Sri Lanka Aviation

**Kflyer** · 05-05-2011, 01:21 PM

Plus, it should not be forgotten that MJ achieved this profit with its A321 solely financed by a direct cash injection from the treasury, whereas UL had self financed 1 332, 1 320 and 1 DHC in the year. I still hope that Mr. Manoj is appointed to a higher role as it will be critical to have someone with industry insight to run a FSC. And honestly, if the volatile fuel prices continue, MJ will likely incur a loss this year. Nevertheless, I hope the best may happen for UL and may Mr. Kapila prove to be an even better CEO. However, I am honestly skeptical about having someone without much industry knowledge to head a FSC - would have been fine for a LCC.
This is nothing against Mr. Kapila, but wherever a FSC is profitable and successful, a knowledged executive with years of aviation experience is behind - be it TC at EK or Mr. Tony Tyler at CX.

**lordvader** · 05-05-2011, 02:32 PM

Fully agreed with you. That said Alan Joyce who was running Jetstar was promoted to run Qantas in similar circumstances, so hopefully Kapila will be an alright CEO for the airlines sake. And Rob Fyfe was at a pay tv company before working at Air NZ and he seems to be doing a good job over there. Only time will tell whether or not they chose the right person.

Latest rumour doing the rounds indicate that Manoj will be appointed SL High Commissioner to the UK:

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http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php/latest/7179-manoj-ends-tenure-at-srilankan-likely-to-be-appointed-lankan-envoy-to-uk

**Galive** · 05-05-2011, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by Max

Sri Lanka national carrier boosts fleet. SriLankan Airlines, the island's state-run national carrier is boosting its short haul fleet to more closely fit the needs of its regional routes, with four new Airbus A320 aircraft ordered on operating leases, an official said.

Gunawardena said three aircraft are leased from US-based Air Lease Corporation and the fourth from CIT also US based.

http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?nid=1956040026

Why Srilankan Airlines don't consider A321. It is quit same as A320 and will carry up to 200 pax.

**lordvader** · 06-05-2011, 03:07 AM

Originally posted by Galive

Why Srilankan Airlines don't consider A321. It is quit same as A320 and will carry up to 200 pax.

Gut feeling says that they could get A321s with the management change which just occurred (since the new CEO would be familiar with the aircraft from his stint at Mihin). It could be good for Indian routes such as Mumbai and Chennai. Im actually surprised UL didnt hold out till the new NEO variants have come out (instead of replacing their fleet this year).

**lordvader** · 06-05-2011, 03:07 AM

Also more news on the management change has emerged. See below:

Turb-UL-ence?

Airlines industry veteran Manoj out; telecom specialist and Mihin Chief Kapila in as SriLankan Airlines CEO

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http://www.ft.lk/2011/05/06/turb-ul-ence/

**Max** · 06-05-2011, 03:51 AM

Royal Jordanian increases flights to Colombo

http://print.dailymirror.lk/business/127-local/43072.html

**Max** · 06-05-2011, 05:07 AM

Wildlife to conserve the space at Mattala airport

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http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110501/Bus...imes/bt02.html

**Srilankan1** · 06-05-2011, 01:43 PM

okay when Mr chandrasena takes over UL then pls merge this 2 Airlines too.

Make Mihin I mean re-name As Srilankan Wings/Arrows/express or what ever.

**banuthev** · 07-05-2011, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by lordvader

According to 'The Island', UL will be returning two A320s and possibly acquire another A330/A340 by end year. Looks like UL is gradually replacing their A320s with brand new CFM engined aircraft. It will be very interesting to see what they will replace their A343s with!

Which A320s to be returned ?

According to 'ColomboPage', 4R-ABM (cn 4694) is going to be configured as Business class : 20 seats and Economy class : 120 Seats. Aircraft due to be delivered in Colombo on 19-May-2011.

**Serendib** · 07-05-2011, 10:39 PM

Sharp increase in frequencies to India

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110508/BusinessTimes/bt01.html

**lordvader** · 08-05-2011, 01:12 AM

Originally posted by Banuthev

Which A320s to be returned ?

According to 'ColomboPage', 4R-ABM (cn 4694) is going to be configured as Business class : 20 seats and Economy class : 120 Seats. Aircraft due to be delivered in Colombo on 19-May-2011.

I suppose itll be ABG & ABH (even though in theory they are the newest aircraft UL currently possesses). I think they were on 3 year leases so their time must be coming up. Interesting that they got ABK from Sahaab on a six year lease since its considerably older (as well as getting ABL/2345 when all their new 320s are CFM engined).

**Max** · 08-05-2011, 04:29 AM

New Airbus A320 added to SriLankan from May 19

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http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/May07_1304746686KA.php

**Flyhigh** · 08-05-2011, 05:27 AM

SriLankan Airlines will commence a new service to Moscow on September 15, making the Russian capital, the 52nd destination of the airline.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/05/08/new30.asp

**banuthev** · 08-05-2011, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by Flyhigh

Sri lankan to start Moscow flights from 15th of September

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/05/08/new30.asp

Goodnews ! Thanks FlyHigh for the post !! Why SriLankan's Moscow schedule is not available now in GDS ?

It is interesting that SriLankan has made a few changes on Moscow flight.. i.e. frequency downgraded from 3 to 2 weekly, Technical stop was planned before at AUH now DXB replaces and commencement date of Moscow launch also changed from December to September. Probably SriLankan wants to start Moscow before Aeroflot resume Colombo.

It will be better if they also change the planned Moscow flight number from UL531/2

**Max** · 09-05-2011, 03:53 AM

New Airbus for SLA fleet

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/05/09/news29.asp

Sri Lanka Aviation

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