SriLankan Airlines

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SriLankan Airlines
IATA ICAO Call sign
UL ALK SRILANKAN
Founded1947 (as Air Ceylon)
Commenced operationsJuly 1979
Hubs
Focus citiesSuvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
Frequent-flyer programFlySmiLes
AllianceOneworld (2013)
SubsidiariesMihin Lanka
Fleet size22[1][2][3][4]
Destinations61 (+13 planned)[3][5]
HeadquartersAirline Centre
Bandaranaike International Airport
Katunayake, Sri Lanka[6]
Key peopleNishantha Wickramasinghe (Chairman)[7]
Kapila Chandrasena (CEO)[7]
Websitesrilankan.lk
Srilankan Airlines Airbus A320 parked at Tiruchirappalli Airport (VOTR)

SriLankan Airlines Limited (Sinhala:ශ්‍රී ලන්කන් ගුවන් සේවය, Tamil: சிறீலங்கன் எயர்லைன்ஸ்) (previously known as Air Lanka) is the flag carrier of Sri Lanka. It operates to destinations in Asia and Europe from its base and hub at Bandaranaike International Airport in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. The airline's head office is in the Airline Centre, on the grounds of Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Sri Lanka.[8]

History

Air Lanka was set up by the Government of Sri Lanka in July 1979 following the closure of Air Ceylon in 1978. Initially, the new air carrier operated 2 Boeing 707 jets on lease from Singapore Airlines, but Air Lanka ended up keeping the Boeing 707s, which were purchased in 1979, while a Boeing 737 was acquired for shorter routes.[9] During the 1980s, the airline increased the number of destinations served and made additions to its fleet. During the mid-1980s the airline operated two Boeing 747-200 aircraft to a number of European destinations. By 1990, Air Lanka was serving 26 destinations. The airline's golden aircraft was the Lockheed L1011 Tristar, which served the airline from 1980 to 2000. In December 1992, the airline purchased its first Airbus A320.

Air Lanka Boeing 747–200 at Basle Airport (1984)
Airlanka's first Airbus A320 4R-ABA. This aircraft was written-off in 2001
Airlanka's Lockheed Tristar
A Boeing 707-312B at Gatwick Airport (1981)

Air Lanka, which was state-owned, was part-privatized to the Dubai-based Emirates Group in 1998, when Emirates and the Sri Lankan Government signed an agreement for a ten-year strategic partnership. This agreement included exclusive rights for all aircraft ground handling and airline catering at Colombo-Bandaranaike airport for a ten-year period. Emirates bought a 40% stake worth US$70 million (which it later increased to 43.6%) in Air Lanka, and sought to refurbish the airline's image and fleet. The Government retained a majority stake in the airline, but gave full control to Emirates for investment and management decisions. In 1998, the Air Lanka rebranded to SriLankan Airlines.[10]

SriLankan acquired 6 Airbus A330-200s to complement its fleet of Airbus A340-300 and A320-200 aircraft. The A330-200 aircraft joined the airline between October 1999 and July 2000. The company’s fourth A340-300 arrived at Colombo painted in the airline’s new corporate livery. SriLankan upgraded its existing A340 fleet into a two-class configuration (business and economy class) whilst overhauling the interior to reflect the new corporate image.

SriLankan Airlines has been affected by environmental problems and acts of terrorism. This has included the SARS outbreak, 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, the Sri Lankan Civil War, and a Bandaranaike Airport attack, which destroyed 4 aircraft and damaged 2, writing off half of the airline's fleet. SriLankan took the decision to position Colombo as a hub for flights to Asia. This is evident in its expansion into regional markets, notably India and the Middle East.

Whilst continuing expansion in the region, SriLankan commenced flying to Jeddah, its third destination in Saudi Arabia, after Riyadh and Dammam. Jeddah was the airline's 51st destination in 28 countries, thus increasing the number of destinations in the Middle East to nine.

On 19 December 2007, the then-CEO Peter Hill's work permit cancelled by the Sri Lankan Government. Sri Lankan Airlines lost in because of some hedging deals. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100314/BusinessTimes/bt02.html

In 2008 Emirates notified the Sri Lankan Government that it would not renew its management contract,[11] which then expired on 31 March 2008. It claimed that the Sri Lankan Government was seeking greater control over the day-to-day business of the airline, "which was not acceptable to us".[12]

The flight attendant uniform remained unchanged from the days of Air Lanka until February 2010, when a new uniform was introduced [citation needed]. The first destination announced for their expansion plans was Shanghai, China the route to which began on 1 July 2010.[13] The airline commenced flights to Guangzhou, China on 28 January 2011.[14] The airline also plans to start flying to Seoul, Sydney and Johannesburg in 2013. Also Copenhagen,[15] Ho Chi Minh City and Manila is on the table.[16]

