Sri Lanka Aviation

**banuthev** · 08-05-2016, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by TheF15Ace

But the European winter holiday market has significantly changed. A lot of typical "sun" destinations in Northern Africa are being avoided due to the terror threat.

I have no doubt the flights you mentioned above were failures, but two were operated using a (relatively) short ranged aircraft using using a stop and the other by pushing a gas guzzling 767 to its limit.

This time a around might be different for KLM.

BTW competition from Thailand and Malaysia will always exist but some like a bit of variety or prefer to visit a destination that is not so mainstream.

Here I can name a few airlines operating to Colombo throughout Winter 2016. Good to see Austrian is coming back again in Winter 2016 after operating in Winter 2015.

Winter 2016

Air China - 3 weekly - A330 - PEK-CMB
Austrian Airlines - 1 weekly - B767 - VIE-CMB
KLM - 2 weekly - B787 - AMS-CMB
LOT - Charter - B787 - WAW-CMB
Thomson - 1 weekly - B787 - LGW-CMB
UIA - 2 weekly - B767 - KBP-CMB

I want to see Italian aircarriers to take advantage of Colombo route in Winter seasons as UL already terminate the flights to Rome on the 1 May. any update?

**banuthev** · 08-05-2016, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by TheF15Ace

I don't think they are fitted on during final assembly. They will probably be added during the rework phase before being painted.

Yes I am wondering how come only one winglet was fitted on MSN55 during the S30 (FAL). Must be the case that second winglet wasn't ready for her at the time. If i am not mistken, rework phase mostly done in the tents and parking stand to fix the minor parts have been missed/broken during final assembly. Rework phase takes approx 1 month (longer if customer needs more modification) then the aircraft will be sent for painting which takes only two weeks. MSN55 has to be taken back to hangar in S30 (FAL) for second winglet fitting which needs special heavy tools and it has to be done in the hangar if i am not mistaken.

By looking at the below picture was taken on 4-May, engineers are working also on interior of MSN55.

MSN60 arrived in P18 for outdoor ground testing as of 4-May.

**TheF15Ace** · 08-05-2016, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by banuthev

Here I can name a few airlines operating to Colombo throughout Winter 2016. Good to see Austrian is coming back again in Winter 2016 after operating in Winter 2015.

Winter 2016

Air China - 3 weekly - A330 - PEK-CMB
Austrian Airlines - 1 weekly - B767 - VIE-CMB
KLM - 2 weekly - B787 - AMS-CMB
LOT - Charter - B787 - WAW-CMB
Thomson - 1 weekly - B787 - LGW-CMB
UIA - 2 weekly - B767 - KBP-CMB

I want to see Italian aircarriers to take advantage of Colombo route in Winter seasons as UL already terminate the flights to Rome on the 1 May. any update?

As far as I'm aware Alitalia is the only Italian carrier with aircraft capable of flying Italy-Colombo non stop. Even if they wanted a shot at it it's doubtful it'll happen with Etihad having inserted itself deep into AZ. Anything flying East will probably be shuttled to AUH on AZ metal and carried onward via EY.

Norwegian Long Haul/Norwegian Air International could give it a go if they decide to have an operational base in Italy but it will have to fight very hard to compete against the ME3+TK

**TheF15Ace** · 08-05-2016, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by banuthev

Yes I am wondering how come only one winglet was fitted on MSN55 during the S30 (FAL). Must be the case that second winglet wasn't ready for her at the time. If i am not mistken, rework phase mostly done in the tents and parking stand to fix the minor parts have been missed/broken during final assembly. Rework phase takes approx 1 month (longer if customer needs more modification) then the aircraft will be sent for painting which takes only two weeks. MSN55 has to be taken back to hangar in S30 (FAL) for second winglet fitting which needs special heavy tools and it has to be done in the hangar if i am not mistaken.

By looking at the below picture was taken on 4-May, engineers are working also on interior of MSN55.

MSN60 arrived in P18 for outdoor ground testing as of 4-May.

Thanks for the update Banu. I'm still not familiar with the A350 build process. As you said the winglet probably wasn't ready. Might as well keep the aircraft moving and fix up other things so you canbolt this on later

**banuthev** · 09-05-2016, 08:55 PM

SriLankan's third A350, MSN60 arrived in P18 for outdoor ground testing as of 4-May.

Credits to : Digitalairliners

**TheF15Ace** · 10-05-2016, 08:35 AM

From the Sunday Times on 08/05/2016:

Apparently the President of the Airline Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka has written to Chairman Ajith Dias regarding the CEO of UL

Dear Sir,
“Subsequent to the conduct and statements of the CEO at the meeting held with the pilots, on 21st April 2016 at the BMICH, which is also on record, we wish to state the following which is of serious concern and seek clarification of the below comments made by him:

“1. The CEO stated that there was no proof of corruption/malpractices as highlighted by the Weliamuna report, mandated by the Government.

“The CEO stated that the Honourable Prime Minister has intimated that he would close down the Airline in the event of any industrial action by any union of SriLankan Airlines.

“3. The CEO stated that he was in active discussion for the induction of a new type of aircraft (Bomabardier C Series) into the SriLankan fleet.

“Apart from the above, the CEO during this meeting made statements that were threatening and demeaning to the pilot community present.

“Based on the above statements, the antagonistic and threatening language used by the CEO, and his demonstrated lack of competency in his capacity, the ALPGSL membership has unanimously decided to place on record our loss of confidence in the current CEO.

“This derogatory and unprofessional conduct of the CEO has occurred while the pilots have been continuously willing to extend goodwill in support of the airline.

