Announcement

**WizzWaveSien** · 11-10-2024, 01:56 PM

Seems like Austrian Airlines will begin service to MLE from 17th OCT onwards onboard 777s (2 weekly), very sad that they arent stopping over at CMB, Last time Austrian operated was awhile ago, would love to see them back at CMB.

Any updates on other European carriers? Air France? they served CMB via MLE during W22, any chance of them returning?

Thanks.

EDIT : Don't know if this is true but the last two flights from IKA to CMB on Iran Air Tour has been cancelled, has Iran Air Tour already stopped flights from CMB? Please someone confirm. Thank you.

**WizzWaveSien** · 11-10-2024, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by Serendib View Post

UL confirms that UL 265 from Colombo to Riyadh safely returned to Colombo as a precautionary measure after encountering a technical issue mid-flight evening 10 October 2024. any idea which aircraft? how many passengers were on board?

UL deployed 4R-ALO as a replacement aircraft for UL 265, took off today at 7:12 AM from CMB to RUH. Will be returning to CMB this evening..

**Serendib** · 12-10-2024, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

UL deployed 4R-ALO as a replacement aircraft for UL 265, took off today at 7:12 AM from CMB to RUH. Will be returning to CMB this evening..

Thanks, is the 4R-ALP back in the air?

As per hirunews, only 215 passengers on this flight.

SriLankan Airlines announced that Flight UL 265 from Colombo to Riyadh safely returned to Colombo as a precautionary measure after experiencing a technical issue mid-flight. The aircraft landed without incident at approximately 19:00 Sri Lanka time on October 10, 2024. All 215 passengers were provided hotel accommodation and rebooked on the next available flight. The airline emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers remain their top priority. The flight, which departed from Katunayake Airport, landed after 1 hour and 35 minutes due to the technical fault.

SriLankan Airlines flight safely returns to Colombo as a precautionary measure

https://www.hirunews.lk/english/384595/srilankan-airlines-flight-safely-returns-to-colombo-as-a-precautionary-measure

SriLankan Airlines flight safely returns to Colombo as a precautionary measure. Most visited website in Sri Lanka.

**WizzWaveSien** · 12-10-2024, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by Serendib View Post

Thanks, is the 4R-ALP back in the air?

As per hirunews, only 215 passengers on this flight.

Yes, after the incident she operated CMB-NRT yesterday and is on her way back home from NRT.

**WizzWaveSien** · 12-10-2024, 03:21 PM

SriLankan Airlines to Boost Madurai Service with Six Weekly Flights - Aviation Voice

https://aviationvoice.lk/srilankan-airlines-to-boost-madurai-service-with-six-weekly-flights/

SriLankan Airlines is set to increase its flight frequency to Madurai, offering six flights a week starting from October 29, 2024. A new morning flight will be available every Tuesday, providing more travel options for passengers. For further information, travelers can contact the airline’s office at 1st Floor, No. 11, Melakkal Main Road, Opp. Passport […]

Sri lankan to increase IXM to CMB flights from four weekly to six weekly starting OCT 29th, what do you guys think?

**banuthev** · 12-10-2024, 04:11 PM

Originally posted by Serendib View Post

4R-ABN is active but 4R-ABL?

Any changes to CEO role?

4R-ABL is active since 11-Oct. Any reason why 4R-ABM is not flying since 10-Oct?

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Will these new A332s be featuring lie flat beds like their A333 counterparts? I've heard that they are going to be having a config similar to that of current A333s, can someone confirm?

In that case 2 new A332s going to get high-density seat config of 18C+279Y similar to 4R-ALS?

**banuthev** · 12-10-2024, 04:11 PM

News Dated : Dec 2022
Source : https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/122...-a330s-5-a320s

SriLankan Airlines is seeking five second-hand A320 Family aircraft and the same number of A330s for a six-year dry lease.

The carrier's Request for Proposals issued on December 19 specifies that the A320s must not be older than 15 years at the time of their planned delivery to SriLankan Airlines. The airline is willing to evaluate A320-200s, A320-200Ns, A321-200s, and A321-200Ns.

Already ABS & ABT are leased from Macquarie AirFinance in Dec23 and Jun24. Curious to know the period of lease of these A320s. Any one know when rest of the 3 A320s are due to be arrived?

The aircraft have to be configured in a two-class layout with a separate business class, although SriLankan Airlines did not specify a set number of seats. Tentatively, all five should deliver in 2023, starting in June and concluding in December.

