunayake airport and due to the prevailing peaceful environment in the country tourist arrivals have increased by 50 percent.

At present, the airport handles 4.2 million passengers annually but the government hopes to increase this number up to six million by the year 2012.

To accommodate expected rise in passenger arrivals the Ministry will set up another terminal soon. An intercity railway service from Colombo to Katunayaket is also in the plans. Facilities of the duty free shops will also be increased.

The government has decided to improve the conditions at the local airports as well. Under the President's directions 13 domestic airports airport including Ratmalana Airport will get improved facilities. The progress of the proposed international airport in Hambanthota has also been discussed at the meeting..

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10A/May26_1274814383CH.php

I think a new terminal is a good idea. But is this a concrete plan for the near future ?

mrpanini

May 26th, 2010, 07:00 PM

I think a new terminal is a good idea. But is this a concrete plan for the near future ?

Th plans for BIA Phase 2 expansion plans have been in the making for years and were finalized last year.

When construction will actually start and when it will be completed is another matter entirely.

saraprobe

May 27th, 2010, 12:21 AM

wqhiZN7RcPE
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:^^^^^^^^^^^^

lordvader

May 27th, 2010, 02:11 AM

^^
Thanks for the vid Saraprobe. The airport concepts look nice! Looks like the drop off areas at BIA are in for a significant improvement. I like the high ceilings on the top level of the new terminal as well. Mattala also looks good as well! I wonder if that powerpoint presentation is on the web somewhere?

lordvader

May 27th, 2010, 02:27 AM

According to this forum UL might actually be getting one of the ex BMI A330s (either G-WWBB or WWBM) with the other one going to TK. However take this as pure speculation, until everything is fully confirmed:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/bmi-diamond-club/1087427-ex-bmi-a330-manchester.html

kflyer2

May 27th, 2010, 03:07 AM

Whether UL may get it or not, G-WWBM huge crack in undercarriage was true. It caused months of downtime for the aircraft and caused one BMI route to be fully cancelled.

lordvader

May 27th, 2010, 03:48 AM

Whether UL may get it or not, G-WWBM huge crack in undercarriage was true. It caused months of downtime for the aircraft and caused one BMI route to be fully cancelled.

Thats disappointing. Couldnt UL go for a better aircraft (another A332 or A333)? Hopefully this'll be a stop gap aircraft. Looks like Mihin is somewhat more proactive in getting its new aircraft:

Mihin to acquire second aircraft from singapore
Thursday, 27 May 2010 00:17

By Kelum Bandara

The budget airline ‘Mihin Lanka’ is planning to acquire its second aircraft very soon on dry lease, officials said yesterday.

Chief Executive Officer of Mihin Lanka Kapila Chandrasena told the Daily Mirror yesterday that a team of airline officials would leave the country soon to work out arrangements in this regard.

“We want to acquire an A320 airbus from a company which is operating in Singapore,” he said.

Mr. Chandrasena said only the aircraft is provided by the company concerned on ‘dry lease’ conditions, and the airline is required to spend for the crew and maintenance.

On ‘wet lease’ conditions, even that cost is not borne by the airline.

Asked whether Mihin Lanka would operate flights for new destinations, he said it would operate with the acquisition of the second aircraft targeting the West Asia, India and the South-East Asian countries such as Malaysia.

He said Mihin Lanka would compete with other budget airlines such as Air Asia, Air Arabia, Kingfisher and Jet Liner which operate in the region.

Asked about the financial position of Mihin Lanka, Mr. Chandrasena said that the airline was now gaining financial stability despite losses reported during the past.

“There is a lot of false information about Mihin Lanka. The financial situation has improved now. With the acquisition of the new aircraft, we can increase our profit level,” he said.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/news/news/11641.html

And flyDubai will fly to CMB effective June (unless there is another regulatory delay lol):

flydubai set to launch Sri Lanka flights in June
by Andy Sambidge

flydubai, Dubai’s low cost airline, said on Wednesday that it will launch flights to Sri Lanka next month.

It is expanding its network in the Indian sub-continent with flights to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, starting on June 23, with tickets priced from AED450.

The Sri Lanka route is flydubai's 21st destination launch since it started operations last summer, the airline said in a statement.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai's CEO said: "We started 2010 with a determination to add new and exciting destinations to our route network. With our recent announcements of destinations as far apart as Istanbul, Lucknow, Colombo and Karachi, we have delivered on our promise to establish ourselves as an affordable, accessible airline with a professional service and a network to be proud of by the anniversary of our first flight."

The new route will target the 300,000 Sri Lankans expats currently living in the UAE as well as those looking to holiday in the tropical destination.

Sri Lanka, famous for its tea plantations, cricket team, tropical highland forests and beaches, has a population of more than 20 million. Colombo, with around 700,000 residents is by far the country's largest city.

flydubai will operate four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/589099-flydubai-set-to-launch-sri-lanka-flights-in-june

kflyer2

May 27th, 2010, 08:59 AM

Chariya

May 27th, 2010, 11:25 AM

Any cheap tickets to SL from London ?? something less than £504.. during July!!

lordvader

May 28th, 2010, 02:18 AM

@lordvader FZ rates start at LKR13000, whereas MJ is 16000 ( @chariya Apparently they've reduced rates ) . I just don't understand why they are trying to kill UL's yields further by flying to same destinations.