Emirates sold its 43.63% stake in the airline to the Government of Sri Lanka in a deal that was finalised in 2010, thus ending any affiliations the two airlines had with each other.[17]

SriLankan Airlines is a holder of the Imperial Mark, which is valid until May 2014.[18]

The airline is set to join the Oneworld alliance in 2013.[19]

Destinations

Main article: SriLankan Airlines destinations

As of September 2012, SriLankan Airlines serves 58 destinations in 33 countries,[5] and remains the largest foreign carrier into the Maldives, with at least 38 weekly flights between Male and Colombo. The airline is also considering Gan as a destination within two months.[20]

Codeshare agreements

SriLankan has codeshare agreements with the following airlines, as of June 2012.
ST = SkyTeam, SA = Star Alliance, OW = Oneworld

Fleet

SriLankan Airlines Airbus A340-300 landing at London Heathrow Airport
Aircraft in ramp area of Bandaranaike International Airport
An Airbus A330-200 taxiing in Kuala Lumpur International Airport
The second Airbus A340-300 of the airline.

Aircraft acquisition plan for 2011–2015

SriLankan Airlines aims to boost its fleet to 30 aircraft over the next four years, and is currently in talks with both Airbus and Boeing regarding a deal that may consist of up to nine long-haul aircraft.[27] It has also leased four additional Airbus A320 aircraft.[28] Kapila Chandrasena said the carrier wants to add the Airbus A330-300 and the Boeing 777 models to its fleet to replace its Airbus A340-300s, with deliveries beginning in 2013–2014.[29] All of the current aircraft are to be renovated to suit to the needs of the modern times. Expects to place an order by the end of 2012 between Airbus and Boeing.According to the Minister, the government plans to increase the airline's fleet to 30 aircraft and will purchase five new aircraft within the next six months.

Current fleet

As of 25 November 2011, the SriLankan Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft with an average age of 9.3 years:[30][31][32]

SriLankan airlines fleet[2][33]
Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers Notes
J Y Total
Airbus A320-200 4 0 20 120 140
4 12 138 150
Airbus A330-200 1 0 18 276 294
1 18 236 254
7 18 251 269
1 12 275 287
1 18 256 274
Airbus A340-300 3 0 18 296 314 3 to be phased out in 2013 & replace by Airbus A330-300 Boeing 777-300ER
1 18 295 313
1 24 275 299
1 38 205 243
DHC-6-100 2 0 0 15 15 operated by SriLankan AirTaxi
Total 22 0

Retired

SriLankan Airlines Retired Fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired
Airbus A300 1 2000 2000
Boeing 707 2 1976 1990
Boeing 737–200 7 1979 1995
Boeing 737–300 6 1990 1995
Boeing 747–200 2 1984 1987
Boeing 767-300ER 1 2010 2010
Antonov An-12F 2
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 6 1983 2000

Cargo

Sri Lankan Airlines operates several cargo flights to Male, the Middle East, and India, using a Douglas DC-8-63F of Expo Air and a Boeing 727-200F of Lankan Cargo.

Sri Lankan AirTaxi

Main article: Sri Lankan AirTaxi

Sri Lankan Airlines began domestic air taxi service using two Canadian-built DHC-6-100 aircraft to increase tourism in the southern and central cities of Sri Lanka. It currently flies to Ampara, Bentota, Castlereagh, Dandugama, Dikwella, Hambantota, Kandy, Koggala, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, and Trincomalee, all from Colombo.[34] With the increasing number of passengers, more aircraft are expected to join the fleet for the air taxi service [citation needed].

Livery

The initial livery consisted of red stripes on a white fuselage, the tail being a solid red and sporting the corporate logo, a stylised peacock. This was the sole livery of the airline for nearly two decades, from 1979 to 1998. After SriLankan Airlines began a decade-long partnership with Emirates, the livery was change into a much simpler one, with an all-white fuselage, covered by blue 'SriLankan' titles, and the tail adorned with the corporate logo. Some aircraft have tourist advertisement's on the rear part.