While the airline is seeking aircraft on six-year leases, it would also consider offers of a three-year extension of aircraft already in its fleet but due to expire in 2023.

It seems the leases of 4R-ABM, ABN, ABO were expired in 2023 but extended by 3 years.

The airline estimates that the A320ceo/neo will be used for around 3,850 flight hours and 1,600 flight cycles per aircraft per year, while the A321s are scheduled to operate 4,250 flight hours and 1,500 flight cycles per aircraft per year.

ch-aviation fleets module shows that SriLankan Airlines' current narrowbody fleet comprises five A320s, two A320neo, one A321, and four A321neo. All of them are leased.

In regards to the widebody lease, the airline is also willing to consider both previous-generation A330-200s and A330-300s, and new-generation A330-800s and A330-900s. However, it is seeking second-hand aircraft, also of at most 15 years of age at the time of the delivery. The two-class aircraft should deliver between May and November 2023. The expected annual utilisation of the A330s is 4,750 flight hours and 1,000 flight cycles per aircraft.

The carrier currently operates five A330-200s and seven -300s.

Suppliers have until January 30 to submit their proposals. SriLankan Airlines allows bids both from lessors and other airlines.

SriLankan Airlines said recently that the leases of the ten aircraft were necessary just to meet its immediate replacement needs considering the current end-lease schedule.

5 of the A330s with 15 years of age are replacing 4R-ALA, ALB, ALC, ALH, ALS to serve medium haul routes.

I believe UL should look for getting A339s for replacing ALL, M, N, O, P, Q, R to serve long-haul routes. Hope the UL's new management place an order for A339s ontime with expected delivery in 2026/7.

Very interesting to see what plans UL got to replace the existing fleet. Lease expiry year for A330 fleet are below for your info:

Current A330 fleet

4R-ALH - Year 2028 - Lessor : Aercap
4R-ALS - Year 2027- Lessor : Aercap
4R-ALL - Year 2026 - Lessor : CIT
4R-ALM - Year 2026 - Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALN - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALO - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALP - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALQ - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALR - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon

Upcoming A330s

4R-ALT - Year 2032/3- Lessor : Aergo Capital
4R-ALU - Year 2032/3- Lessor : Aergo Capital
4R-ALV - Year 2030/1- Lessor : Orix Aviation
4R-ALW - Year 2030/1- Lessor : Orix Aviation

The carrier previously hoped to lease significantly more aircraft - up to 42 in total - to address both the replacement and growth needs in the long term, but was stopped by the government due to the deepening economic crisis on the island.

According to China Daily, The top priorities of Sri Lanka's new president will be to boost economic recovery, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for citizens, an expert says : https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/2024...1928a9673.html

According to The Hindu, Sri Lanka recovering faster than expected: World Bank : https://www.thehindu.com/business/sr...le68740369.ece

**banuthev** · 12-10-2024, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

https://aviationvoice.lk/srilankan-a...eekly-flights/

Sri lankan to increase IXM to CMB flights from four weekly to six weekly starting OCT 29th, what do you guys think?

Frequency to GAN also increasing from 2 to 3 weekly

UL's frequency of flights to BLR, TRZ, TRV, COK, HYD are really low. Hope ANB, AND, ANE comeback to service soon to support for restoring the pre-covid frequency of flights to India and gain the transit passengers into CMB.

**banuthev** · 12-10-2024, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Seems like Austrian Airlines will begin service to MLE from 17th OCT onwards onboard 777s (2 weekly), very sad that they arent stopping over at CMB, Last time Austrian operated was awhile ago, would love to see them back at CMB.

Any updates on other European carriers? Air France? they served CMB via MLE during W22, any chance of them returning?

Thanks.

EDIT : Don't know if this is true but the last two flights from IKA to CMB on Iran Air Tour has been cancelled, has Iran Air Tour already stopped flights from CMB? Please someone confirm. Thank you.

Cathay Cargo, Iran Air Tour, Turkish Cargo & Maldivian are not flying to CMB these days. Any reason why?

**MAW2000** · 12-10-2024, 06:47 PM

Fits Air 8D, Winter schedule until 31st Dec is not yet finalized, but new routes are TRV, CCJ, SHJ.
Thankyou.

