Sri Lanka Aviation

**A359** · 27-05-2026, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Serendib

Do you think Sri Lankan needs A350s? Or is the fleet in the present enough?. Please comment 👇

I believe there are some inaccuracies in the originally quoted article. UL ordered 4 A350-900s from Airbus, and also contracted to lease 4 A350-900s from AerCap. The lease with AerCap was cancelled, with UL paying a substantial penalty, and the aircraft (which were close to completion and partially painted in UL livery) were transferred to Sichuan Airlines.
As I understand, Airbus still has the deposits paid by UL for the A350s to be directly purchased. Given the urgent need to update the fleet, I feel UL needs to purchase new aircraft, instead of piecemeal additions of second hand aircraft to the fleet. Ideally the A350 order will be reinstated. Otherwise the deposits should be transferred over to a A330-900 order. Hopefully with new management at UL, idiotic talk of getting free aircraft from Airbus will cease.

**ULlove** · 29-05-2026, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by A359

I believe there are some inaccuracies in the originally quoted article. UL ordered 4 A350-900s from Airbus, and also contracted to lease 4 A350-900s from AerCap. The lease with AerCap was cancelled, with UL paying a substantial penalty, and the aircraft (which were close to completion and partially painted in UL livery) were transferred to Sichuan Airlines.
As I understand, Airbus still has the deposits paid by UL for the A350s to be directly purchased. Given the urgent need to update the fleet, I feel UL needs to purchase new aircraft, instead of piecemeal additions of second hand aircraft to the fleet. Ideally the A350 order will be reinstated. Otherwise the deposits should be transferred over to a A330-900 order. Hopefully with new management at UL, idiotic talk of getting free aircraft from Airbus will cease.

Its time we forget this UL A350 Dream. Management playing politics as usual and have done nothing with the deposits.

We should just focus on getting A330-900 ( Replace both 332 & 333) , A320 NEO and A321NEO. (Replace current CEO/NEO Fleet) with newer aircraft.

Route network is fine just re time LHR from afternoon to midnight departure and LHR departure in the morning to Mid night Arrival in CMB.

Relaunch AUH (in Partnership with EY), PEK,PVG. More Tier 2 & 3 cities in India, Followed by more destinations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia.

UL should add value to One world Alliance and its partners. We seem to have been forgotten on OneWorld alliance as i don't see any prominence for UL.

Willie Walsh joining IndiGo is good for them and could be a threat for UL. WW is ex.IAG ( British Airways+ Iberia) and could potentially switch IndiGo alliance towards Qatar, BA, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and American Airlines. (Some of these airlines already have feeder networks via IndiGo especially AA,BA , QR and QF). If we do not add value then UL will be run down by IndiGo in no time.

**banuthev** · 30-05-2026, 02:52 PM

Colombo Airport Schedule Flight Information - June 2026 Week 1

A/L	DEST	VIA	FLTS PER WEEK IN MAY26 WK4	FLTS PER WEEK IN JUN26 WK1	FREQ DIFF
3L	AUH	---	5	3	-2
6E	BLR	---	13	13	0
6E	BOM	---	7	7	0
6E	DEL	---	6	6	0
6E	HYD	---	6	6	0
6E	MAA	---	27	27	0
8D	DAC	---	5	5	0
8D	DXB	---	1	0	-1
8D	MLE	---	7	6	-1
AI	BOM	---	7	4	-3
AI	DEL	---	14	12	-2
AK	KUL	---	7	7	0
CA	TFU	---	5	3	-2
CX	HKG	---	7	5	-2
EK	DXB	---	21	21	0
EY	AUH	---	25	25	0
FD	DMK	---	7	6	-1
FZ	DXB	---	16	15	-1
FZ	DXB	MLE	5	7	2
G9	SHJ	---	20	14	-6
GF	BAH	MLE	7	7	0
HM	SEZ	---	2	1	-1
J9	KWI	---	5	5	0
KU	KWI	---	3	4	1
MH	KUL	---	7	8	1
MU	KMG	---	2	2	0
MU	PVG	---	3	3	0
OD	KUL	---	4	4	0
OQ	CKG	---	1	1	0
OQ	MLE	---	1	1	0
OV	MCT	---	4	6	2
QR	DOH	---	21	21	0
SQ	SIN	---	14	14	0
TG	BKK	---	7	7	0
TK	IST	---	8	9	1
UL	BKK	---	13	14	1
UL	BLR	---	7	7	0
UL	BOM	---	9	13	4
UL	CAN	---	4	4	0
UL	CDG	FRA	2	3	1
UL	CGK	---	3	4	1
UL	COK	---	6	5	-1
UL	DAC	---	6	7	1
UL	DEL	---	7	10	3
UL	DMM	---	4	5	1
UL	DOH	---	3	7	4
UL	DXB	---	7	5	-2
UL	GAN	---	2	2	0
UL	HYD	---	4	4	0
UL	ICN	---	1	1	0
UL	IXM	---	5	5	0
UL	KHI	---	3	4	1
UL	KTM	---	3	4	1
UL	KUL	---	10	10	0
UL	LHE	---	4	4	0
UL	LHR	---	7	7	0
UL	MAA	---	18	18	0
UL	MEL	---	4	7	3
UL	MEL	SYD	3	0	-3
UL	MLE	---	21	21	0
UL	NRT	---	4	4	0
UL	RUH	---	7	6	-1
UL	SIN	---	10	9	-1
UL	SYD	---	0	4	1
UL	TRV	---	3	3	0
UL	TRZ	---	7	7	0
WK	ZRH	---	1	0	-1

**MAW2000** · 31-05-2026, 06:16 AM

Dear All,

Greetings!

