The airline now has a fleet of 17 aircraft, which include five A320s, five A330s, five A340s, and two De Havilland Twin Otters. This surpasses the 16 aircraft that the airline possessed between 2005 and 2007.

With plans to acquire four or perhaps even five more aircraft by the end of 2011, SriLankan is likely to end the year with a fleet of at least 19 aircraft. This will include three A320s, which would be the first brand new aircraft to be acquired by SriLankan in 11 years.

The first of these A320s is scheduled to arrive in late May, as is a long-haul A340.
SriLankan’s CEO Manoj Gunawardena said: “This is definitely a major landmark in the history of aviation in Sri Lanka, which started 64 years ago in 1947 when Air Ceylon commenced operations using two Douglas DC-4 Skymasters. By the end of 2011, we will possess a fleet of modern aircraft that would position SriLankan Airlines to fulfil its role as a catalyst for the country’s economic growth.”

The airline’s domestic service SriLankan Air Taxi was re-launched last December and is rapidly increasing its number of destinations throughout Sri Lanka.

SriLankan will also upgrade passenger cabins on most of its existing fleet this year, which will include equipping Business Class with flat bed seating and sophisticated AVOD entertainment systems.

With the launch of services to Guangzhou last January and Kochi in March, SriLankan now has a global route network that covers 51 cities in 32 countries.
Meanwhile, Gulf Air has upgraded its services to Colombo in tandem with pickup in demand.

From 17 May, Gulf Air will operate eight flights per week to Colombo with a 14% added capacity up from a daily service.

Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf listed Colombo among its select very popular destinations which are witnessing over 80% bookings and a greater demand anticipated starting from the summer season.