Yeh thats just dumb. IMHO Mihin should be flying to places like Dhaka, Jakarta, Manila, Goa etc and look at connecting them with places such as Sharjah, Amman and RAK, places where UL doesnt fly to currently. I think Mihin's current flights should stay as is, with the exception of Kuwait, so that UL can get a daily flight in there. I also think Mihin should be growing its fleet faster. IMHO Mihin as a LCC should have more than 1 A320 by now in order to be viable. What do you think? Anyway at least its good news that the next aircraft is coming from SALE.

Lovelanka

May 28th, 2010, 12:55 PM

BIA is to be updated and modernised

Thursday, 27 May 2010 00:17

Utilising modern technologies and updating the existing conveniences the air passengers are accorded, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake would be developed to reach unparallel standards.

This was revealed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister of Ports and Aviation, at a Progress Committee meeting that was held at Temple Tress on Tuesday.

Discussions were also held at length on the future programmes for the development of the Airlines, Commercial Shipping division, Shipping Corporation after considering their progress so far. Planes belonging to 23 Airlines flying on 46 routes fly into BIA. It was also disclosed since the end of the terrorist war tourist arrivals had increased by about 50% by April 2010.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/images/BIA-statics.jpg

The number of passengers utilising the BIA has also risen by 50%. Taking this development into consideration, the President had announced that an accelerated programme to provide better facilities at the airport would have to be implemented.

So far the number of passengers using the services of the BIA have been about 4.2 million annually and it is anticipated that by the year 2012 this number would touch the 6 million mark.

The President had instructed the officers after providing a linked luxury train service from the BIA, update the existing duty free complex, improve hotel facilities for transit passengers, initiate a separate departure lounge for domestic flights and improve the airport taxi service.

A runway of 3,500-metre-wide is planned in its initial stage to station 10 aeroplanes.The money collected from passengers who leave for foreign employment would be directed to the welfare of those passengers while income from tourists would be diverted to tourism industry.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/news/news/11638.html

dramirez

May 28th, 2010, 03:44 PM

wqhiZN7RcPE
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:^^^^^^^^^^^^

Looks awesome. Let's see it happening! I like the design as well, elegant and Sri Lankan.

tig

May 28th, 2010, 10:43 PM

Looks awesome. Let's see it happening! I like the design as well, elegant and Sri Lankan.

It looks ok. after the completion i hope it looks like how it is shown, i hope they don`t change the plan like they did with Cricket stadium in Hambantota ( in which they cancelled the entire half of the stadium). This will definetly give setback to Hambantota airport.

saraprobe

May 29th, 2010, 01:12 AM

It looks ok. after the completion i hope it looks like how it is shown, i hope they don`t change the plan like they did with Cricket stadium in Hambantota ( in which they cancelled the entire half of the stadium). This will definetly give setback to Hambantota airport.

Now I have seen lotz of displeasure over the Hambantota Stadium, now one thing I would like to remind, SLC only spend $10.00 million, compared to 1st world about $75-100 million, due to labor cost, stage 1 totally free coz it was completed by Army and land was totally free. Construction also undertaken by Chinese firm part of port and airport project. So guys we are not gonna be able to have another MCG built in Hambantota, but we will have something can be proud of!!!

Pilotofthefuture

May 29th, 2010, 03:47 AM

For the benefit of those who cannot understand Sinhala, could someone highlight the main points on the video please? It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Gamarala

May 29th, 2010, 07:37 PM

For the benefit of those who cannot understand Sinhala, could someone highlight the main points on the video please? It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

New terminal, widen existing runaway, luxury train service centered around BIA, expand the duty free area, upgrade the hotel, separate terminal for internal flights (I like!), better airport taxi service.

About Mattala: They already have permits for 8 international destinations.

They've started refurbishing 13 other internal airports.

Apparently all of these are MRs ideas :lol:

dramirez

May 29th, 2010, 10:25 PM

Speaking of the "Luxury train"...

I know it's in the Daily Rag, but I like how they have realised that the Airport-city connections are not sufficient.

Also, this made me giggle: "The spokesman said this station will be converted into modern hut with modern facilities" ... a modern hut?!:

Luxury train service from Airport to Colombo for IIFA guests

Irangika RANGE

A special super luxury and air condition train service will be launched between the Secretariat halt opposite Colombo Hilton and Bandaranaike International Airport for foreign visitors including film personalities coming to Sri Lanka to participate in the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2010.

Sri Lanka Railways spokesman told the Daily News that Sri Lanka will witness a large crowd with over 600 Indian film personalities gracing the IIFA awards ceremony to be held from June 3 to 5.

The service will be launched on the directives of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama on a special request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It will be supervised by Railways Chairman P.P. Wijesekara.

Work on modernizing the Secretariat halt opposite the Colombo Hilton has already been initiated.

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd has allocated funds for this. The spokesman said this station will be converted into modern hut with modern facilities.

Source: http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/05/17/news13.asp

Praetorian

May 30th, 2010, 03:44 AM

banuthev

May 30th, 2010, 10:41 AM

@ Chariya - £491/ is a cheapest fare for London (LHR) to Colombo (CMB) sector in July 2010. Round-trip. Economy Class. Qatar Airways via Doha. If you are interested call Southall Travel on 02088435643.

"

Pilotofthefuture

May 30th, 2010, 11:21 AM

New terminal, widen existing runaway, luxury train service centered around BIA, expand the duty free area, upgrade the hotel, separate terminal for internal flights (I like!), better airport taxi service.

About Mattala: They already have permits for 8 international destinations.

They've started refurbishing 13 other internal airports.

