Announcement

**MAW2000** · 04-03-2025, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

4R-XWA, B, C, & D were configured with 1-2-1 Business Class and 3-3-3 Economy class. Total Business class seats 28 and Total Economy class seats 303. Sichuan Airlines are still have these ex-UL birds in UL interior and config. Rest of Sichuan Airlines A350s have their own Sichuan interiors and configs. Any possibilities UL would've negotiated with Aercap and ALC delay taking these A350s (XWA, B, C, D) from 2030?

Hi Banu,
As per my opinion and most heard people's choice for Business class is 1-2-1 configuration and no-doubt, its the ideal one, even the aircraft is B787 or A350. But, Most youtubers', frequent flyers' choice for the Economy class is 2-4-2 configuration, since window passenger or middle passenger has to pass only one person for aisle access. But however, 3-3-3 is the standard, more cost effective seating configuration for new widebody jets (B787, A350) even ANA has chosen 2-4-2 for some of their 787s.
No arguments, UL has to go with 3-3-3 economy config and most suitable 1-2-1 configuration , if goes for A350s.

I personally prefer colour schemes/pallet of current UL 333s business class, rather than Ex-UL A350s' white colour business class, same product (Zodiac Cirrus flat bed 1-2-1 )but different colours. UL has chosen the same seat for economy (Safran Z300)

Even those Sichuan A350s have the UL decided Interiors, its very hard to get those jets because of that small, negligible reason, Lessors won't allow to transfer jets from 3U to UL, i think they leased for 12 years. After 12 years of flying, its not to get back those 4 A350 jets, because of Technical issues of jets, C check is pending and Interiors are outdated.

**MAW2000** · 04-03-2025, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by Haleef View Post

Also, SriLankan has quite a bit of history with the A350s, so they are a bit hesitant to get them too as I also heard. But we never know.. And yes, good points stated above too.

Better to Go with A330-900s Noh? Until, UL gets stronger in their balance sheet? lease should be 12 yrs dry lease.

**MAW2000** · 04-03-2025, 05:10 PM

Good news from UL,

SriLankan Airlines Introduces Wireless In-flight Entertainment - Adaderana Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News

https://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/srilankan-airlines-introduces-wireless-in-flight-entertainment/

SriLankan Airlines will be introducing wireless in-flight entertainment on select narrow-body A320 aircraft, enabling passengers to seamlessly stream content on their own devices. The new technology means that passengers on certain short-haul flights can now experience a greater degree of personalisation and convenience, while enjoying their favourite movies, music and more onboard. Maria Sathasivam, Manager...

And some other news also,

Sri Lanka in “intense” discussions for compensation from corrupt Airbus deal: Deputy Minister | EconomyNext

https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-in-intense-discussions-for-compensation-from-corrupt-airbus-deal-deputy-minister-208092/

SriLankan Airlines, Airbus, Corruption

**banuthev** · 04-03-2025, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by Haleef View Post

Hearing news that MSN 1060 and 1037, both A330-343 are cancelled due to aircraft having too much structural issues. MSN 1261, A330-243 might turn up somewhere during May'25.
UL is currently on the look out for B737, ATR, A330 and A350 aircraft.

Do you know what will happen to 4R-ALT registration after the cancellation? Will it be used on next A330 aircraft going to be delivered?

Is lease agreement cancelled also with Orix for leasing 2 x A332s? i see MSN 1261 is going to be leased from Aercap instead of Orix. Do you know the seat config of MSN 1261, period of lease and UL aircraft registration?

**banuthev** · 04-03-2025, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Hi everyone,
Good news EK will be deploying their new A359s on their EK655 to CMB soon, starting from 10th of March, after a delay of 3 months due to supply chain issues. EK will be the 2nd A350 operator at CMB after QR and SQ (SQ will join later this year).

A359.jpg

Good news! Will it receive water salute on its arrival at CMB on the 10th March?

Recently noticing QR deploying A350-1000 for CMB flights. Do you know which aircraft CX will use when it increase CMB flights from 5 to Daily from Aug25? Remember CX planned A359 to CMB before. Not sure why that not happened.

**banuthev** · 04-03-2025, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

Hi Banu, Sad to hear this, Does anyone know the status of flights to JAF, Load factors, demand?

6E currently flying Daily MAA-JAF flights and additionally is going to start Daily TRZ-JAF flight from 29-Mar-25.

**MAW2000** · 05-03-2025, 06:00 AM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

6E currently flying Daily MAA-JAF flights and additionally is going to start Daily TRZ-JAF flight from 29-Mar-25.

Good to hear this! JAF should be developed as regional airport, it needs a ruway upgrade at least as 4D category to accomodate A320s, E195s and B737s.

**banuthev** · 05-03-2025, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by WizzWaveSien View Post

Hi everyone, seems like Bulgaria Air has begun SOF-SHJ-HRI services on their A319s and A320s, I think this is a new flight. I am not sure if this is a one off flight.
Can someone confirm for how long they will be in CMB for? thanks

It seems this flight still parked in HRI as no sign of departed from HRI yet. It's been 3 days.

On the 26-Feb noted Flyone operated A321 SL from RMO to HRI. Tech stop in DWC if I recall it correctly. Rego : YR-FIB.

Is Skyup still flying to HRI? Redwing still coming with one flight almost every day.

**banuthev** · 05-03-2025, 07:35 AM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

No updates for now, Date is not yet fixed since lot more work to be done.

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

8D (EXV) will have another ACMI operations in middle east with a major carrier (Etihad probably), for this 4R-EXQ or 4R-EXR will operate.

Do you know when 8D going to operate for ME based airline with ACMI ops? If I am not mistaken from end of March 2025, 8D going to operate below flights so they need all 3 x A320 in operation for 8D flights.

