 HISTORY |
SriLankan Airlines has travelled a long distance from its small beginnings in 1979. Starting out under the name Airlanka, the Airline began flying with only two leased Boeing 707s. With initial management assistance from Singapore Airlines, Airlanka, based in Colombo, commenced operations with just 7 destinations and less than 250,000 passengers in the first year.
The Airline continued to grow during the 1980's adding to its fleet and increasing its destinations. As Sri Lankans began travelling to the Middle East for work, Airlanka expanded its route network to cover Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Muscat. Over the next two decades the Company either leased or purchased six Boeing 737s and 16 Lockheed Tristars. By January 1990, Airlanka had increased its original network to a total of 26 destinations, adding Hong Kong, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Rome, Karachi, Trivandrum, Tiruchirapally and Riyadh to its route map. In December 1992 Airlanka purchased its first Airbus, the A320 in what was to become an all Airbus fleet.
| SRI LANKAN TODAY |
We move into the new millennium determined to take our Airline to new heights. As part of our forward-looking strategy the Airline underwent a change in both image and structure. A restructuring process, in 1998 resulted in, Emirates Airlines of the UAE, entering as a strategic partner. Emirates acquired a 40% stake in the Company and undertook the management of SriLankan Airlines for a period of 10 years. The name Airlanka was replaced by SriLankan Airlines and while we retained our peacock logo it was executed on more fluid lines to depict our new identity, as a modern, progressive Airline.
Today the Airline boasts a route network spanning 35 cities in 26 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Far East and Australia, carrying almost 1.5 million passengers to various parts of the globe. SriLankan's progress in its 21-year history has been due to its philosophy of consistently looking to the future and its drive for excellence - be it on the Ground or in the Air. Today, SriLankan is an internationally recognized Airline known for its incomparable hospitality and graciousness.
Under the guidance of our management partner Emirates, SriLankan Airlines has positioned Colombo as a new hub for air travel between Europe and the Middle East to the west, and South-East Asia, the Far East, and Australia to the east. There is the added bonus of frequent services to most major cities in South Asia. Passengers who board SriLankan Airlines' flights in any of European and Middle Eastern cities that it serves, now get to Australia, South-East Asia or the Indian Sub-Continent in the least amount of time, as most SriLankan flights are non-stop to Colombo with connecting flights being conveniently scheduled out of the Sri Lankan capital to facilitate rapid transit.
SriLankan Airlines has been winning awards and has come to the forefront of world aviation. The Airline was recently honoured as one of the three most safety-conscious airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, when its Security Department was awarded a Merit Award at the bi-annual Asia Pacific Aviation Security Conference. Our award-winning In-flight Entertainment Guide "Onboard" has been picked as one of the finest airline entertainment guides in the world. "Onboard" recently clinched the prestigious runner-up position at the 12th annual AVION awards conducted by the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) in Los Angeles, USA.
Several leading international airlines have expressed interest in codesharing, testimony to SriLankan Airlines' high standards of hospitality and performance. Swissair, with its decades-renowned quality service, has signed a codeshare deal to sell seats to its own passengers on SriLankan Airlines services to and from Zurich. SriLankan Airlines also has numerous codeshares with its partner Emirates.
SriLankan Airlines recently launched a new frequent flyer programme - "Skywards" together with its partner, Emirates. Several other leading airlines are also participating in Skywards, including British Airways, United Airlines, Continental, South African and All Nippon Airlines. Other participants include Budget Rent-a-Car, Citibank, Arabian Adventures, Hilton International, Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotel Resorts and Suites, Radisson/SAS Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, Taj Group of Hotels, Emirates Holidays, SriLankan Holidays, Mandarin Oriental, Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai, and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Group of Dubai.