Apparently all of these are MRs ideas :lol:

Cheers Gamarala.

dramirez

May 30th, 2010, 06:14 PM

Budget Flights 30 May, 2010 10:31:33

Sri Lanka flights to start in June says Dubai budget carrier

May 30, 2010 (LBO) - Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai will fly to Sri Lanka's capital Colombo from June 23, offering one way tickets starting from 13,000 Sri Lanka rupees, media reports and the company website said.
The airline is offering a Dubai-Colombo fare for 450 UAE dirhams (1 UAD Dirham = 31.1 Sri Lanka rupees).

"We started 2010 with a determination to add new and exciting destinations to our route network," chief executive Al Ghaith was quoted as saying on Arabianbusiness.com, a regional news portal.

"With our recent announcements of destinations as far apart as Istanbul, Lucknow, Colombo and Karachi, we have delivered on our promise to establish ourselves as an affordable, accessible airline…"

ArabianBusiness.com said the route will target 300,000 Sri Lankan expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=331532704

phil.froelich

May 31st, 2010, 10:25 AM

That's extremely cheap...I am sure a lot of migrant workers will be thrilled with this development, but other airlines may suffer a setback...

dramirez

May 31st, 2010, 04:05 PM

That's extremely cheap...I am sure a lot of migrant workers will be thrilled with this development, but other airlines may suffer a setback...

Yeah, it's good for the Dubai-based Sri Lankans, flying straight out of Dubai and avoiding the need to travel to Sharjah to get an Air Arabia flight. Or use Mihin... the initial reviews from FlyDubai look quite good - http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/flydubai.htm. Anyone else have any experiences of FlyDubai?

Chariya

June 1st, 2010, 10:48 AM

Yes, £491/= Round-trip. Economy Class. London Departure Month: July 2010. London Heathrow to Colombo via Doha on Qatar Airways. If you are interested call Southall Travel on 02088435643.

Thanks...

kflyer2

June 1st, 2010, 02:39 PM

UL is operating some extra flights for the IIFA. SIN/KUL flew delinked since yesterday. BOM will run thrice daily for a few days.

banuthev

June 1st, 2010, 03:57 PM

Shanghai flight booking is now available on srilankan.aero. In July 2010, Colombo to Shanghai round-trip costs = Fare:$351.71 + Tax: $36.48. Booking on srilankan.aero is cheaper than Ebookers.

I know this is a late news from me. Maldivian Airlines has terminated the Colombo flights from 1st May 2010. All passengers confirmed to travel after 1st May 2010 is offered full refund for their tickets.

kflyer2

June 2nd, 2010, 11:12 AM

4R-ALG. The new A330. No other info available on the aircraft currently.

kflyer2

June 2nd, 2010, 11:45 AM

In the first week, the bird will operate to PVG ( twice ), FCO/MXP ( once ), LHR ( thrice ) and RUH ( once ). It also operates a number of LHR legs in the weeks after that too. UL's LHR flights usually operate with the 343 and this seem to be the only 332 in the mix. This change makes me wonder if 4R-ALG has a better product/a bigger C cabin.
However, this is obviously G-WWBM, the cracked undercarriage bird IIRC.

lordvader

June 2nd, 2010, 02:24 PM

^^

This site says WWBM is going to TK:

http://www.pprune.org/spectators-balcony-spotters-corner/416948-bd-lease-a330-tk.html

UL must be getting the other A330 from BMI (or perhaps somewhere else?). Whens it due in for service?

kflyer2

June 2nd, 2010, 06:19 PM

Will be in service starting July 1. Likely will arrive in late June.

kflyer2

June 3rd, 2010, 03:24 AM

G-WWBB. Reportedly she's now in UL livery at MAN.

lordvader

June 3rd, 2010, 01:09 PM

G-WWBB. Reportedly she's now in UL livery at MAN.

Good news. Hopefully we'll see some pics soon. Any other aircraft in the pipeline for UL?

It also looks like UL may have been fixing up their interiors recently. Take a look at the following two photos of the same aircraft (4R-ADE):

Before (2007):
http://www.airliners.net/photo/SriLankan-Airlines/Airbus-A340-313X/1552403/&sid=05f29f0ea00ec33bc7b93bf99f5910e7

After (2010):
http://www.airliners.net/photo/SriLankan-Airlines/Airbus-A340-313X/1709332/&sid=05f29f0ea00ec33bc7b93bf99f5910e7

kflyer2

June 3rd, 2010, 02:07 PM

Yes I too noticed that. They're also looking for a narrowbody, cannot reveal more details on type as it is an ongoing procurement.

Asia-Bike

June 3rd, 2010, 04:16 PM

hey guys check this link out..its the New Srilankan Airlines A330 at Manchester
http://www.airlivery.com/G-WWBBsl.shtml

dramirez

June 3rd, 2010, 04:18 PM

So the new bird is an addition to the fleet... not a replacement?

Asia-Bike

June 3rd, 2010, 04:26 PM

this aircraft is an addition to the fleet, which makes it to 5 A330-200s

Srilankan1

June 3rd, 2010, 06:55 PM

Any confirmation from the Airline it self about the new Aircraft?

lordvader

June 4th, 2010, 01:46 AM

This site says the following (not official but it seems to confirm that UL is indeed getting another A330):

SRILANKAN AIRLINES [ALK/UL] will lease one of two recently returned ex-BMI A330-200s (see also THY below). The RR powered aircraft (msn 404 ex G-WWBB) is to be leased from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) imminently, and joins four others in the fleet (one leased from Aircastle, three owned).

Source: http://7seasaviation.blogspot.com/2010/06/aviation-news_03.html

Also here is an interesting interview with Peter Hill, about his life and troubles (including the UL incident). Looks like he may be returning to SL soon (IMHO if he returns they should make him an advisor to UL/MJ but I doubt theyll do it):

His next adventure, he says, will be running the foundation he and his wife have set up in Sri Lanka.

