Depends, the 77W comes with GE90s, the 77Es are most popular with RR Trent 900s, so two engine types will be an issue. ‎77L is not suitable since its a long range ac, dont think UL needs ULR ac to fly CMB-US, not that much loads.

So i would place my bets on 777-200ERs. Unless there is some traffic growth projection which justifies the 777-300ERs. Even Jet Airways struggles to fill the 77W, only the London flights go full.

SriLankan Airlines turns 33

The national carrier of Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines is celebrating its 33rd anniversary this month.

Mihin Lanka has planned to services Bahrain, Kathmandu, New Delhi and Madurai with new aircraft.


Heard Madurai starts from this December.

Mihin Lanka took over the Bahrain route from SriLankan on 2 Sep 2012. On the same day 4R-MRD operated it's first revenue flight to TRZ as MJ301/2.

No idea of visiting Madurai after I read this news : http://www.tehelka.com/story_main53....040912NADU.asp

I think the viability of this route must be re-evaluated in the light of the GoSL travel warning covering Tamilnadu.

i think before we get these AASL must construct the 2nd terminal at BIA. bcause BIA aerto bridges can accomodate only 3 773. but in bravo bay gate 14 can park 773 but can only use 1 aero bridge, if UL brings 777's there will be a big issue at night wen CX SQ TG and EK 777s arrive to BIA. although BIA's remort gates are not that big to board nearly 400 pax when we use them for our flights such as full 340 flight there are no enough space for passenger. 4 remort departure gates but only 1 common wash room and with a single security screening point, its a big mess at the morning when mor than 6 flights boarding at the same time.

Is it true that there is a construction flaw with the concourse, resulting in this disjointed approach to aircraft using the aero bridges.

SriLankan Airlines is looking to add six wide-body airplanes.



It will be better if UL gets –

4 – 777-200ER

2 – 777-300ER

Boeing 777 -

Vid : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXdwG...feature=relmfu

Are they still looking for 777 s?

I can't understand that why UL still looking for 777s. Actually UL already need more well equipped A330-200s (such as Kingfisher) for their long haul routes.Not 777s or A330-300s.

Cannot think of a rational reason other than to get better pricing from Airbus, but then again if they are talking to ILFC / ALC, I am not sure even that strategy makes much sense.

777 series aircraft (in particular the 77w) is a phenomenal performer, yet, it is not worth the introduction cost of a line of metal from another manufacturer. UL should look at A333 for high density routes and look for more A332s until they could order A350 range after EIS and operational data from a credible operator becomes available.

The sheer logistical challenges of dealing with the GE90-115B engines itself is a good reason not to introduce just a a few 77W frames.

Alternatively, UL could look at the B787 range with a view of converting in to an all Boeing 787 /77X fleet in the future. Getting delivery slots for B787 would be a challenge though. Perhaps a leasing company could help.

RE: MJ. 4R-MRB will be replaced by third A321 (4R-MRE) in Nov/Dec 2012. There are plans to add a new route CMB-DEL-KTM by Jan 2013. I doubt Madurai will be launched due to Tamil Nadu protests.


I think there is no point of replacing A340-311s with B777s when three A340-313Xs are in service. Therefore UL's three of A340-311s should be replaced with three A330-300s , which is a capable aircraft for high-yield routes especially for China and Saudi Arabia, while long-range routes fly with A330-200s and A340-313Xs. Three A340-313Xs could be replaced with A350-Series after EIS. UL is better stick with Airbus for now.

Yes I agree, having used BIA many times (coming next week again probably)...lots of rush when u have a few widebodies arriving together. Need a new terminal with more aerobridges, i dont think space is a problem, guess the Govt have to shell out the money to build it...

There are positive reviews for UL on SkyTrax, equally there are some negative reviews.

UL needs to take these opinions (and rankings into account). Then again when you have a morons like the Aviation chairman (Prasana something) in positions of importance, good luck. In a Lakbima article from last year where the reporter mentioned these rankings and the negative comments (mainly around CMB and the fact it has no ranking) his response was "these people who say bad things are enemies of the country" Hikz.

What an attitude.


Anyway this is the latest review from SkyTrax of UL:

<<"Both flights outbound and inbound (UAE to Colombo) did not offer any in-flight entertainment for 4.5 hours of flight time. In fact the outbound flight from Colombo did not have TV screens in Economy class at all, in business class (where I was sitting), I had screen but it was not working properly. Crew offered me a heavy Portable Media Player! It had maximum of 10 movies to select from, and was annoying to keep on my lap.
">>

I believe from the lack of inflight equipment he flew on 4R-ALH.

Why is the fleet so haphazard? ALH was a "new" acquisition as well.

As far as i know BIA's alpha side is wider than Bravo bay side. So in that case Bravo base cannot use for 773...