The biggest change is in the Airline's fleet of aircraft with six brand new Airbus A330-200s, which complement the four A340-300 long-haul aircraft, and two A320-200 short-haul aircraft to form an all-Airbus fleet. SriLankan now boasts of being one of the world's most "on-time" Airlines, with consistent on-time departures. The most visible change to the Airline was in its livery and logo, changing from the traditional red and ivory, to a stylish new orange, red and green, to project the aspirations of the Company as a dynamic, growth-oriented organization.
Other facets of the airline have seen great strides as well. SriLankan Airlines' Cargo Division, branded as SriLankan Cargo, has come into its own, with a twice-weekly freighter services to Gan Islands in the Maldives, Madras and Bangalore using a dedicated cargo freighter. We are drawing up plans to serve Cochin and Hyderabad, aiming at taking advantage of the massive economic boom in India to become the cargo gateway to South Asia.
The IT platform of the Airline has been completely re-organized and upgraded, with a new Baggage Reconciliation System at Colombo's International Airport, Oracle Financial Systems for accounting and purchasing, COMET Station Accounting System, Fleet Watch System to keep track of aircraft and the status of all flights, HRM2000 Payroll System, and SPACE Galley Loading System, all of which streamline operations and enhance the services provided to our customers.
SriLankan Airlines was also voted 'Airline of the Year 2001' - Central Asia, in a survey conducted by UK's SKYTRAX Research. This was one of the largest global surveys to be carried out in recent times, involving 2.7 million votes over a period of nine months from around the world. The survey asked customers to rank airlines by the quality of the product and the service provided to the passengers.
SriLankan Airlines is all set to ascend to even greater heights!
| CHILD CARE |
 It's a planeload of fun!! |
Hey kids - get on our flights and you may never want to get off. We have got enough stuff to keep you going all the way through. Our  should keep you busy and what's more you can take them home with you.
If that's not enough - check out CTV, your very own movie channel. Watch your favourite  , check out the  and shake to the cool  .
We have got  for you - very colourful and comfortable, and a whole lot neater than mum's and dad's. Oh! And don't forget there are cookies for you to munch on while watching those movies, so remember to ask.
We are here to help you out, if you need any assistance just buzz for your specially trained friend.
| On your own? |
Travelling alone? Not to worry! We will help you through all the complicated airport details. Once it is all done we will help you call home at our cost to let your parents know you are OK. When you get on board we will make sure you have a great time with lots of goodies and heaps of attention. Bet you won't even notice that mum and dad aren't around.
| For all parents |
Travelling with a baby or toddler? We have got everything to make sure that you have a stress free flight. Diapers, medicines, baby food and bassinets are all available on board. Special diaper changing boards are also located in selected toilets - making that messy job a lot easier.
| NIGHTSHOPS (CPS) |
Passengers arriving in Colombo on flights operated by SriLankan Airlines and transiting in Colombo for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 24 hours may be eligible for hotel accommodation, airport transfers and meals with compliments of SriLankan Airlines.
Passengers must hold a through ticket valid for travel out of Colombo on SriLankan Airlines. Passengers holding two separate tickets will not be eligible for Nightstops.
Conditions do apply. Please contact your travel agent or your nearest SriLankan Airlines Office for further information.
| BUSINESS CLASS |
Flying Business Class with us is a truly special experience. During the course of your journey you will enjoy the finest in facilities together with the warm and impeccable hospitality for which SriLankan Airlines is known the world over. To ensure your complete comfort, all our flights are non-smoking, except the Colombo-Tokyo and return sector.
 A new privileged class |
Feel free to make yourself at home. Stretch out and relax throughout your journey in our wide, spacious, reclining seats. Each seat is 25" wide and they are placed two abreast similar to First Class in other airlines - every seat is an aisle or window seat. Each seat is electronically operated with an adjustable footrest, headrest, and lumbar-support. You will have your own reading lamp, which will not disturb your neighbour.