“There will be someone else by then to take it over and I’ll be able to go home and put my feet up and work on our foundation.”

Read More: http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100603/BUSINESS/706039960/1354

And for laughs...

Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman envy of ‘Bollywood’ stars

by Harischandra Gunaratna

The Chairman Sri Lankan Airlines Nishantha Wickramasinghe was the envy of some of the ‘Bollywood’ stars who attended yesterday’s pre-IIFA media briefing.

When two of the stars were asked to comment about what they felt about the IIFA being held in Sri Lanka among other things, one praised Sri Lanka’s National Carrier Sri Lankan Airlines for its friendly service and said "I have a dream and that is to become the Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines one day." This made everyone in the hall break into peals of laughter.

Then, the other said, "I too want to be the Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines." They both realised that they were competing against each other and came to a compromise.

"We want to be joint Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines," both said in unison.

The reason was that the Chairman was escorted to the lectern by two beautiful stewardesses when his turn came to deliver a speech. He was flanked by the two of them when he delivered his speech.

Source: http://www.island.lk/2010/06/04/news14.html

Gamarala

June 4th, 2010, 02:17 AM

Also here is an interesting interview with Peter Hill, about his life and troubles (including the UL incident). Looks like he may be returning to SL soon

After what he pulled with Oman, if Hill returns to Sri Lanka they should lock him up and throw away the key.

lordvader

June 4th, 2010, 02:23 AM

After what he pulled with Oman, if Hill returns to Sri Lanka they should lock him up and throw away the key.

Lol what did he do in/with Oman?

Gamarala

June 4th, 2010, 02:34 AM

Lol what did he do in/with Oman?

After Hill took over at Oman Air, he tried to fly 7 days/week to colombo to steal some of SriLankan's European operations through connections via Oman. Given Oman hadn't flow to SL in years, and even at peak they had like 2-3 flights/week, this was all about Hill's personnal vendetta against the country for forcing him out.

kflyer2

June 4th, 2010, 07:54 AM

lordvader

June 4th, 2010, 09:17 AM

After Hill took over at Oman Air, he tried to fly 7 days/week to colombo to steal some of SriLankan's European operations through connections via Oman. Given Oman hadn't flow to SL in years, and even at peak they had like 2-3 flights/week, this was all about Hill's personnal vendetta against the country for forcing him out.

I understand from where your coming from but it is his job as CEO of Oman Air to build up on profitable routes. He isnt stealing UL's routes if UL isnt making use of them. If UL could offer a more attractive package then more people will fly with them. This probably wouldve happened anyway, even if he was still at UL (since Oman wouldve just poached a CEO from somewhere else). I dont know much about Hill so I cant judge if he has vendettas aginst SL or not.

Speaking of EK, it looks like they are exiting from UL. And if the price is correct, it looks like the govt got themselves a good deal:

Air Deal
04 Jun, 2010 11:32:59

Sri Lanka government, Emirates finalize deal to buy back national carrier

June 04, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's government and Dubai's Emirates Airlines have finalized a deal to buy out its stake in the national carrier, its chairman Nishanta Wickremasinghe said.
"The deal has been finalized," Wickremasinghe said. "It is between the government and Emirates."

Wickremesinghe said he was not aware of the final price.

However a government source familiar with the deal mentioned a deal value of 55 to 60 million US dollars for Emirates' 43.6 percent share holdings of Sri Lankan Airlines.

State-run Bank of Ceylon and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, which was recently re-vested in the state are involved in the deal, the source said.

Emirates managed the airline for 10 years from 1998. The government already owns 51 percent of Sri Lankan.

http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?nid=1606970997

BTW what happened to the current CEO? Is he still there or did the chairman take over?

banuthev

June 4th, 2010, 09:25 AM

Oman Air cancels Maldives service and commencing 4 weekly Muscat to Colombo round-trip non-stop flights from 1st July 2010.

rajasinghe

June 4th, 2010, 09:48 AM

nice thread banuthev

AirCeylon

June 4th, 2010, 11:08 AM

hey guys check this link out..its the New Srilankan Airlines A330 at Manchester
http://www.airlivery.com/G-WWBBsl.shtml

Is this the G-WWBB? because yesterday I found a post of some one in airliners.net and the new A/C is G-WWBD.

AirCeylon

June 4th, 2010, 11:49 AM

Is this the G-WWBB? because yesterday I found a post of some one in airliners.net and the new A/C is G-WWBD.

ok Found on Fleet watch as the new entry is G-WWBB....!!

AirCeylon

June 4th, 2010, 11:52 AM

Good news. Hopefully we'll see some pics soon. Any other aircraft in the pipeline for UL?

It also looks like UL may have been fixing up their interiors recently. Take a look at the following two photos of the same aircraft (4R-ADE):

Before (2007):
http://www.airliners.net/photo/SriLankan-Airlines/Airbus-A340-313X/1552403/&sid=05f29f0ea00ec33bc7b93bf99f5910e7

After (2010):
http://www.airliners.net/photo/SriLankan-Airlines/Airbus-A340-313X/1709332/&sid=05f29f0ea00ec33bc7b93bf99f5910e7

The J class seats are Dark Blue both 4R-ADE and ADF!!! Wednesday flight from MXP was 4R-ADE...

AirCeylon

June 4th, 2010, 11:58 AM

Will be in service starting July 1. Likely will arrive in late June.