**WizzWaveSien** · 13-10-2024, 06:25 AM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

Cathay Cargo, Iran Air Tour, Turkish Cargo & Maldivian are not flying to CMB these days. Any reason why?

Last two Maldivian flights from MLE-CMB were cancelled due to the lack of suitable aircraft to fly that route i believe as their main A320 (8Q-IAN) is out of service for maintenance, but however Maldivian seems to be deploying their ATR 72-600s for routes to india.

As for Turkish Cargo, i believe they are still operating flights to CMB? but i have seen their aircraft these days on approach from BOM and MAA.

Cathay Cargo has already stopped serving CMB awhile ago I believe, they have slot in CMB from flights to MAA and HKG, not sure why they stopped.

As for Iran Air Tour, I believe its due to lack of passenger demand or tensions that is ongoing currently. Will have to wait and see.

**WizzWaveSien** · 13-10-2024, 06:25 AM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

Fits Air 8D, Winter schedule until 31st Dec is not yet finalized, but new routes are TRV, CCJ, SHJ.
Thankyou.

Great news! thank you for the update!! Any idea of the frequency?

**WizzWaveSien** · 13-10-2024, 06:35 AM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

News Dated : Dec 2022
Source : https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/122...-a330s-5-a320s

Already ABS & ABT are leased from Macquarie AirFinance in Dec23 and Jun24. Curious to know the period of lease of these A320s. Any one know when rest of the 3 A320s are due to be arrived?

It seems the leases of 4R-ABM, ABN, ABO were expired in 2023 but extended by 3 years.

5 of the A330s with 15 years of age are replacing 4R-ALA, ALB, ALC, ALH, ALS to serve medium haul routes.

I believe UL should look for getting A339s for replacing ALL, M, N, O, P, Q, R to serve long-haul routes. Hope the UL's new management place an order for A339s ontime with expected delivery in 2026/7.

Very interesting to see what plans UL got to replace the existing fleet. Lease expiry year for A330 fleet are below for your info:

Current A330 fleet

4R-ALH - Year 2028 - Lessor : Aercap
4R-ALS - Year 2027- Lessor : Aercap
4R-ALL - Year 2026 - Lessor : CIT
4R-ALM - Year 2026 - Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALN - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALO - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALP - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALQ - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon
4R-ALR - Year 2027- Lessor : Avalon

Upcoming A330s

4R-ALT - Year 2032/3- Lessor : Aergo Capital
4R-ALU - Year 2032/3- Lessor : Aergo Capital
4R-ALV - Year 2030/1- Lessor : Orix Aviation
4R-ALW - Year 2030/1- Lessor : Orix Aviation

According to China Daily, The top priorities of Sri Lanka's new president will be to boost economic recovery, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for citizens, an expert says : https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/2024...1928a9673.html

According to The Hindu, Sri Lanka recovering faster than expected: World Bank : https://www.thehindu.com/business/sr...le68740369.ece

Hey Banu, thank you for your breakdown, appreciate it.
I believe UL should replace their A332 fleet with A339s and replace their A333s with A350s, since the A339 has almost a similar range compared to the A332 and can carry more passengers. The A338 isnt really worth it in my opinion, it has the same range as the A350 but it carries less passengers. So UL would be better off with an A350, But anyway, I wonder why they are sticking to the A330s and not upgrading to other models? is it relating to training or something?

However, this is all my opinion though, but I'm pleased that UL is getting new generation aircraft, it if materializes of course.

**Serendib** · 13-10-2024, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Hey Banu, thank you for your breakdown, appreciate it.
I believe UL should replace their A332 fleet with A339s and replace their A333s with A350s, since the A339 has almost a similar range compared to the A332 and can carry more passengers. The A338 isnt really worth it in my opinion, it has the same range as the A350 but it carries less passengers. So UL would be better off with an A350, But anyway, I wonder why they are sticking to the A330s and not upgrading to other models? is it relating to training or something?

However, this is all my opinion though, but I'm pleased that UL is getting new generation aircraft, it if materializes of course.

Is that true?

UL looking for Boeing jets as part of its fleet diversification strategy.
Expansion plans include issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 42 aircraft leases, set to take place in late 2024
Plans to increase its fleet size from 24 to 35 aircraft over the next three years

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its fleet over the next three years.The airline aims to increase its aircraft count from 24 to 35, replacing aging jets and adding new planes to support its growth strategy and meet the rising demand for travel to and from the island nation.
Despite the ongoing economic challenges in Sri Lanka, the carrier is determined to modernize its fleet and improve its operational efficiency through this fleet expansion initiative.

