SriLankan Airlines paints a picture of resilience, innovation, and excellence
Charting a course through the complexities of aviation in 2023, SriLankan Airlines achieved financial equilibrium, unveiled enticing onboard enhancements, and adeptly addressed geopolitical shifts. For 2024, Richard Nuttall, CEO, SriLankan Airlines, outlines the airline's aspirations to enhance capacity, promising more culinary delights, sustainable practices, and high-tech offerings refining the travel experience and signalling a commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of the aviation industry.
Intertwined by a rich fabric of shared history, cultural affinities, and close geographical proximity, the connection between India and Sri Lanka transcends borders. This intricate interweaving cultivates a profound sense of warm familiarity, forging a distinctive bond among the majority of Indians within the island nation. In the realm of air travel that bridges these two nations, SriLankan Airlines emerges as the prime choice, offering an exquisite blend of hospitality that allows passengers to experience the best of both worlds while soaring through the skies. Boasting a robust presence, the airline spans nine cities in India, a testament to the depth of its commitment to facilitating travel between these closely linked destinations.
Ambitious Expansion Vision
SriLankan’s adaptive approach to the prevailing challenges within the aviation industry exemplifies their commitment to strategic resilience. In reflection of the airline’s dynamic expansion of its international route network, Richard says, “In 2023, we concentrated on consolidating direct operations to cope with the current aircraft and engine shortage by redirecting capacity to high-yield markets and optimising fleet utilisation at the same time. The expansion was primarily driven by strategic interline partnerships with airlines such as Emirates and Virgin Australia, which have helped us reach new markets and customer segments.”
What sets SriLankan Airlines apart is not just its network but also its eagerness to explore new horizons. The airline is very keen in expanding its network in India. “In 2024, we hope to boost our existing routes by increasing frequencies as we increase the active fleet. We do have a number of new destinations in mind, including India, but the timing of these plans will depend on how quickly we can grow the fleet,” implies Richard.
Resilience Amidst Global Shifts
In light of the shifting geopolitical landscape in 2023, many airlines faced hurdles in international operations and route planning due to the impact of these global changes. However, Richard says, “The significantly large Sri Lankan diaspora and tourism potential of Sri Lanka as a destination has cushioned SriLankan Airlines from geopolitical events and helped the airline bounce back from setbacks over the years. Going forward, we have the benefit of being relatively small, and that allows us to be proportionally agile in the face of unforeseen events.”
Onboard Marvels and Innovations
In 2023, the airline introduced exciting onboard enhancements, including 'SriLankan Flavours' for traditional cuisine, eco-friendly carpets from regenerated nylon, and sustainable toys for young travellers. The Colombo airport now features a self-check-in and self-bag-drop facility, enhancing convenience. A redesigned mobile app offers additional features for an improved user experience. Passengers can share feedback via strategically placed NPS-driven tabs, fostering a culture of responsiveness. These initiatives reflect the airline's commitment to elevating the travel experience by blending cultural richness, sustainability, and technological innovation for a more enjoyable and conscientious journey. “For 2024, we have more onboard culinary surprises on the way, including special festive treats for festivals celebrated by our customers and extending the SriLankan Flavours range using sustainable, organic local produce. We have plans to implement wireless in-flight entertainment solutions and possibly high-speed internet onboard as well," asserts Richard.
Optimistically Paving the Way for Growth
Reflecting on the chapters of 2023, the airline achieved a significant milestone by breaking even in USD terms for the fiscal year concluding in March 2023, and they expect to do better this year. However, challenges in securing replacement aircraft for expiring leases, particularly the Airbus A330s, have led to a measured contraction. “The longer-term goal is to double our current size within a relatively short timeframe. However, finalising exact details will await the outcome of the current privatisation efforts of our owners. We have added a number of products and services, as highlighted earlier. Perhaps our biggest challenge has been maintaining the schedule due to engine issues and aircraft delivery delays. We expect this situation to improve as we move into 2024, as we have a number of aircraft joining the fleet and others returning to service as the engine situation improves,” concludes Richard.