She is going to fly to Italy.... 2nd of July will start new service UL571 CMB-MXP-FCO-CMB freq 3-5-7!!

kflyer2

June 4th, 2010, 12:56 PM

AirCeylon

June 4th, 2010, 02:18 PM

UL CEO is Manoj Gunewardena, and he's still there.
@AirCeylon Yes, and that's the only time in July she will fly to MXP. Her main utilizations are to LHR with some regionals in the middle, at least in July.
@Banuthev yes, msn404

Tx for the reply... Someone of UL told me that the new A330 will use to Italy and to NRT! any way the current fleet will increase.... happy for that....:cheers:

Amal

June 4th, 2010, 02:31 PM

Sri Lankan airline chief calls for fully liberalized skies with India

June 04, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lanka and India should fully liberalize air services within the two countries, further strengthen links between them and set an example to South Asia, the head of the island's state-run national carrier said.

"The time has come to a fully liberalize aviation in the region, which will be an example in the pursuit of true intra-regional trade," SriLankan Airlines chairman Nishanta Wickremasinghe told a business forum in Colombo.

"From the airline's point of view I would unhesitatingly urge India to take that opportunity to fully liberalize air services to serve as a regional model."

He was speaking at a business forum held with the India International Film Awards in Colombo.

Wickremasinghe said Sri Lanka had an aviation policy of liberalizing on the basis of reciprocity.

"Far reaching and timely decisions by Sri Lanka and India to liberalize (are needed)," he said.

"It could well serve as a model for other SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) countries."

Capacity on the India-Lanka sector was tight until 2001 with India's state-airline being unable to buy new aircraft. Sri Lanka then abolished visas for Indians worsening the shortage.

India then allowed private airlines to fly to Colombo and other South Asian countries.

Sri Lankan Airlines even now flies more than 50 times a week to India down from 100 before the economic downturn, and is the top foreign carrier to the country.

Wickremasinghe said India's land mass was more than 50 times that of Sri Lanka. India had a population of over a billion people compared to 20 million in the case of Sri Lanka which showed that "asymmetry of land has no bearing" on what could be achieved.

India was now the top source of visitors to Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka was among the top ten to India, he said.

Sri Lanka was hoping to attract more than 2.5 million tourists by 2016 with 500,000 from India.

Wickremasinghe said the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ILFTA) signed ten years ago had expanded economic links between the people of the two countries.

"ILFATA was a sound foundation for trade," he said. "Both countries have recognized that there are many more opportunities.

"Hence Sri Lanka and India are in the final stages of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which will encompass services."

He said further liberalization of air services would enhance capacity for more trade and tourist traffic.

The signing of CEPA has been stalled due to protectionist protests. Recently a group of businessmen went to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence to request him to halt the signing of the deal.

Wickremasinghe is Mahinda Rajapaksa's brother-in-law.

He said SriLankan had helped market India and brought tourists to the country. The airline had also signed a deal with the Kerala tourism authority for joint promotions.

Wickremasinghe said he was watching with keen interest the upgrading of Indian airport infrastructure.

Sri Lanka wanted to transform the island into a shipping, aviation and knowledge hub serving as a link between the East and the West.

It was modernising and expanding its main airport to increase capacity, was also developing an airport in Mattala in the South and upgrading 14 internal domestic airports.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1601022776

Gamarala

June 4th, 2010, 03:33 PM

You're being very funny. Making the best out of their airline is any CEO's dream. Don't take me wrong, I'm not being offensive, but it was very fair that he tried to hub through Oman - which every airline, including SriLankan do. No airline can survive on O&D traffic.

I understand from where your coming from but it is his job as CEO of Oman Air to build up on profitable routes. He isnt stealing UL's routes if UL isnt making use of them. If UL could offer a more attractive package then more people will fly with them. This probably wouldve happened anyway, even if he was still at UL (since Oman wouldve just poached a CEO from somewhere else). I dont know much about Hill so I cant judge if he has vendettas aginst SL or not.

The complaints from the SriLankan management weren't about the colombo to muscat route, but say instead of flying UL to London, people would take Oman to Muscat and onward to London.

IIRC we signed the open skies deal with Oman ~2002, and Oman ended up canceling all flights to CMB in 04, during the height of the CFA tourism boom. That tells me the route wasn't profitable for Oman and just not worth their while. Then Hill takes over, and in a few months he trying to do 7 times/week to Colombo? There's no way that was a coincidence.

Oman never ended up doing 7/week anyway though, right? I always figured MR would use some of his charm to convince the Omani government to keep Hill on a leash.

dramirez

June 4th, 2010, 05:23 PM

this aircraft is an addition to the fleet, which makes it to 5 A330-200s

Thanks AsiaBike.

@ anyone else: Regarding the Oman Air issue, is there evidence of oversaturation in the market within the Gulf for carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar? Kuwait Airways is offering cheaper fares now and some of my friends have used them for connections. Can Oman Air really compete?

ceylon

June 5th, 2010, 03:05 AM

Tx for the reply... Someone of UL told me that the new A330 will use to Italy and to NRT! any way the current fleet will increase.... happy for that....:cheers:

Finaly, a good news.Will Srilankan replace old A340 300 with A330-200 ?.

lordvader

June 5th, 2010, 03:32 AM

TThen Hill takes over, and in a few months he trying to do 7 times/week to Colombo? There's no way that was a coincidence.

Maybe Hill wanted a free flight back to SL on Oman Air? I doubt UL would let him on their aircrafts anymore lol.

Finaly, a good news.Will Srilankan replace old A340 300 with A330-200 ?.

