SriLankan Airlines inducts first Airbus A320neo to its fleet

SriLankan Airlines has commenced the induction of the first of its latest Airbus, short haul A320neo which arrived on Monday.

The cash-strapped airline, which has been shedding some of its new, leased long haul A330 aircraft with a 300-passenger capacity, is inducting A320neo and A321neo family aircraft in its fleet, which has half the passenger capacity - 150 seats.  

“The introduction of these new-generation aircraft will help enhance its exceptional service standards for passengers and serve to align its fleet to the airline’s new strategic focus on Asia and the Middle East. The addition of seven brand new wide body A330-300 aircraft in 2016 greatly enhanced its long haul fleet and passengers can now enjoy more comfortable seats, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, excellent in-flight cuisine, and flight attendants famed for their warmth and caring,” the airline said in a media statement.
    
Ajith Dias, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, said: “The arrival of the A320neo and A321neo aircraft will better align our fleet to this objective, as these aircraft are more suited to our medium haul operations, while we already possess an excellent fleet of A330 aircraft for our long haul routes.”

The airline is adding two Airbus A320neo and four A321neo aircraft to its fleet in a little over a year. The second A320neo aircraft is scheduled for delivery in April 2017, followed by the first and second A321neo aircraft in the second quarter. A third A321neo is to arrive before the end of 2017, with the fourth A321neo is due in the first quarter of 2018. The orders for these aircraft were placed several years ago. The revamped fleet will enable the airline to dovetail more efficient management of its newly overhauled business plan for a leaner and a more efficient regional operation. 
 
SriLankan A320neo is configured for 150 passengers in a two-class cabin layout with 12 business class seats and 138 economy class seats. It is powered by CFM Leap. The carrier will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network connecting Colombo with destinations in India, Middle East and Far East.

The airline has said it would focus on South Asia, mostly India, and the  Middle East as it recovers from a debilitating debt carried forward from the management of the former government. - ENDS -

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