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SriLankan Airlines, the flag carrier of Sri Lanka, is a prominent member of the Oneworld airline alliance, renowned for its commitment to service excellence, safety, and connectivity across Asia and beyond. Launched in 1979 as Air Lanka, the airline has evolved into Sri Lanka’s largest carrier by fleet size and destinations, operating from its hub at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. With a modern fleet, a focus on Sri Lankan hospitality, and an extensive network covering 113 destinations in 51 countries (including codeshare agreements), SriLankan Airlines plays a vital role in promoting tourism and economic development in Sri Lanka. Despite financial challenges and customer service critiques, the airline continues to expand its routes and enhance its offerings, earning accolades for its inflight services and cultural representation.
SriLankan Airlines was established in July 1979 as Air Lanka, following the collapse of Air Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s original flag carrier. The airline began operations with two leased Boeing 707s from Singapore Airlines and a Boeing 737 from Maersk Air, marking its entry into commercial aviation. On November 1, 1980, Air Lanka introduced wide-body operations with a leased Lockheed L1011-1 Tristar from Air Canada. The first Lockheed L1011-500, named “City of Colombo” (4R-ULA), was delivered on August 26, 1982, and operated its inaugural flight from Amsterdam to Colombo on August 28, 1982. By 1984, the airline added its first Boeing 747-200B, “King Vijaya,” expanding services to Europe and Southeast Asia.
In 1994, Air Lanka became the Asian launch customer for the Airbus A340-300, enhancing its long-haul capabilities. A significant milestone occurred in 1998 when the Dubai-based Emirates Group acquired a 40% stake (later increased to 43.63%) for $70 million, leading to a rebranding to SriLankan Airlines. Emirates introduced a new livery, management structure, and fleet upgrades, significantly improving the airline’s image and operations. However, by 2008, the Sri Lankan government sought greater control, prompting Emirates to exit the partnership. The government repurchased Emirates’ shares in 2010, and SriLankan retained its rebranded name and logo, achieving a profit of Rs. 9.288 billion in the 2008 financial year.
SriLankan joined the Oneworld alliance on May 1, 2014, becoming the first South Asian carrier to do so, enhancing global connectivity through codeshare agreements with 17 carriers, including American Airlines, Qantas, and Japan Airlines. The airline expanded its network, launching routes to Shanghai (2010), Guangzhou (2011), and Melbourne (2017), its first new long-haul route in over five years. However, financial challenges led to the closure of European routes (Frankfurt, Paris, and Rome) by 2016 and the suspension of operations at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in 2015. In 2025, SriLankan announced plans to lease two wide-body aircraft to restore profitable routes like Beijing and Nairobi, reflecting a focus on financial recovery and network expansion.
SriLankan Airlines operates a fleet of 24 Airbus aircraft, including A320ceo, A320neo, A330-200, and A330-300 models, with an average age of under 10 years. The airline phased out its last Airbus A340-300 in January 2016, transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet for mainline operations, except for discontinued air-taxi services. The fleet is designed for efficiency, with newer A330-300 and A320neo aircraft offering improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. In May 2014, SriLankan introduced special Oneworld-liveried A330 and A320 aircraft to celebrate its alliance membership. The current livery features a blue underbelly slogan promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, replacing the original red-striped design inspired by the “Dandu Monara” (Flying Peacock Aircraft) from the Ramayana mythology, symbolizing Buddhist principles.
SriLankan’s commitment to sustainability includes operating fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing eco-friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics onboard. The airline’s ground handling department, certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), provides line maintenance at Bandaranaike International Airport, ensuring high safety standards.