Thank you
Capt. Renuke Senanayake
President – ALPGSL”

Full article can be found here: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/160508/col...an-193218.html

**A350-XWB** · 10-05-2016, 06:34 PM

In case u missed it: http://in.reuters.com/article/sri-la...-idINKCN0Y11MF
UL wants to sell 4 new Airbus aircraft (A350s obviously).
Nevertheless, no change has been made to the UL A350 order so far in the Airbus O&D spreadsheet.

Lucas & Philipp

**LukeSkywalker** · 11-05-2016, 01:22 AM

Originally posted by A350-XWB

In case u missed it: http://in.reuters.com/article/sri-la...-idINKCN0Y11MF
UL wants to sell 4 new Airbus aircraft (A350s obviously).
Nevertheless, no change has been made to the UL A350 order so far in the Airbus O&D spreadsheet.

Lucas & Philipp

Doesn't make any sense at all. If they have already cancelled the 350s ordered from Airbus directly; what do they have to sell? The current 3 under assembly are leased.

**Speedbird** · 11-05-2016, 02:49 AM

Originally posted by LukeSkywalker

Doesn't make any sense at all. If they have already cancelled the 350s ordered from Airbus directly; what do they have to sell? The current 3 under assembly are leased.

They haven't cancelled completely...If they cancelled they have to pay penalty...Out of the four one is already sold to a leasing company...3 more to go

**A350-XWB** · 11-05-2016, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by Speedbird

They haven't cancelled completely...If they cancelled they have to pay penalty...Out of the four one is already sold to a leasing company...3 more to go

exactly Speedbird. They sold one of the aircraft they ordered directly and are in talks to sale the remaining 3 as well. A candidate could be Iran according to some Tweets.

**banuthev** · 11-05-2016, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by A350-XWB

We might see it it full colors if UL doesn't sub-lease it. It should go into paint in one month or so.
So:
MSN52 is at Station A15 for rework before going to paint.
MSN55 is at Station P18 for Outdoor ground tests. It should move to rework soon.
MSN60 is currently at Station 30 (Indoor ground tests) and will be rolled-out for Outdoor ground tests in a few weeks.

Regards,
Lucas and Philipp

SriLankan's first A359 (MSN52) was arrived in A15 tent for rework on the 11 Apr but it's seems to be MSN52 is not there in A15 tent since 20th Apr. Do you know where is the aircraft now?

Picture taken on 11 Apr.

Picture taken on 20 Apr.

Flightline (no engine option !) 20/4/2016

**banuthev** · 11-05-2016, 08:51 PM

Originally posted by Speedbird

They haven't cancelled completely...If they cancelled they have to pay penalty...Out of the four one is already sold to a leasing company...3 more to go

In that case UL is not converting the 4 of the A350 direct orders to narrow body aircraft ?

[Immediate Measures]
In a statement following the publication of its financial results of 2015/16, on Friday Sri Lankan Airlines said it is looking at addressing certain fundamental problems immediately.

* Re-structuring the fleet and addressing the issue of the A350-900 aircraft which had been ordered by the previous management was a priority. These aircraft are both inappropriate and too expensive for the airline, given the current operating environment and the excessive lease costs.

* The airline hopes to continue with the acquisition of more narrow body aircraft, while delaying or otherwise changing the future wide body aircraft already committed.

* Significant route rationalisation will be implemented but the Airline will take a measured and phased approach towards this rationalisation, to ensure that any decisions would not have a negative impact on the tourism industry.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2016/05/08/fea10.asp

Originally posted by LukeSkywalker

Thanks Rahal & Banu; Looks like a one to one replacement of the 332 according to the article. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...even-t-422822/

From that it looks like they have negotiated to not take up 2 A350 from the original order. It also does not seem that the 2 350s were re-negotiated for smaller aircraft as they say the fleet will stay constant at 21.

**Speedbird** · 12-05-2016, 01:47 AM

Originally posted by banuthev

In that case UL is not converting the 4 of the A350 direct orders to narrow body aircraft ?

Yup...UL has sold one & 3 are under negotiation; if the negotiation fails it is a another thing but for now 3 are up for sale ...& above post by A350 XWB sums it up

For narrow body aircrafts...did hear something starting with letter C

**TheF15Ace** · 12-05-2016, 02:52 AM

Originally posted by Speedbird

Yup...UL has sold one & 3 are under negotiation; if the negotiation fails it is a another thing but for now 3 are up for sale ...& above post by A350 XWB sums it up

For narrow body aircrafts...did hear something starting with letter C

There is alot of talk going around about how UL still wants to acquire more narrowbody aircraft.

Been hearing about the C quite regularly in the past few days aswell. Interesting to see where this rumor will go. While the C Series is a fine plane I don't think it's particularly suitable for the UL fleet. I personally believe the best solution will be A320NEOs and A321NEOs (maybe the LR version). But unless you're going through a lessor the waiting list is extremely long for these aircraft.

**Speedbird** · 12-05-2016, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by TheF15Ace

There is alot of talk going around about how UL still wants to acquire more narrowbody aircraft.

Been hearing about the C quite regularly in the past few days aswell. Interesting to see where this rumor will go. While the C Series is a fine plane I don't think it's particularly suitable for the UL fleet. I personally believe the best solution will be A320NEOs and A321NEOs (maybe the LR version). But unless you're going through a lessor the waiting list is extremely long for these aircraft.

the WORD is $$$...Solutions are not based on tech spec. Tech spec is part of the solution. Cost & time line is also part of the solution

Sri Lanka Aviation

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