The Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, which has recently joined SriLankan Airlines, arrived in Sri Lanka from Paris, France this morning (June 04). This is the first wide-body aircraft that SriLankan Airlines has acquired in 7 years.
The aircraft, bearing the registration number 4R-ALT, was displayed to the public flying over Colombo and Katunayake areas before landing at the Katunayake Airport.
This Airbus aircraft, registered under the number HL8512, was re-entered into service by South Korean Fly Gangown Airlines on 28 November 2022 and was returned to its owner on 19 May 2023.
This Airbus aircraft was subsequently re-entered into service by SriLankan Airlines under the registration number 4R-ALT.
Meanwhile, in response to an inquiry regarding this aircraft that joined SriLankan Airlines, Captain Patrick Fernando, Chief Technical Officer, confirmed that the Airbus aircraft was manufactured in 2011.
“This Airbus was manufactured in 2011. As far as I know, it was first used by Garuda Indonesia. After that, another airline used this aircraft. This aircraft has 18 seats in business class and 242 seats in economy class. Normally, such an aircraft is leased for a period of 6 to 8 years,” he said.
Some people had raised questions on social media about why a 14-year-old aircraft was added to SriLankan Airlines.
BBC Sinhala Service inquired about this matter and in response, SriLankan Airlines Chief Technology Officer Captain Patrick Fernando said that it has become “difficult” for airlines to acquire aircraft as aircraft production has been disrupted due to the Covid pandemic.
“There is a huge shortage in the aircraft market these days. The biggest problem facing the airline industry after Covid is that the production of new aircraft has stalled. The reason for this is the delays faced by the companies that manufacture the engines, landing gears and other accessories required for these aircraft. That is why there is a huge shortage of new aircraft.”
“Therefore, the aircraft currently leased from airlines are not being handed over to the leasing companies after their lease period ends. Those airlines are repeatedly renewing these aircraft lease agreements.”
“If you want to buy an Airbus 350 aircraft, you have to wait until 2032. That is the situation now,” he said.
The Airbus A330-200 aircraft leased by SriLankan Airlines is a familiar model for both local pilots and technicians, said Chief Technical Officer Captain Patrick Fernando.
“This Airbus A330 is a very good aircraft. We have been flying Airbus 330s since 1999. I also went to Toulouse to bring the first Airbus. I was a First Officer at the time. We have been flying this type of Airbus aircraft for 20-25 years, so we have a great understanding of it.”
“This aircraft is technologically advanced. It has satellite navigation, communications, weather radar, a warning system to warn pilots if the flight is approaching a dangerous point near mountains, and unmanned landing facilities. It can also fly 8,800 kilometers continuously without refueling,” he explained.
With the new aircraft, SriLankan Airlines now has 10 wide-body aircraft and 13 narrow-body aircraft, said Chief Technology Officer Captain Patrick Fernando.
Demand for SriLankan Airlines is increasing, and the airline plans to expand its services in line with that demand, said Sarath Ganegoda, Chairman of the company.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in SriLankan Airlines’ operations and long-term strategy for its fleet. This will enable us to meet the growing demand for our services and contribute more to the national tourism industry’s goals. At a time when Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly popular as a top-tier tourist destination, this aircraft will play a significant role in connecting international tourists to Sri Lanka,” said SriLankan Airlines Chairman Sarath Ganegoda.
Meanwhile, the increase in the number of aircraft will make SriLankan Airlines’ overall operations, especially on long-haul flights, more efficient and convenient, SriLankan Airlines said in a statement.
BBC sinhala