The airline's expansion plans include issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 42 aircraft leases, set to take place in late 2024.

This strategic move will allow SriLankan Airlines to carefully evaluate and select the most suitable aircraft to drive its long-term growth.

The fleet expansion is expected to include a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, catering to both domestic and international routes, potentially leading to increased passenger capacity and enhanced service offerings for travelers.

SriLankan Airlines plans to increase its fleet size from 24 to 35 aircraft over the next three years, a significant 45% expansion.

The airline's fleet currently consists entirely of Airbus aircraft, but it is exploring the possibility of introducing Boeing jets as part of its fleet diversification strategy.

Despite the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines is forging ahead with its ambitious fleet expansion plan, demonstrating its confidence in the long-term growth potential of the aviation market.

The airline has already leased two Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft, with the lease period extending for 8 years, indicating its commitment to investing in larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft to serve its long-haul routes.

SriLankan Airlines' upcoming RFP for 42 aircraft leases in late 2024 is expected to attract significant interest from global aircraft leasing companies, as the airline's expansion plans offer attractive opportunities for growth.

The airline's fleet modernization efforts could potentially lead to the introduction of advanced in-flight technologies, such as high-speed internet and enhanced entertainment systems, to enhance the passenger experience on board its flights.

Source dated june 2024

SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024

https://www.mightytravels.com/2024/06/srilankan-airlines-to-expand-fleet-rfp-for-42-aircraft-leases-set-for-late-2024/

SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024

**banuthev** · 13-10-2024, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Last two Maldivian flights from MLE-CMB were cancelled due to the lack of suitable aircraft to fly that route i believe as their main A320 (8Q-IAN) is out of service for maintenance, but however Maldivian seems to be deploying their ATR 72-600s for routes to india.

As for Turkish Cargo, i believe they are still operating flights to CMB? but i have seen their aircraft these days on approach from BOM and MAA.

Cathay Cargo has already stopped serving CMB awhile ago I believe, they have slot in CMB from flights to MAA and HKG, not sure why they stopped.

As for Iran Air Tour, I believe its due to lack of passenger demand or tensions that is ongoing currently. Will have to wait and see.

Thanks, Can you please share the flight number of the Turkish Cargo flights to CMB? I see Arkia also cancelled flying to CMB due to ongoing tensions in Middle East.

Terra Avia Cargo is flying HKG-CMB-JOH-HKG route twice a week. Every Wed & Sun. B74F.

DATE FROM TO FLT DEP ARR
12-Oct-24 Johannesburg (JNB) Hong Kong (HKG) T84713 17:00 11:32

09-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Johannesburg (JNB) T84714 19:15 23:19

09-Oct-24 Hong Kong (HKG) Colombo (CMB) T84714 15:13 17:36

08-Oct-24 Johannesburg (JNB) Hong Kong (HKG) T84713 17:00 11:28

06-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Johannesburg (JNB) T84714 17:13 21:31

06-Oct-24 Hong Kong (HKG) Colombo (CMB) T84714 13:24 15:39

Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/er-bas

The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.

Since 05-Oct, BBN Airlines is flying regular cargo flights between CMB & MLE onboard B73F. Does anyone have information about this?

Pictures of BBN Cargo are available on our "Plane Spotting thread"

DATE FROM TO FLT DEP ARR
13-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1022 09:47 11:32

13-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1021 05:15 05:54

12-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1024 16:04 17:50

12-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1023 13:21 14:03

12-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1022 08:21 10:06

12-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1021 05:34 06:11

11-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1024 23:45 01:28

11-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1023 21:19 22:00

11-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1022 16:42 18:25

11-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1021 14:10 14:50

10-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1024 01:04 02:48

09-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1023 21:22 22:01

09-Oct-24 Male (MLE) Colombo (CMB) 7B1022 08:23 10:06

09-Oct-24 Colombo (CMB) Male (MLE) 7B1021 05:32 06:23

Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/pk-bbn

The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.

Do you know any regular cargo flights to CMB other than Turkish Cargo, BBN Cargo, Terra Avia Cargo?

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

4R-ABL is active since 11-Oct. Any reason why 4R-ABM is not flying since 10-Oct?

4R-ABM is back in the air

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