If you are planning on working during your flight, we provide you with an office in the sky, complete with facilities to send facsimiles from air to ground. Your seat is equipped with a telephone and if you need your laptop to be recharged please get in touch with one of the cabin attendants.
| Entertainment unlimited |
Relaxing on the journey? We have got 18 movie and TV channels presenting the latest and greatest blockbusters to keep you entertained throughout your journey. You will be guided through the entertainment section with our award-winning In-flight Entertainment Guide, "Onboard", which clinched the prestigious runner-up position at the 12th annual AVION awards conducted by the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) in Los Angeles. If you prefer to lie back and close your eyes, our 22 radio channels offer you a wide selection of music including pop, rock, classical and country music. It doesn't stop there - we have got more! Each seat is equipped with an individual video player allowing you to choose from a range of 42 movie titles in different languages. The only challenge you'll face on our flights is figuring out what you want to watch! | | .and then there's the food |
Whether you are working or relaxing, take the time to try out our excellent meals. We have got both Western and Eastern dishes prepared by our chefs in the best culinary traditions. Enjoy our aperitifs, champagnes, wines and liqueurs which have been carefully chosen with your enjoyment in mind. If you are in the mood for a hot drink, our tea menu will spoil you for choice with its 12 different varieties.
 ECONOMY CLASS |
Travelling on SriLankan Airlines Economy Class will be an enjoyable experience. Personal seatback TV, a choice of international cuisine, adjustable seats - all little luxuries that are a part of the new Economy Class on SriLankan. The cabin is spacious with elegantly designed interiors and an in-flight service that makes you feel simply special. Along with our well-trained crew, our mouth-watering dishes and our excellent in-flight entertainment, you are sure to have a pleasant and relaxing journey.
| A new kind of Economy |
Start your journey relaxing in our comfortable seats. They come equipped with adjustable footrests and lumbar-support easing the stress on your lower back during long journeys.
The outside world is just a touch away. If you are flying on our Airbus A330 or A340 aircraft, every seat will be equipped with not just a TV but a telephone as well, so you can check on the loved ones, call the office or just make dinner plans. If you are working on the flight, fax services and chargers for your laptop are available.
| Food worth talking about |
Enjoy a restaurant in the sky with our delicious in-flight meals prepared by our special team of chefs. To reduce the effects of dehydration we serve you refreshments every 45 minutes between meals.
| Now showing. |
Our selection of 18 movie and TV channels along with 22 radio channels are sure to keep you glued to your seats throughout the flight. We will guide you through our entertainment section with our award-winning In-flight Entertainment Guide, "Onboard", which clinched the prestigious runner-up position at the 12th annual AVION awards conducted by the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) in Los Angeles.
| FOOD & BEVERAGE |
At SriLankan Airlines we have designed our menus to cater to the varying palates of all our passengers. Our Eastern and Western dishes along with our excellent choice of wines, champagnes and liqueurs will ensure that your flight will be one of complete gastronomic delight.
We have made our menus 'route sensitive' to reflect the cuisine of our destinations. If you are travelling to the Indian Sub-Continent dine on our succulent lamb biriyani, prawn khorma, chicken nilgiri and vegetable makkanwala. En-route to Japan? Get in the mood with chirashi, salmon teriyaki, rolled rice nishoku and Inari. European flights will have you feasting on fillet of sole mathilda, steak a la grand viueur and consommé solferino. Have your fill of muribiyan, sattaush and fish sarjahani when flying over the Middle East. Don't forget those delicious Sri Lankan dishes - kiribath, roti and fish ambulthiyal.
Do you have any special dietary, religious or cultural requirements? We are more than willing to accommodate those needs. We have a wide choice of special meals for you to choose from. Just let us know your requirements when booking your flight and we'll take care of the rest.
| ENTERTAINMENT |
Enjoy a choice of 18 video and 22 audio channels on your personal seatback TV, including special programming for children, and the air show - splendid views of take-off and landing and snapshots in between, from the aircraft's external view cameras.
In addition each business class seat is equipped with an individual video player allowing you to choose from a library range of 42 movie titles in different languages.
