Amid an ongoing restructuring effort, Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, has announced intentions to increase its fleet size from 16 to 21 aircraft by the end of 2024.
Chairman Ashok Pathirage confirmed plans to add two aircraft by July, raising the fleet to 18. “Currently, we operate with 16 aircraft. By next month, it will be 18,” he stated.
The airline aims to achieve a total fleet of 21 aircraft by year-end. In April, SriLankan Airlines secured leases for four wide-body aircraft from Irish lessors Orix Aviation and Aergo Capital. Orix Aviation will lease two aircraft for six years at $360,000 monthly each, while Aergo Capital’s arrangement includes two aircraft for eight years at $365,000 monthly each, following Cabinet approval.
Earlier in 2022, the airline faced public scrutiny after announcing plans to lease up to 21 aircraft amid the country’s economic challenges. Subsequently, in December 2022, Cabinet approved the lease of 10 aircraft, including five second-hand A320s and five A330s.
Currently, the government seeks a foreign investor to alleviate the airline’s significant debt despite operational profitability. RFQs have been received from AirAsia Consulting Sdn. Bhd., Dharshaan Elite Investment Holding Ltd., Fits Aviation Ltd., Sherisha Technologies Ltd., Treasure Republic Guardians Ltd., and Hayleys PLC to acquire the Treasury’s stake in SriLankan Airlines.”