KUL - 3 weekly (is KUL confirmed?)
DAC - 6 weekly (6 weekly as per news but i see reservation is available for 3 weekly)
MAA - 7 weekly
TRV - 3 weekly
MLE - 7 weekly
DXB - 7 weekly

**banuthev** · 05-03-2025, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

According to my opinion, not a good thing to operate Turbo Props within the Island for domestic flights which has currently no demand for that, but also not good to operate them for international flights within short-haul Indian sector since UL's business model is different, as we say, Legacy Star Class International Carrier.

I think ATR is a good option for UL to start flights to India from JAF. I feel UL should start domestic flights using ATR from CMB to JAF and make online booking available to book directly from UK, Australia, Far East, ME etc to JAF via transit in CMB to cut down the travel time by train and coach.

**reefunk74** · 05-03-2025, 01:46 PM

Apparently Sri lanka has had record arrivals of tourists in February. Saw some articles on the local media a few days ago.

I flew Sri Lankan from London recently and as with my previous flights, there is a large number of foreign passengers. Yet SL is claiming the numbers are decreasing.

They seem to have posted a loss in the last quarter..

Just a moment...

https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/SriLankan-Airlines-posts-pre-tax-loss-of-Rs-1-96bn-in-April-Oct/273-303102

**MAW2000** · 05-03-2025, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

Do you know when 8D going to operate for ME based airline with ACMI ops? If I am not mistaken from end of March 2025, 8D going to operate below flights so they need all 3 x A320 in operation for 8D flights.

KUL - 3 weekly (is KUL confirmed?)
DAC - 6 weekly (6 weekly as per news but i see reservation is available for 3 weekly)
MAA - 7 weekly
TRV - 3 weekly
MLE - 7 weekly
DXB - 7 weekly

Hi Banu,

Discussions are still ongoing, not yet confirmed the ACMI ops with Etihad, If its going to happen, aircraft will be 4R-EXR or 4R-EXQ, and the starting date will be 1st April 2025. Yes, as far as I heard, 8D will dry lease another A320 by April this year (1 or may be 4, not sure)

Starting from CMB,

DXB 8D821/2 - 7 weekly
DXB 8D823/4 - planned, 1 weekly D7 only for few times
DXB 8D825/6 - planned, 2 weekly D3, D5 only for few times

DAC 8D931/2 - 5 weekly D2, D3, D4, D6, D7

MAA 8D831/2 - 2 weekly D4, D6
MAA 8D833/4 - 1 weekly D1

MLE 8D811/2 - 4 weekly D1, D3, D5, D7
MLE 8D813/4 - 3 weekly D2, D4, D6

TRV 8D871/2 - 1 weekly D7
TRV 8D873/4 - 2 weekly D2, D4

KUL 8D951/2 - (Cannot expose, KUL is confirmed, Social Media Campaigns are started)

RUH - (Will keep you all posted, 3 weekly D2, D4, D6)

**banuthev** · 06-03-2025, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

Hi Banu,

Discussions are still ongoing, not yet confirmed the ACMI ops with Etihad, If its going to happen, aircraft will be 4R-EXR or 4R-EXQ, and the starting date will be 1st April 2025. Yes, as far as I heard, 8D will dry lease another A320 by April this year (1 or may be 4, not sure)

Starting from CMB,

DXB 8D821/2 - 7 weekly
DXB 8D823/4 - planned, 1 weekly D7 only for few times
DXB 8D825/6 - planned, 2 weekly D3, D5 only for few times

DAC 8D931/2 - 5 weekly D2, D3, D4, D6, D7

MAA 8D831/2 - 2 weekly D4, D6
MAA 8D833/4 - 1 weekly D1

MLE 8D811/2 - 4 weekly D1, D3, D5, D7
MLE 8D813/4 - 3 weekly D2, D4, D6

TRV 8D871/2 - 1 weekly D7
TRV 8D873/4 - 2 weekly D2, D4

KUL 8D951/2 - (Cannot expose, KUL is confirmed, Social Media Campaigns are started)

RUH - (Will keep you all posted, 3 weekly D2, D4, D6)

Good News!

It appears 8D is looking to operate 4 weekly to KUL with Flight Number 8D721/2 & 8D723/4.

Can you please share the MSN of the A320s going to join 8D fleet? Are they going to acquire aircraft capable to fly CMB-RUH nonstop?

**MAW2000** · 07-03-2025, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by banuthev View Post

Good News!

It appears 8D is looking to operate 4 weekly to KUL with Flight Number 8D721/2 & 8D723/4.

Can you please share the MSN of the A320s going to join 8D fleet? Are they going to acquire aircraft capable to fly CMB-RUH nonstop?

What is the source that you get the flight number of CMB KUL CMB as 8D721/2 and 723/4? 8D721/2 is used for RML-JAF-RML domestic C208 operations.

No news or idea about the MSNs of A320s, but those are much older ones, they wouldn't be allocate for medium haul flights (DXB, DAC, KUL)

RUH will be operated via DXB, CMB-DXB-RUH-DXB-CMB.

**banuthev** · 07-03-2025, 09:14 PM

Originally posted by MAW2000 View Post

What is the source that you get the flight number of CMB KUL CMB as 8D721/2 and 723/4? 8D721/2 is used for RML-JAF-RML domestic C208 operations.

No news or idea about the MSNs of A320s, but those are much older ones, they wouldn't be allocate for medium haul flights (DXB, DAC, KUL)

RUH will be operated via DXB, CMB-DXB-RUH-DXB-CMB.

I got the KUL flight number 8D721/2/3/4 from Fitsair website by doing dummy booking. Most of the time, odd numbers are reserved for flights that go south or west. Even numbers go north or east. I am very surprised odd number used for Fitsair's CMB to KUL flight.

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