Cabin

The Business Class seats come in either cream or dark blue, depending on the aircraft. The Economy seats are light blue in color. SriLankan provides an individual video player with 18 movies and 22 radio channels for Economy Class. Business Class customers receive this and over 30 movie titles in a variety of languages. Both classes are given the option of a "Satcom" satellite phone. Satcom allows a passenger to call anyone in another seat free of charge. SriLankan is capable of preparing meals for those with dietary restrictions, and Business Class passengers can pre-order any of the special meals available. On some flights, like Singapore to Colombo, SriLankan prepares hot meals (such as chicken and rice or seafood with vegetables) for Economy Class, as the flight is long. From 2011, full flatbed seats will be offered in Business Class, on selected Airbus A330 aircraft. [citation needed]

Entertainment

New movies from Hollywood, old classics, and some films from India are available. Included are comedies, dramas, arts, sports, and children's TV.

CTV is SriLankan's channel for children with programmes such as comedies and cartoons. SriLankan has 22 radio channels to provide music from around the world. SriLankan's radio channels cover the European charts, Golden Era, classical, jazz, and popular music selections from Sri Lanka, Arabia, India, and Japan. New games have been added, including puzzles, playing cards, and classic board games.[35] In 2011, SriLankan will install AVOD systems, provided by IMS of the United States, on selected Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft. [citation needed]

SriLankan catering

SriLankan Catering, although a 100%-owned subsidiary of SriLankan Airlines, is a standalone operation responsible for its own economic infrastructure, management and profitability. Under the guidance of its chief executive officer, the company’s prime responsibility is the preparation of in-flight meals for SriLankan Airlines. It also caters for foreign airlines, among which are Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Emirates. SriLankan Catering recently opened a laundry facility and took over the management of the Serenediva Transit Hotel, at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.[citation needed]

Frequent flyer programme

SriLankan's first frequent-flyer programme was called Serendib Miles and was abandoned in early 2000. It then became a partner of Emirates' Skywards frequent-flyer program. However, this agreement ceased to exist when the partnership between the two airlines concluded on 31 March 2008.[36] SriLankan subsequently launched FlySmiLes, which has since added a variety of new reward partners to its program.[37][38]

Awards and achievements

  • Airline of the Year 2008 and 2009 – Sri Lanka Presidential Travel & Tourism Awards
  • Airline of the Year 2010 (third year)
  • Best Airline in South Asia (three consecutive times) from Travel Trade Gazette
  • Best Airline in Central Asia (four consecutive times) – Skytrax
  • Best Overall In-flight Entertainment (small fleet), twice – World Airline Entertainment Association
  • Best Airline Turnaround of the Year 2004 – Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
  • Best Print Media Presentation in Travel & Tourism
  • Best in Region APEX Award
  • Destination Loyal Partner / Tour Operator Award for SriLankan Holidays
  • First Runner-up for World’s Best Cabin Staff – Skytrax
  • Foreign Carrier of the Year (South Asia sector) – Kuala Lumpur International Airport Awards
  • Galileo Indian Express Award for Best Eastbound International Airline
  • Hall of Fame award for winning Airline of the year for three consecutive years
  • Imperial Mark in recognition of exceptional levels of service, luxury and quality
  • KLIA Award
  • PATA Gold Award 2007 for Best Airline Marketing Campaign
  • Runner-up for Best Asian Airline in survey by UK's Daily Telegraph
  • HRM Silver award in the Government-Owned Business 2012
  • World’s Best Airline in a survey of Economy Class passengers
  • World’s Friendliest Cabin Staff – Skytrax
  • World’s Most Reliable Operator of Airbus A330s (small fleet) – Airbus Industrie
  • World’s Most Reliable Operator of Airbus A340s (small fleet) – Airbus Industrie
  • World class standard for SriLankan Airlines' IT systems

Incidents and accidents

1980s

Main article: Air Lanka Flight UL512
  • On 3 May 1986, a bomb planted by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam exploded on board Flight UL512 prior to takeoff at Bandaranaike International Airport. The bomb, which had been timed to explode in-flight, went off while the aircraft, a Lockheed L-1011 'Tristar' was on the ground killing 14 of 128 passengers. Officials believe the bomb may have been concealed in crates of meat and vegetables that were being freighted to the Maldives. Other reports believe that the bomb was hidden in the aircraft's 'Fly Away Kit'.