No its an additional aircraft ie. the fleet will go up to 13 planes. Some guy says here that they are looking at 777s: http://www.pprune.org/5706264-post13.html

I think he is running his mouth but can anyone confirm whether this is true or not? If so they might possibly replace the A340s.

lordvader

June 5th, 2010, 03:38 AM

The J class seats are Dark Blue both 4R-ADE and ADF!!! Wednesday flight from MXP was 4R-ADE...
Are these seats and IFE going to be applied to the whole fleet? They look better than the ones in the other A330s/A340s. And does anyone know when is UL getting AVOD and the new flat business seats?

kflyer2

June 5th, 2010, 03:49 AM

@lordvader Nothing concrete I know of. But it is a very good plan if true. There are some very lucrative rates for 777s right now. Specially the derated 772ERs of SQ.

AirCeylon

June 5th, 2010, 10:09 AM

Are these seats and IFE going to be applied to the whole fleet? They look better than the ones in the other A330s/A340s. And does anyone know when is UL getting AVOD and the new flat business seats?

It seems yes.. 2011 interiors of the whole fleet will be refurbished!

AirCeylon

June 5th, 2010, 10:10 AM

@lordvader Nothing concrete I know of. But it is a very good plan if true. There are some very lucrative rates for 777s right now. Specially the derated 772ERs of SQ.

Quote!

Cayman

June 5th, 2010, 12:06 PM

@lordvader Nothing concrete I know of. But it is a very good plan if true. There are some very lucrative rates for 777s right now. Specially the derated 772ERs of SQ.

In the long run this is not cost effective.

It does not make financial sense to introduce and entirely new aircraft brand in very small numbers.

I can understand if UL puts an order for 50 777s of various types, because in such a scenario, the economies of scale will quickly amortise the cost of technology ownership. But not when looking to buy 2 or 3 aircrafts.

They should look for more A332 and A333s.

Note: I have nothing against Boeing. Had UL been a long time and cherished operator of the 777 family, and were looking for A332 or A333 just because a few frames were available cheaply, I would have said the same thing gainst procuring them.

Cayman

June 5th, 2010, 12:17 PM

Besides, gone are the days when airlines were keen in hedging the risk of an aircraft manufacturer going out of business by operating aircrafts from multiple manufacturers.

Both Boeing and Airbus are on extremely solid footing and chances of them going out of business are very slim. In an absolutely catastrophic scenario where they may go out of business, it is fathomable that most airlines would have been long gone out of business!

Today two of the most profitable airline operators in the world WN and FR are both single type operators (B737 family) and they do not appear to have issues with their business continuity plans despite being fully dependent on a single manufacturer.

The world is beginning to realize that a lesser umber of brands and varieties save a lot of money.

Case in point: Ford discontinuing Mercury brand to concentrate on a two brand strategy (Ford and luxury brand Lincoln) just like Toyota and Lexus.

PCK

June 5th, 2010, 12:46 PM

hey guys its been a long time since ive been at SSC-SL. good to be back :)
btw i was just wondering if there would be a customs tax of items being brought into SL via BIA, such as a single 42 inch LCD TV? would that be taxed since its only one and is a personal item?

banuthev

June 5th, 2010, 12:50 PM

In winter 2010, Aeroflot will be operating the seasonal service using A330-243 every 10 days from 1st Nov 2010. Route: SVO-MLE-CMB-SVO.

kflyer2

June 5th, 2010, 02:22 PM

@Cayman I disagree. 343s simply guzzles way too much gas. Nor does UL have finances for 350 or 787. 333 cannot fly to Europe and there are routes where UL easily fills up a 77W. What other type do you suggest ?
In fact, having three types is not going to be a burden to a legacy carrier. Think of QF, LH or EK. Even SQ and MH. It will be a problem to a LCC however.

lordvader

June 6th, 2010, 03:08 AM

According to UL's (unofficial?) Facebook page there might be a further A330 due to be delivered to UL soon (bringing the total up to 6?). Im assuming Banuthev knows something about this since his name is attached to this post! :lol:

See here:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4688743&id=180203262756

UL's wiki page also claims that two A330s are on order (ALG+1) as well as two A320s.

See here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SriLankan_Airlines

kflyer2

June 6th, 2010, 07:36 AM

I will never take Wiki as a serious source.
I can pretty much assure, that there is no other A330 delivery in the foreseeable future ( at least till end of Summer schedule ). They are looking for an A321.

kflyer2

June 6th, 2010, 07:38 AM

Funny enough, Wiki has 'Malaysia Airlines Fleet' on top of it. And it says 3+2 332s.

Cayman

June 6th, 2010, 08:54 AM

@Cayman I disagree. 343s simply guzzles way too much gas. Nor does UL have finances for 350 or 787. 333 cannot fly to Europe and there are routes where UL easily fills up a 77W. What other type do you suggest ?

@kflyer, I agree that the 343 is a gas guzzler and cannot compete with the twins, but UL has only a handful of routes that 332/333 cannot handle. Only FRA, LHR, FCO/MXP and CDG cannot be operated non-stop without the A343. (I do not think NRT is a problem for the 332).

My suggestion is that keep the existing A343s for the above routes only (and perhaps any planned expansion in to Europe) and acquire used 332/333s for the short to medium haul destinations. I have seen UL operating A343s on routes such as CMB/SIN/KUL and CMB/DXB/KWI either for capacity reasons or lack of more suitable aircraft availaility when a 333 is ideal for these routes.

Cayman

June 6th, 2010, 08:57 AM

In fact, having three types is not going to be a burden to a legacy carrier. Think of QF, LH or EK. Even SQ and MH. It will be a problem to a LCC however.

