3 x A359 were ordered initially to replace 3 x A332 in January 2017. But UL try to lease the 3 x A333 to PIA, cancel the 3 x A359 order and extend the leases of 3 x A332.

After 3 x A359 order cancelled and 3 x A332 leases have been extended , the PIA cancelled the deal of leasing 3 x A333 from UL.

Now UL is thinking how to utilise those 3 x A332 which have been extended to stay at UL on lease. UL to consider operating direct flights to Frankfurt and Melbourne this year.

Why on earth current UL management extend the leases of 3 x A332? I am sure previous UL management renewed the leases of A332 on high lease rates in 2010.

TPG group has been involved in a number of questionable deals.

It doesn't really matter - the high lease rates on the UL fleet make it impossible to ever make money. Makes no difference who's running things.

I agree. The rumour about a connection between TPG and Perpetual Treasuries was some slanderous nonsense... TPG is a huge global entity with enough power on its own.

TPG is also one of the cleanest and most successful Private Equity firms, around... their successful buyout and turnaround of Continental Airlines in the 90s was phenomenal, and although they weren't quite able to reverse the fortunes of Midwest Air Group after they bought that company in the 2000s, they, at least, did manage to find another buyer for Midwest, later. Speaking of the Midwest Air Group purchase - TPG partnered with Northwest Airlines (who were a passive co-investor) during that deal... so, maybe, something like that can happen if/when there is a deal for UL.

Of course, any deal is contingent on how TPG's Due Diligence on UL goes, and whether the final offers by TPG and the GOSL will be attractive to both of these parties. Maybe, some equity in Sri Lankan airports (or, in any future domestic carrier) could be put on the table, too...


On another issue - if it is determined that UL have to abide by the decision to extend the leases of the three oldest 332s (which I assume are ALA, ALB, and ALC), does anyone know for how much longer those 332s will have to stay in the fleet?

thanks for your comment.
other suggestions also welcome

Is it true windscreen of SriLankan's Singapore bound aircraft was damaged yesterday? Has it been repaired? When its going to return to Colombo?

EU & South Asia launch civil aviation partnership

The European Union (EU) and eight South Asian states have started a four-year civil aviation cooperation, aimed at improving safety and strengthening technical ties.

The project, which launched March 24, is being managed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and will cover safety, industrial links and environmental impact.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all participating in the project.

EASA executive director Patrick Ky said the partnership aims to tackle the opportunities and challenges of South Asia’s traffic growth, which is expected to be the highest in the world over the next 20 years.

“The project will also promote technical cooperation at the regional level and enhance EU-South Asia policy dialogue. The €7.5 million ($8.1 million) project is funded by the European Union,” EASA said.

This is not about booking, but one big deficiency is "Flight Status" in both website and app. Usually when you ask for flight information it gives 4 important information. Scheduled departure time, scheduled arrival time, actual or estimated departure time and actual or estimated arrival time. But UL only gives either departure or arrival times. Also the status is indicated with 3 letter code and no one knows what it is!

Srilankan airlines started additional cmb hkg non stop with A321 air craft

Emirates, Indigo, Air Asia and Japan Airlines have shown interest in managing SriLankan Airlines

Is SriLankan Airlines going to get new A330s having released old ones......

There is a rumour UL agreed with Aercap to take delivery of an A330 and extend the lease of an A330 in current fleet during the cancellation of 4 x A359 order.

4R-ANB completes it second acceptance flight at TLS today (30-Mar)

I heard that fully painted tail section of MSN 7663 was seen at XFW on the 27-Mar. Any pic?

It's better if they can change all those three air crafts for new ones......... isn't if?

Srilankan to increase its presence in India by starting 3 new flights in July.

4x weekly CMB-VTZ from 08JUL17

UL159 CMB 0710 - 0910 VTZ x135
UL160 VTZ 1010 - 1215 CMB x135

4x weekly CMB-HYD from 12JUL17

UL177 CMB 0700 - 0855 HYD x246
UL178 HYD 0950 - 1145 CMB x246

4x weekly CMB-CJB from 16JUL17

UL193 CMB 1330 - 1435 CJB x136
UL194 CJB 1535 - 1645 CMB x136

Note : Booking available only in travel portals