SriLankan Airlines has expanded its fleet with the arrival of a brand new Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, the primary of its type to be inducted by the provider in seven years. The plane, registered 4R-ALT, arrived in Colombo from Paris on June 5 and carried out a ceremonial fly-past over Colombo and Katunayake earlier than touchdown at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). This marks a strategic milestone for the airline because it responds to rising world demand and prepares to increase its long-haul capabilities.
With this addition, SriLankan Airways’ operational fleet now stands at 23 plane, comprising 13 narrow-body and 10 wide-body plane. The acquisition is a part of a broader plan to revive fleet energy and enhance route connectivity, notably on long-haul and key regional routes.
Sarath Ganegoda, Chairman of SriLankan Airways, mentioned, “This marks the start of an thrilling new chapter for SriLankan Airways, each operationally and in shaping our long-term fleet technique. The addition of this plane enhances our capability to satisfy the rising demand, whereas strengthening our contribution to national tourism goals.”
Yasantha Dissanayake, Appearing CEO and Group CFO of SriLankan Airways, added, “That is the primary wide-body plane to be inducted into the fleet after a lapse of seven years. It should enable us to increase our attain in each current and new markets, providing improved flight instances, higher connectivity and extra direct providers to the nation, while enhancing cargo capability in assist of Sri Lanka’s export commerce.”
The A330-200 plane options wi-fi in-flight leisure, USB charging ports at each seat, and is configured with 18 Enterprise Class and 242 Financial system Class seats. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the plane is designed to serve each long-haul and choose short-haul routes, providing improved passenger comfort and operational versatility.
Capt. Patrick Fernando, Chief Technical Officer, confirmed that this induction is a part of an ongoing fleet modernisation programme geared toward buying extra wide-body plane within the close to future.