This confirms my previous statement that unless the airline is big enough to take advantage of large numbers it is not profitable to maintain aircraft from multiple manufacturers.

All the above airlines you quoted have 100 or more aircraft, so having multiple types is profitable.

kflyer2

June 6th, 2010, 03:19 PM

dramirez

June 6th, 2010, 03:35 PM

kflyer2

June 6th, 2010, 03:54 PM

@dramirez LHR, SIN, MAA, MLE etc.
UL Chairman claimed on TV that all 43% shares were *bought*. But I'm not going to believe it, just yet. Plus EK won't be so stupid to sell all 43% for lower than they bought for.

lordvader

June 7th, 2010, 04:50 AM

^^
Tim Clarke has confirmed the sale. Though he hasnt divulged the cost or any other specifics.

Exit Flight
07 Jun, 2010 07:45:48
SriLankan exit this week: Emirates boss

June 07, 2010 (LBO) - Emirates could sign the deal to sell 43.6 percent of SriLankan, Sri Lanka's national carrier this week, its president Tim Clarke was quoted as saying in a media report.
"I was in Colombo last week to discuss the sale," Clarke was quoted as saying by Emirates Business, a Dubai based news portal.

"We're hoping that in the week starting Monday the deal would be closed.

"So probably during the course of this week, the sale would be concluded."
Clarke did not disclose a sale price but, Sri Lanka government sources had indicated a price of around 55 million dollars for the stake.

http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=910680716

SriLankan decision in a week: Emirates
Airline could finalise stake sale in SriLankan Airlines as early as today.

By Shweta Jain

Published Monday, June 07, 2010

Emirates airline could close the deal on SriLankan Airlines' 43.6 per cent stake sale to Sri Lanka as early as today, according to the airline's president.

"It is correct that we would be selling our stake in SriLankan Airlines to the Sri Lankan Government. I was in Colombo last week to discuss the sale. We're hoping that in the week starting Monday [today] the deal would be closed. So probably during the course of this week, the sale would be concluded," Tim Clark told Emirates Business.

He, however, did not divulge the price at which the stake would be bought by Sri Lanka. "I can't really indicate a price at this stage. As soon as the money is in our bank, the deal would be concluded," said Clark. Emirates ended its decade-long management contract with the Sri Lankan national carrier in April 2008.

http://www.business24-7.ae/companies-markets/aviation/srilankan-decision-in-a-week-emirates-2010-06-07-1.252538

banuthev

June 7th, 2010, 11:57 AM

SriLankan flights are increasing to Trivandrum from 7 to 10 weekly (effective 1st July 2010) and London from 10 to 12 weekly (effective 31st October 2010).

kflyer2

June 7th, 2010, 01:12 PM

Kingfisher is apparently planning a new route into CMB, as reported by Jim at Airlineroute.net . MAA flight is rescheduled for a morning arrival and night departure.
SU has cancelled planned CMB seasonal flight as of now.

Gamarala

June 7th, 2010, 02:28 PM

All shares of the Sri Lankan Airlines sold to the Emirates have been acquired. Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines Nishantha Wickramasinghe said that 43 percent of the shares of the Sri Lankan Airlines were sold to the Emirates 10 years ago.
The Management of the Sri Lankan Airlines was also handed over to the Emirates. The management was reabsorbed two years ago on a decision made by the President.

The Government cannot allocate funds to purchase new aircraft due to the 43 percent of the shares being held by the Emirates. After holding successful discussions with Emirates on a directive of the President, Sri Lankan has been able to acquire the 43 percent shares that belonged to the Emirates.

http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15637&Itemid=44

lordvader

June 7th, 2010, 03:36 PM

The Government cannot allocate funds to purchase new aircraft due to the 43 percent of the shares being held by the Emirates.

SriLankan shouldnt have to rely on government funds to buy new aircraft. Instead as a commercial entity it should be forming agreements with finance companies on its own terms (eg leasing or taking out loans etc). Relying on government hand outs is a bad sign. And I doubt Emirate's share in UL wouldve affected this at all (ie. they couldve still leased planes even though EK owned shares in UL). I wonder if the new A330 (and expansion to Shanghai) is timed to arrive just as the govt take over? Would be a good promotion.

Also Clark says that $55 million is not too far off the mark. I think EK has made a return on this investment through any management fees and dividends UL paid to EK over the years. However with the increased losses since EK withdrew, im sure they would rather sell out at a lower price, rather than having a potentially bad (loss-making) investment in the future.

Sri Lanka’s government may sign off on a deal before the end of this week to buy Emirates’s 43.6 percent stake in the national carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines, Clark said, adding that the deal would be valued “not far off” $55 million.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-07/emirates-annual-profit-to-beat-last-year-s-ceo-says-update1-.html

Cayman

June 7th, 2010, 04:35 PM

If true, USD 55M is a good price for GOSL.

EK is desperate to raise liquidity, therefore it was a good time for them to dispose of the non-performing stake in UL.

Hopefully, this transition will benefit UL (and the flying public) as a whole, rather than a waste of public money.

The best scenario for UL would have been for EK to retain a minority stake of the airline, while fully controlling the management. But that ship sailed in 2008.