2000s

Main article: Bandaranaike Airport attack
  • On 24 July 2001, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam launched a suicide attack at Bandaranaike International Airport that damaged and/or destroyed 26 aircrafts. Four aircrafts were written off, including an Airbus A340-300 (4R-ADD) that was destroyed by an explosive charge and an Airbus A330-200 (4R-ALE or 4R-ALF) that was destroyed by a rocket that was fired from the control tower. In addition, an Airbus A320-200 (4R-ABA) and an Airbus A330-200 (4R-ALE or 4R-ALF) were damaged (and written off) due to damage sustained in the assault. In total, six Sri Lanka Air Force personnel, one commando, and eight members of the LTTE were killed.[39][40]

Subsidiaries

  • SriLankan Cargo
  • SriLankan Catering
  • SriLankan Engineering
  • SriLankan Ground Handling[41]
  • SriLankan Holidays[42]
  • SriLankan IT Systems

References

  1. ^ Fleet – About SriLankan – SriLankan Airlines
  2. ^ a b Sri Lankan Airlines to expand fleet to 30 aircraft adding six Boeing 777 Rise of Lanka, 21 August 2011
  3. ^ a b Sri Lanka national carrier boosts fleet Lanka Business Online, 4 May 2011 Cite error: The named reference "fleet3" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ Sri Lankan Airlines’ fleet is now largest in history The Island, 4 May 2011
  5. ^ a b SriLankan Airlines – Travel Planner / Route Map
  6. ^ "Airline Membership". IATA.
  7. ^ a b SriLankan Airlines – SriLankan Today – About SriLankan – SriLankan Airlines
  8. ^ "SriLankan Airlines – Contact Us / SriLankan Airlines Offices." SriLankan Airlines. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  9. ^ Birch 2003, p. 28.
  10. ^ "World Airline Directory." Flight International. 14–20 March 1990 "Airlift International" 57.
  11. ^ Emirates walking away from SriLankan Nicholas Ionides, 2008-01-22, Flight International
  12. ^ Management contract terminated January 2008, OAG, News briefing
  13. ^ Sri Lankan Airlines to fly to Shanghai, LBO, 10 May 2010
  14. ^ SriLankan Airlines expands fleet, plans new destinations LBO, 20 July 2010
  15. ^ "Google Oversæt" (in Template:Da icon). Translate.google.dk.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  16. ^ "Sri Lanka Business News | Online edition of Daily News – Lakehouse Newspapers". Dailynews.lk. 9 November 2011.
  17. ^ Sri Lanka Buys Emirates’ Stake in SriLankan Airlines Anusha Ondaatjie and Asantha Sirimanne, BusinessWeek, 7 July 2010.
  18. ^ "Imperial Mark honours SriLankan, Daily News, 12 July 2010". Dailynews.lk. 12 July 2010.
  19. ^ "SriLankan Airlines to join oneworld alliance". Oneworld.com. 11 June 2012.
  20. ^ "Research underway to begin direct flights between Gan and Colombo". Haveeru.com.mv. 22 April 2012.
  21. ^ "AC-UL code share". Digitaljournal.com. 20 October 2011.
  22. ^ SriLankan extends network to New York and four other cities through Etihad partnership The Island, 28 February 2010
  23. ^ SriLankan and Etihad Airways Announce New Codeshare Partnership PRZOOM – Newswire, 10 October 2008
  24. ^ Codeshare partnership expanded between Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan Airlines eTurboNews, 23 June 2009|.
  25. ^ http://www.menafn.com/menafn/1093549072/Royal-Jordanian-codeshares-with-SriLankan-%7CAirlines?src=RSS
  26. ^ Worldwide codeshare list Aug 2011
  27. ^ SriLankan and Mihin Lanka to acquire 9 more aircraft
  28. ^ Sri Lanka national carrier boosts fleet Lanka Business Online, 4 May 2011.
  29. ^ "ROUTES: SriLankan in talks to add six 777s or A330s". Flight International. 3 October 2011.
  30. ^ "SriLankan Airlines Fleet Details and History – Planespotters.net Just Aviation". Planespotters.net.
  31. ^ "New Airbus A320 added to SriLankan from May 19". Colombo Page. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
  32. ^ "SriLankan Airlines largest in nation's history". 12 May 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
  33. ^ "SriLankan acquires Airbus A320". Daily News. 20 December 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2010.
  34. ^ "SriLankan Air Taxi". SriLankan Airlines. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  35. ^ SriLankan Entertainment
  36. ^ Sri Lankan Airlines launches FFP Business Traveller, 26 March 2008.
  37. ^ ‘FlySmiles’ announces exciting rewards Sunday Times, 25 January 2009.
  38. ^ "http". //www.flysmiles.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ "Intelligence failures exposed by Tamil Tiger airport attack". Jane's Intelligence Review. 2001. Archived from the original on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
  40. ^ "SriLankan Airlines (Aviation Safety Network)". Aviation-safety.net. 4 March 2012.
  41. ^ SriLankan Ground Handling
  42. ^ "SriLankan Holidays". SriLankan Holidays.
  • Birch, Doug. "SriLankan Airlines". Air International, February 2003, Vol 64 No 2. pp. 26–30.
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