4R-EXQ MSN 3547 A320-232 will leave Fits Air (8D/EXV) Fleet before July.

**banuthev** · 31-05-2026, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000

Dear All,

Greetings!

4R-EXQ MSN 3547 A320-232 will leave Fits Air (8D/EXV) Fleet before July.

Is there any reason why FitsAir is returning 4R-EXQ back to the lessor?

**Serendib** · 01-06-2026, 06:01 AM

Belavia to resume flights to Sri Lanka
Belavia has announced the resumption of flights to Sri Lanka starting 27 October. The route will be operated on Tuesdays using a wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Departure from Minsk is scheduled for 12:50 a.m., with arrival at Mattala Airport at 12:40 p.m. The return flight will depart Mattala at 2:40 p.m. and arrive in Minsk at 10:10 p.m. All times are local for the respective airports.

The flight duration will be approximately 9.5-10 hours.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.themorning.lk/articles/DXt9Zve4mtXCM3leNEv5&ved=2ahUKEwi38K-cruWUAxV2UkEAHQ8mA9EQFnoECBoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3GrAN3i0pcD7UVkLHiCUCS

**banuthev** · 01-06-2026, 06:09 AM

4R-ABN is currently out of service. I am curious to
know the reason why. Do you know when it last operated?

**Serendib** · 01-06-2026, 06:14 AM

VietJet Air Opens Colombo Office Ahead of Sri Lanka Launch

VietJet Air officially inaugurated its Colombo office yesterday during a special ceremony attended by Vietnam Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam.

The airline’s operations in Sri Lanka will be managed by Andrew The Aviation Company Ltd. as its General Sales Agent (GSA), under the leadership of Chairman Mahen Kariyawasan. The office will serve as a hub for passenger services, travel trade partnerships and operational coordination in the country.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Tam noted the strengthening ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka and welcomed VietJet Air’s growing presence in the Sri Lankan aviation market. Chairman Mahen Kariyawasan also stated that the partnership is expected to boost travel opportunities while supporting tourism, trade and business cooperation between the two countries.

VietJet Air is planning to commence flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City in August 2026 with four weekly round-trip services. The airline, recognized as one of Vietnam’s leading low-cost carriers, continues to expand its network across Asia with a focus on affordable and convenient travel.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.magzter.com/stories/newspaper/Daily-FT/VIETJET-AIR-COLOMBO-OFFICE-OPENS-FOR-TRAVELLERS%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOopdeZnJ5aeNQ1GTMgVqhaM7xf0avEZxjWUEEMzgomN6G5dabMnu&ved=2ahUKEwiCo67pseWUAxXrRUEAHWf2DiEQFnoECFkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1Bug8YaR3ghhhaklJaoinv

**MAW2000** · 02-06-2026, 04:13 AM

Originally posted by banuthev

Is there any reason why FitsAir is returning 4R-EXQ back to the lessor?

Lease Expiry.

Lease Return Ferry Flight as follows :

4R-EXQ
0805 LT 05JUN
8D707 VCBI > OETB > LFBT

**banuthev** · 03-06-2026, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000

Lease Expiry.

Lease Return Ferry Flight as follows :

4R-EXQ
0805 LT 05JUN
8D707 VCBI > OETB > LFBT

Thanks for confirming that EXQ is being ferried to Tarbes. Does that mean the aircraft will be parked there until it finds a new owner? Also, is EXQ getting painted all white prior to the ferry flight?

**banuthev** · 04-06-2026, 05:54 AM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien

Hi all,
Following Vietnam's President's visit to Sri Lanka on the 7 to the 8th of May, Vietnam Airlines, along with Vietjet Airlines will begin flights from October and August of 2026 respectively.

Vietnam Airlines to launch 1st direct route to Sri Lanka

https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnam-airlines-to-launch-1st-direct-route-to-sri-lanka-103260509103044975.htm

Vietnam Airlines has announced it will open a direct air route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, Sri Lanka, starting in October 2026, with three round trips per week using Airbus A321 aircraft.

Vietjet Air | Bay là thích ngay! | Website chính thức

https://www.vietjetair.com/en/news/news-1697697232035/vietjet-announces-first-ever-route-to-sri-lanka-in-celebration-of-general-secretary-and-president-to-lams-state-visit-1778289115334

Bay cùng Vietjet với hàng ngàn ưu đãi hấp dẫn, giá vé ưu đãi

A major win for Sri Lankan aviation! Also note that Saudia is offering flights from JED-MLE-CMB on Monday.

