Shreya Shimpi
How has the year 2024 been for Sri Lankan Airlines? Are your frequencies back to the pre–Economic Crisis period?
We have re-established most routes and frequencies to reach levels comparable to those before the crisis. At the same time, there have been challenges in replacing aircraft that left the fleet and with engines on the new generation A320 fleet. This shortage of aircraft hindered our progress, and we had to introduce wet-leased aircraft from Air Belgium and Fits Aviation last winter to maintain schedules. The situation looks better moving into the summer as we take delivery of an additional A320, and a number of aircraft return to active service.
How important is the India market for Sri Lankan Airlines?
India is extremely important to Sri Lankan Airlines. We are right next door to what is not just the most populous country in the world, but is also a country with a strong, growing economy where air traffic is expected to double in the next five or six years. We currently fly to nine cities in India, and roughly a quarter of our revenues come from itineraries involving India. Twenty percent of tourism to Sri Lanka is from India, and we believe that there is potential for these numbers to double or triple in the next few years.
What are the strategies being implemented to increase your outreach in the India market?
As our fleet returns, we will increase the number of flights to India, providing more convenient options for Indian travellers. We are also developing more products suited to different segments of the Indian market, such as pilgrim traffic, destination weddings and incentive movements.
How do you envision tourism in 2024?
Currently, Sri Lanka is welcoming about 40,000 tourists from India each month, roughly three times more than a year ago. As flights increase, providing more convenience and as some of our future marketing initiatives unfold, we expect to see this number grow rapidly in the coming months and years.
Are there any Sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the Airline?
The airline implements industry-leading processes to monitor, report and verify aircraft emissions, while continuously optimizing fuel use to reduce emissions. Internally, we launch initiatives regularly to promote sustainable practices among our employees. Additionally, the airline is actively involved in restoring and preserving Sri Lanka’s mangrove forests and supporting the conservation of seagrass habitats.
Follow BOTT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Subscribe BOTT Channels on WhatsApp & Telegram to receive real time updates