We will guide you through our entertainment section with our award-winning In-flight Entertainment Guide, "Onboard", which recently clinched the prestigious runner-up position at the 12th annual AVION awards conducted by the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) in Los Angeles.
| Movies |
On our Movie Channels 1 to 6, we present the latest and greatest movies from Hollywood. For some more classic movie moments, step back in time on Channel 7 with Movies Gold. You can also catch the best of Bollywood and the flavour of cinema from Sri Lanka and the Middle East on Channels 8 and 9.
| TV |
Our TV programmes, Channels 10 - 15, present you with some of the best in Comedy, Drama, Arts and Sport and Children's TV entertainment as well as a Variety programme from our home country, Sri Lanka.
| Sport |
On Sport during April and May we cover the past, present and future. In April we feature two highlight programmes covering the Dubai Desert Classic and the FA Premier League and take a look at the upcoming Le Mans race. In May we have the latest news from The Race and we examine the history of Wimbledon.
| Comedy |
Enjoy the latest comedy from both sides of the Atlantic. From stand-up to sitcom, the Comedy Channel will keep you laughing.
| Drama & Arts |
With the major Award ceremonies having taken place, music is at the forefront on Drama & Arts in April and May. We feature three programmes examining the lives and works of celebrated artists David Bowie and U2, and take a look at the rise of David Gray.
| Quest |
Quest has the variety of a safari in April and May as we cover archaeological findings in our Discovery programmes, the possibility of finding life elsewhere in Horizon and natural history and culture in settings as far and wide as Africa, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong.
| CTV |
On CTV in April and May everyone seems to be getting into trouble in one way or another. Those Angry Beavers are angrier than ever, when they have a stand off with their worst enemies. Bart and his Grandpa are leading a stand off of their own in The Simpsons - against Nelson, Springfield Elementary's bully. Meanwhile, in Moesha and Daria, Andell and Kevin have both hurt their legs!
| Radio |
If you prefer to lie back and close your eyes, our 22 Radio Channels offer you the widest choice of music from around the world. Spanning everything from the Euro charts, Golden Era, Classical and Jazz, to popular music selections from Sri Lanka, Arabia, India and Japan, you are sure to find your perfect listening pleasure.
| DUTY FREE |
Indulge yourself all the way to your destination in our award-winning in-flight shopping programme. We are the recipients of the Frontier In-flight Marketing Award for"Retailer of the Year" for over four consecutive years as well as the Diamond Duty Free Award for "Outstanding In-flight Duty Free Operator" in 1996.
Treat yourself and your friends back home to gifts from our wide range of high quality products. The Airline showcases internationally renowned products including Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger. You can also take away a little piece of Sri Lanka from our range of traditional handicrafts produced by Sri Lankan craftsmen.
SriLankan Airlines accepts all major currencies and credit cards.
| Pre-order Facilities |
SriLankan Airlines has introduced a special Pre-Order Service to all passengers returning on SriLankan flights. You could order all duty free requirements on board and the goods will be handed over to you at your seat on the return flight. Payment will be on receipt of the goods by cash, travellers cheques or credit cards. Please note that SriLankan Airlines requires a minimum of 48 hours notice to accommodate your order. Please speak to your flight attendant on board to place the order.
| CARGO |
With our modern Airbus fleet we are capable of carrying over 400 tons of cargo a week to 35 destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. We have made significant investments in information technology to ensure that dispatching consignments on SriLankan Airlines is hassle free. Our advanced computerized reservations system enables speedy confirmation of space availability. We can also provide the latest information on local procedures and regulations. Our automated cargo tracking system, CHAMP, ensures efficient cargo handling operations and tracks each shipment from the point of reservation through to final delivery.
We can handle special cargo including livestock, perishables and valuables. We provide customers with the fastest service in delivery and collection and have set up express channels for urgent and courier consignments.
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