It seems Vietjet is all set to start direct flights to Colombo from 18 Aug 2026. I can see Colombo listed in their flight booking section, operating only 3 weekly flights instead of the initially announced 4.
Here is the flight schedule**:**

SGN-CMB - VJ1875 - A320 - 18:15 - 21:50 - TU, TH, SA
CMB-SGN - VJ1876 - A320 - 23:00 - 05:55+1 - TU, TH, SA

Any possibility this route will become successful?

**banuthev** · 06-06-2026, 12:42 PM

Colombo Airport Schedule Flight Information - June 2026 Week 2

A/L	DEST	VIA	FLTS PER WEEK IN JUN26 WK1	FLTS PER WEEK IN JUN26 WK2	FREQ DIFF
3L	AUH	---	3	3	0
6E	BLR	---	13	13	0
6E	BOM	---	7	7	0
6E	DEL	---	6	6	0
6E	HYD	---	6	6	0
6E	MAA	---	27	27	0
8D	DAC	---	5	5	0
8D	DXB	---	0	3	3
8D	MLE	---	6	6	0
AI	BOM	---	4	4	0
AI	DEL	---	12	12	0
AK	KUL	---	7	7	0
CA	TFU	---	3	2	-1
CX	HKG	---	5	6	1
EK	DXB	---	21	21	0
EY	AUH	---	25	26	1
FD	DMK	---	6	5	-1
FZ	DXB	---	15	14	-1
FZ	DXB	MLE	7	7	0
G9	SHJ	---	14	14	0
GF	BAH	MLE	7	7	0
HM	SEZ	---	1	1	0
J9	KWI	---	5	7	2
KU	KWI	---	4	4	0
MH	KUL	---	8	8	0
MU	KMG	---	2	4	2
MU	PVG	---	3	3	0
OD	KUL	---	4	4	0
OQ	CKG	---	1	2	1
OQ	MLE	---	1	2	1
OV	MCT	---	6	5	-1
QR	DOH	---	21	21	0
SQ	SIN	---	14	14	0
TG	BKK	---	7	7	0
TK	IST	---	9	8	-1
UL	BKK	---	14	14	0
UL	BLR	---	7	7	0
UL	BOM	---	13	10	-3
UL	CAN	---	4	4	0
UL	CDG	FRA	3	3	0
UL	CGK	---	4	4	0
UL	COK	---	5	5	0
UL	DAC	---	7	5	-2
UL	DEL	---	10	9	-1
UL	DMM	---	5	5	0
UL	DOH	---	7	7	0
UL	DXB	---	5	6	1
UL	GAN	---	2	2	0
UL	HYD	---	4	4	0
UL	ICN	---	1	0	-1
UL	IXM	---	5	4	-1
UL	KHI	---	4	4	0
UL	KTM	---	4	3	-1
UL	KUL	---	10	10	0
UL	LHE	---	4	4	0
UL	LHR	---	7	7	0
UL	MAA	---	18	19	1
UL	MEL	---	7	7	0
UL	MLE	---	21	21	0
UL	NRT	---	4	3	-1
UL	RUH	---	6	5	-1
UL	SIN	---	9	9	0
UL	SYD	---	4	3	-1
UL	TRV	---	3	3	0
UL	TRZ	---	7	7	0

**Ven35K** · 07-06-2026, 05:07 PM

Originally posted by banuthev

4R-ABN is currently out of service. I am curious to
know the reason why. Do you know when it last operated?

4R-ABN is active now

**Serendib** · 09-06-2026, 05:40 PM

Dimal Arandara appointed Chairman of SriLankan, CEO to be appointed soon

The government has appointed A. K. D. D. Dimal Arandara as the new Chairman of SriLankan Airlines with effect from yesterday, further strengthening the airline’s leadership during a key phase of its restructuring and expansion plans.

Arandara had earlier served as Chairman SLT and Acting Chairman and was also a member of the Board of Directors following the resignation of former Chairman Sarath Ganegoda.

Ganegoda, who served as Chairman for more than one and a half years, resigned from his position at SriLankan Airlines on March 31, 2026.

There had been widespread speculation that former Chairman Peter Hill would return to head the national carrier as the successor to Ganegoda, but the appointment did not materialise.

Current Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam was also considered a strong contender for the position during the selection process.

Meanwhile the government is also expected to appoint a permanent CEO soon. Currently this post is being held by Yasantha Dissanayake who is also the CFO.

https://hirunews.lk/en/471254/dimal-...appointed-soon

**banuthev** · 10-06-2026, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by Ven35K

4R-ABN is active now

Thanks. It's nice to know that ABN is back in service. It seems ANB has been taken out of service since June 3rd. Furthermore, AND, ANE, and ALL are still inactive. Is UL not desperate to return these birds to service soon, given the current economy?

Sri Lanka Aviation

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