SriLankan Airlines turns 45, celebrating a trailblazing journey that took off on September 1, 1979, with just two Boeing 707 aircraft. A pioneer in the region, the airline has always remained resilient in the face of turbulence and has consistently championed true Sri Lankan hospitality globally. Over the years, SriLankan Airlines has proven its versatility in an ever evolving and testing environment.
Today, SriLankan continues to be one of the major international airlines from South Asia, having achieved numerous milestones and accolades along the way.
Some key Milestones and Achievements:
1979– Launch of Air Lanka with two Boeing 707 aircraft (1st September), 1979– Maiden flight to Bangkok on September 1, 1979 –Services are launched to Bahrain, Frankfurt, London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Paris, Zurich, Madras and Male, 1980– Launch of Air Lanka Catering Ltd, 1980– First Lockheed L1011 Tristar acquired 1984– Boeing 747-200 acquired, Air Lanka becomes a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association), 1990 –Three Ilyushin IL-86’s leased to operate mercy flights for Sri Lankans fleeing Gulf War, 1991 – First international airline to obtain IATA accreditation for its Centre for Training, 1992 – Launched frequent flyer programme “The Serendib Club”, 1998 – Enters into a strategic partnership with Emirates, 1999– Air Lanka rebranded as SriLankan Airlines, 2000 – The cargo arm rebranded as ‘SriLankan Cargo’ and as a separate entity, 2000 – SriLankan Cargo launches dedicated freighter service using Antonov AN12F aircraft, 2001 – Skytrax Airline of the Year – Central Asia and in 2013 as well, 2002– Launch of leisure arm, SriLankan Holidays, 2004 – Launch of domestic floatplane service, SriLankan Air Taxi, 2004 – Launch of Serendib Lounge, the new Business Class Lounge in BIA, 2005 – Launched massive relief effort in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, 2006 – Launch of International Aviation Academy (IAA), 2006 –Goa becomes SriLankan’s 50th destination, 2007 – First international airline to achieve 100 flights per week to India, 2008– Launch of frequent flyer programme, FlySmiLes, 2008 – Management of SriLankan reverts to the Government of Sri Lanka, 2008 – Re-fleeting of A320s begins with arrival of first aircraft in four years, 2009 –Operates pioneering First Green Flight in South Asia, 2010 – IATA Platinum Award for being among the first to launch 2D Bar Coded Boarding Passes, 2011 – Opens SriLankan Flight Academy with Sri Lanka’s first Flight Simulator for pilot training, 2014– SriLankan joins oneworld, an alliance of world class airlines, 2016 – Launches operations to 11 new destinations including Gan Islands, Maldives, remaining the only international airline to date to fly to Gan.
“Forty-five years is a long time in any industry, but achieving this milestone in the commercial airline sector is an even greater feat. SriLankan Airlines is one of the oldest commercial airlines in this region, and we are incredibly proud of our journey over the past 45 years, despite the regular challenges we have faced. Through it all, SriLankan has remained steadfast in its commitment to our loyal customers and in supporting Sri Lanka through every high and low,” reflected Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines.
“On this occasion, it is important to express our gratitude to our people. We owe our successes and resilience to every individual within the airline, both current and past, who has dedicated themselves and made sacrifices for our success. As we celebrate our achievements, we will also focus on our vision for the future, striving to be the airline of choice for travellers seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience, personified by the warmth and hospitality of our people,” added Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines. SriLankan Airlines provides convenient connections to a global network (including codeshare partners) of 114 destinations in 62 countries around the world.
The airline’s direct route map covers major cities across Europe, Australia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Far East. SriLankan operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of wide-bodied A330 aircraft, A321 aircraft and mid-range A320s. For more information visitwww.srilankan.com
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