Sri Lanka Aviation

This will be another stupid idea. IMO having our own airline already hurt country's economy for long long time. This country DO NOT deserve a state airline. Partnership with a private firm (PPP) is the only true practical solution. And that airline (in this case we assume UL) should cater to the demanded markets only (Such as South Asia, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Western Europe maybe). Government should encourage foreign operators to come to Sri Lanka.

If Air Asia wants to launch flights let Air Asia India or Air Asia Thailand does that. There are plenty of countries where the airline of the country makes good profit and cater to the countries basic demand while allowing foreign carriers to cater the excessive demand (Mauritius, Ireland, Maldives).

Sri Lanka do not need another airline. UL is more than enough. Because there's no such O&D to/from Sri Lanka. We do have good demand to FRA, CDG but we failed to welcome Lufthansa and AF. BA also the same. Currently EK & QR filling that gap. That's completely okay I guess.

Country's current aviation position is really good (If a miracle happens to UL). It's better to have slow and steady growth in this industry rather than some faster failed progress (Eg: MRIA, Kingfisher Airline) Aggressive growth is good if you have someone to support it. But in regards to current economy of Sri Lanka. I prefer a slow and steady growth.

It's funny to see that the minister talking about another airport while our main airport itself a disaster. Domestic aviation is really welcome. But first of all country's first impression is the priority which is BIA. Also in future if we had a boom on domestic tourism government should consider converting air force bases to domestic airport rather than building new.

Much appreciate if the authorities do the proposals rather than calling meeting every time. Sick of this.

Yes it will be better if UL acquire 80 seater aircraft to serve destinations like Gan, Mangalore etc.. UL were having plans to order Bombardier C series to the fleet. Any idea what happened to the order? Maintaining the Bombardier aircraft wouldn't be so expensive for UL because Airbus have deal Bombardier

Hear are 2 good articles about the current mess at UL.





It's all gone very quiet after all the "Big Talk" by the new board.

I guess they've run into the hard wall of reality and realised there is nothing to restructure.

SriLankan Airlines launched a new ‘Corporate Policy on the Carriage of Fauna & Flora on Board SriLankan Aircraft’ on May 22, 2018, to strengthen its numerous initiatives on species smuggling

Which aircraft registration? any idea?

It would be better to have 2 airlines as long as they are privately owned and cater to different segments of the market. That way airfares are kept competitive. And it will help boost transit passengers.

AirAsia Sri Lanka isn't bad in this way - if it fails, the losses will be worn by its private investors, not the public.

I can't understand. What is this? And also is any aircraft getting another livery? o.O

It's an initiative to prevent the smuggling of plants and animals (+ products) out of Sri Lanka.

A lot of plants and animals are on the endangered species list and trading in things like Ivory is illegal in most countries.

There is a huge global illegal trade.


This would also include things like keeping baby elephants as pets.

Is it! Ah, so it's like a thing to prevent a cause.

Is any aircraft going to be painted in a special livery for this?

That would be ironic considering that Corrupt Politicians/Criminal Scum Associates/Family and Cronies are actively engaged in this trade.

It's the 4th most profitable enterprise - after Weapons, Drugs and Human Trafficking.

The only reason this happens at all is that everyone involved is protected - as always.

UL302 to Singapore has been cancelled today as water bowser hit the rear fuselage of 4R-ABM at the ground at CMB. Feel sorry for SriLankan and I am wondering why they didn't schedule the different aircraft for UL302 instead of cancelling the whole flight following the 4R-ABM incident.

Picture source : LankaAviation

Maybe because lack of aircraft to use as spare aircraft to operate.

SriLankan Airlines (SLA) is flying all but one of its Airbus ‘neo’ fleet within an hour’s range of airports suitable for emergency landings as its Engineering Department has noticed a deterioration in “engine gas temperature” margins of certain engines and is working with the manufacturer to rectify the problem, the company said.

SriLankan said this week that the reason was due to “manufacturing deficiencies”. It was not immediately clear whether the maker of the engines—CFM International Jet Engines (CMFI)—or the lessor—AerCap—will compensate SriLankan for losses sustained; and whether such contingencies are written into the relevant agreements.

Looks like a bad period for SriLankan.

"SriLankan plane with 227 onboard hits runway lights at cochin on take off..."

According to FR24, the aircraft that operated UL168 was an A330-300.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sril...-repor-1858348

According to this article, the incident occurred during landing and aircraft seems to be A333 4R-ALR which is still on ground at Cochin.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Sr...er-150478.html

This incident is now reported on avherald as well...