Cayman

June 7th, 2010, 05:13 PM

You didn't get my point. UL can operate to all destinations in the network with the 332 ( incl. LHR ). But for some routes, the 332 is too small. The only regionals a 333 would work for are MAA, MLE, SIN and may be RUH,JED. The solution is to replace 343s with 772ERs. But this itself is a risky bet given its moving to a new manufacturer altogether. Nevertheless, it's the best choice available. UL has never had more than five aircraft of a type at a time, hence replacing with 772ERs is not about scope. And five in fact is a quite large fleet.
UL will never have a business case for more than two 333s. The 321 will do a better job at it.
In fact, EK wanted to expand UL's fleet with 321s and 777s after 2008.

I am not sure of the extent of your understanding of airline operations, but suffice to say, introducing 777-200ER to UL fleet is not like selling your Toyota Corolla and buying a Nissan Sunny.

UL having been an all Airbus customer for close to 2 decades has made a large investment and a commitment to their product line.

Take pilots for example. Captains and F/Os of A332 and A343 are interoperable (with minimum training) and the flight crew of the A320 could easily up-skill to take the helm of A332.

Now imagine trying to get pilots cross trained for Boeing cockpits or employ an entirely new batch of foreign pilots (as it is unlikely to have local expertise in abundance) to operate them.

This is only one little part of the story. Imagine having to stock spares all over again for another aircraft type, as well as to train the entire maintenance crew and the re-certification of the Sri Lankan Engineering. (Their website shows that they only cater to Airbus line up of products)

Furthermore, Sri Lankan engineering is not certified to service Trent 800 series engines used in 777-200ER (assuming UL procures frames with RR engines in order to achieve some commonality.) They are only certified for Trent700 and CFM56 series, none of which are offered on 777-200ER.

Gamarala

June 7th, 2010, 05:26 PM

SriLankan shouldnt have to rely on government funds to buy new aircraft. Instead as a commercial entity it should be forming agreements with finance companies on its own terms (eg leasing or taking out loans etc). Relying on government hand outs is a bad sign.

Try telling that to all the Europeans/middle eastern airlines that get billions of dollars in subsidies, that don't have pay fuel or other taxes, that get government bailouts, and to pretty much every middle eastern airline (Emirates included) that got billions in startup capital from their respective governments.

Edit: for example, take Etihad.

Etihad, the second-biggest carrier in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai’s Emirates Airlines, has never posted a profit since it began operations in 2004.

The airline began a fleet expansion in 2008 with $20bn of orders for 100 planes from Airbus and Boeing Co.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/587344-etihad-unlikely-to-break-even-ceo-admits

An airline that has never made a profit, just happened to find investors to give it $20bn to buy new aircraft?

Also Clark says that $55 million is not too far off the mark. I think EK has made a return on this investment through any management fees and dividends UL paid to EK over the years. However with the increased losses since EK withdrew, im sure they would rather sell out at a lower price, rather than having a potentially bad (loss-making) investment in the future.

This isn't an airline to airline deal. It's mostly a government - government deal. MR has good rapport with most Mulsim countries, so if Emirates wants to sell, and Sri Lanka wants to buy, the final price was never going to be a dealbreaker.

kflyer2

June 7th, 2010, 05:35 PM

@Gamarala Subsidies.. Oh that old theory, once again. I sure agree on this for EY&QR. But may be you can name an European legacy airline that gets subsidies ?
@Cayman I agree. I didn't mention that they should, I mentioned it since there were reports of UL looking for 777s. But still, it would be a good long term move given that UL will get 'stuck' in the middle without a large aircraft from when 343s reach end of life ( around 2013 ) and A350 deliveries become available ( around 2016 ).

Lovelanka

June 7th, 2010, 05:35 PM

Kingfisher is apparently planning a new route into CMB, as reported by Jim at Airlineroute.net . MAA flight is rescheduled for a morning arrival and night departure.

The new destination has to be Bombay or Delhi.

Gamarala

June 7th, 2010, 07:37 PM

@Gamarala Subsidies.. Oh that old theory, once again. I sure agree on this for EY&QR. But may be you can name an European legacy airline that gets subsidies ?

Haha theory? I think it's a little more than that. From a quick Google search,

A pounds 2.3bn subsidy to Air France and a multi-million-pound aid deal for the German firm Kloeckner unleashed a wave of protest from companies including British Airways and British Steel.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/ec-caves-in-over-air-france-state-aid-dispute-erupts-over-approval-for-steel-and-aviation-subsidies-1416741.html

The European Commission said yesterday that it would not object to Lufthansa receiving 1.55 billion marks, or $1.13 billion, in pension subsidies from the German Government, ruling that the plan does not amount to state aid.

http://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/11/business/international-briefs-clearance-is-granted-to-lufthansa-subsidies.html

Europe's highest court, the European Court of Justice, has fined Greece 2m euros ($2.8m; £1.7m) for failing to recover state aid from Olympic Airways.

The case dates back to 2002 and relates to 41m euros of state aid which was given to the airline as part of an unsuccessful restructuring.

http://www.eturbonews.com/10228/european-court-justice-fines-greece-over-olympic-subsidy

Using the model, the study concludes that the airlines KLM, Lufthansa and Air France receive indirect subsidies amounting to 20 percent of operating revenue. The sources of these subsidies are a value added tax exemption on international tickets, a fuel tax exemption, and duty free sales on board aircraft.

The study notes that Air France enjoyed additional substantial direct government support until at least 1996.

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2003/2003-04-23-02.html

I don't think EU permits direct subsidies anymore, but there's no way Air Frace will still be solvent if not for the 2.3bn pounds (yea that's 9 zeros at the end, or Rs. 500 billion) it received. Also, a lot of aircraft they have now were likely ordered/purchased with that money.

And why ignore Etihad? Half the people who bitch and moan about SriLankan would love to have an airline like Etihad.