INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
22 billion in the period spanning from January to August 2023, said Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de
said that efforts are underway to restructure SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, with a focus on improving its operations and
Importantly, the government is committed to ensuring the job security of the approximately 6,000 employees of the airline during this
To facilitate this, an international consultant has been appointed
This consultant is expected to bring expertise and best practices to guide the restructuring efforts, he said.The Minister highlighted the
success of operations at Palali International Airport, emphasizing that the airport has completed 200 flights
challenges faced by the aviation sector in the past, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced tourist arrivals, and a dollar
crisis that affected fuel supply for airplanes
He mentioned that, at one point, fuel for airplanes had to be procured by sending aircraft to Madras to obtain the necessary fuel.To address
these challenges, the Minister of Petroleum and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva intervened and facilitated the import of aviation fuel by
the private sector, ensuring a stable supply of fuel for airplanes
Additionally, modern technology was employed to develop Bandaranaike International Airport, earning it recognition as a prominent airport in
Southeast Asia.Efforts were made to increase the frequency of flights by different airlines operating in Sri Lanka
This likely contributes to improved connectivity and accessibility for travellers.These developments in the Sri Lankan aviation sector
signify a positive turn in its financial performance, reflecting resilience in overcoming challenges
per week, China Eastern Air operates 05 flights weekly, Etihad offers 06 flights, Qatar Airways provides an impressive 35 weekly flights,
Air Arabia manages 11 flights, Air India operates 17 flights, and Jazeera Air conducts 04 flights per week
Furthermore, several other airlines have expressed their commitment to commence operations in Sri Lanka.Additionally, it is noteworthy that
the operations at Palali International Airport continue to demonstrate remarkable success
Specifically, the flight operations between Madras and Palali, which are scheduled three times a week, have already completed a total of 200
Katunayake once a scarcely frequented facility, has now evolved into a bustling aviation hub
Notably, in the month of August, it catered to the needs of over 650,000 passengers
This surge in passenger traffic has contributed significantly to its financial prosperity
In the first eight months of this year alone, the airport has managed to generate a substantial profit of Rs
22 billion through its aviation services
A commendable portion of this profit, amounting to Rs
10 billion, has been allocated to the national treasury.In parallel, a strategic initiative is currently underway to attract potential
investors to the Mattala Airport
Following the submission of this proposal to the Treasury, constructive discussions have taken place in collaboration with the World Bank
In an effort to ensure transparency in the restructuring process, it was recommended to enlist the assistance of an international consultant
Consequently, a qualified consultant has been appointed, and crucial steps are actively being taken to expedite the restructuring of
If progress aligns with the planned timeline, the anticipated benefits should be realized by February of the forthcoming year.It is
essential to note that the airline presently does not own any aircraft; instead, all available aircraft are leased
Acquiring new aircraft is not an immediate process and generally involves a waiting period of approximately one year post-order
Due to the absence of A330 aircraft in the current fleet, the airline faces limitations in offering services to destinations such as
England, France, and Australia
The existing fleet primarily comprises A320 aircraft, which are unsuitable for long-haul or remote operations
Thus, the restructuring of the airline is imperative to address these challenges effectively.Recent operational setbacks have resulted in
substantial losses amounting to approximately $6 billion
certification from a qualified aeronautical engineer before they can undertake flight operations
Moreover, a noteworthy contrast exists in the monthly flight hours flown by our pilots compared to those from other airlines
The majority of our pilots have averaged only 63 flight hours per month, whereas their counterparts in other airlines often accumulate a
In light of this, a plea is made to our aviation professionals to demonstrate unwavering commitment to institutional success, fostering a
While there have been demands for higher salaries, citing comparisons with the remuneration packages offered by global aviation giants, it
acquisition of Air India, which includes orders for 250 Boeing 777 aircraft, presents opportunities for collaboration
These collaborations, possibly with regional airlines, offer the potential to secure the future prospects and rights of the 6000th employee
