An A321-231 will join with 8D by end of this year, not yet confirmed, discussions are ongoing with lessors.

Chongqing Airlines Plans Sri Lanka / Maldives June 2024 Launch

April 15, 2024 Jim Liu
Published at 1430GMT 15APR24

Chongqing Airlines from June 2024 plans to launch service to South Asia, as the airline filed operational schedule for Chongqing – Colombo – Male route. Airbus A320 aircraft is scheduled 3 times weekly, effective 24JUN24.

OQ2393 CKG1210 – 1530CMB1630 – 1740MLE 320 15
OQ2393 CKG1545 – 1900CMB2010 – 2125MLE 320 3

OQ2394 MLE1850 – 2100CMB2200 – 0555+1CKG 320 15
OQ2394 MLE2255 – 0110+1CMB0220+1 – 1030+1CKG 320 3

Source: Aeroroutes ​

Fits Air launches new direct flights between Colombo and Dhaka from today

Colombo, April 17 (Daily Mirror) - Fits Air is expanding its wings, adding Colombo-Dhaka direct flights from today, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Limited announced.

Currently, Fits Air operates to three destinations from Colombo such as Dubai, Chennai and the Maldives.

With this new route expansion, this will increase to four destinations, and it will contribute immensely to the development of the travel, trade, and tourism industries between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

​​​​​​​​​https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/bre...day/108-280812

Is 4RALL AOG in MEL?

What happened to the taxiway at BIA

4R-MRE came back to CMB today afternoon (UL1178) after completing a C check at HYD. Started revenue flight to AUH (UL 207).

AirAsia and FitsAir among bidders for SriLankan Airlines

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia is among six bidders for Sri Lanka’s state-run carrier SriLankan Airlines as the island nation looks to reduce losses incurred by government-owned enterprises under a US$2.9 billion (RM13.8 billion) International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

AirAsia Consulting has submitted a request for qualification from potential investors for the acquisition of shares in SriLankan Airlines Limited, a statement released by Sri Lanka’s finance ministry said.

FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s privately-owned low-cost airline, has also submitted a RfQ for the acquisition of shares in SriLankan Airlines.

The document also named Dharshaan Elite Investment Holding (Pvt) Ltd, Sherisha Technologies Private Limited, Treasure Republic Guardians Limited and local conglomerate Hayleys PLC as the other bidders.

On 31. October 2023 via international and local media, the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) acting through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies called for Request for Qualification (RfQ) from potential investors for the acquisition of shares in SriLankan Airlines Limited.

The deadline for submission of proposals ended at 2pm on Monday, 22nd April 2024.

The RfQs received were considered by the Opening Committee appointed by the Special Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee. The ministry said that 6 RfQs were received from the following parties:

1. AirAsia Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
2. Dharshaan Elite Investment Holding (Pvt) Ltd
3. FITS Aviation (Private) Limited
4. Sherisha Technologies Private Limited
5. Treasure Republic Guardians Limited
6. Hayleys PLC

The state further said that the RfQs will be evaluated as per the Special Guidelines on Divestiture of State-Owned Enterprises approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in July 2023.

International Finance Corporation, as Transaction Advisors for the divestiture of SriLankan Airlines Limited, will continue to advise GOSL, it said.

​https://www.adaderana.lk/news/98777/...ankan-airlines

4R-ALP is inactive, anyone knows why?
And when will UL retrofit the interiors of 4R-ABS?
Does also have any idea of UL's upcoming 4 A330s

It's disappointing that no blue chip airlines have been shorlisted to bid on the UL privatization.

Mahan Air to fly to Sri Lanka

April, 24, 2024

President's Media Division announced that Sri Lanka has granted approval for the privately owned Iranian airline Mahan Air flights between the two nations, anticipating increased tourism from Iran to Sri Lanka and bolstered cooperation in aviation.

In 2022, Iran ranked 27th among countries with the highest international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka, experiencing notable growth compared to 2021.

Mahan Airlines, operating under the name Mahan Air, is a privately owned Iranian airline based in Tehran, Iran. It operates scheduled domestic services and international flights to the Far East, Middle East, Central Asia and Europe.

​https://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/maha...-to-sri-lanka/

even 4R-ALL is inactive

Maldivian Airlines supposed to start direct flights to Colombo from today. Any update ?

Air Belgium's A330-243, OE-LAC ends its' wet-lease service with UL from today (24 Apr). LAC is currently operating its last AB-SriLankan flight as UL104 from Male, afterwards will leave SriLankan later tonight. OE-LCL will remain for about a week and will leave afterwards. Both aircraft have been acquired by Air Serbia.