SriLankan welcomes 14 new local pilots

APPOINTMENTS: Fourteen young pilots received their 'Wings' as Junior First Officers at SriLankan Airlines, after completing a rigorous training programme at the National Carrier.

The group included one female pilot who is the third woman to join the elite ranks of SriLankan Airlines pilots, and four former flyers from the Air Force.

Peter Hill, CEO of SriLankan, said: "SriLankan Airlines has an enviable record of quality of service and safety, especially in the air, and we guard that tradition closely. All of these pilots have achieved the standards.

We demand of our employees, particularly those on the flight deck. We are confident that they will work hard towards the day when they will become Captains."

The professionalism of SriLankan's pilots was a major factor in the airline being named "World's Most Efficient Operator of Airbus A330s (small fleet category)" by Airbus Industry. "This group has worked very hard, and are now beginning fruitful careers which will literally take them around the world," said Capt. Dick Hutton, Chief Technical Officer at SriLankan.

SriLankan Airlines has recruited a steady stream of local pilots, more than 75 over the last six years, providing opportunities for young men and women to embark on rewarding careers in commercial flying.

"We will soon be advertising for the next intake of local pilots, and providing more opportunities for youngsters who are keen on joining this rewarding industry," said Captain Milinda Ratnayake, Senior Manager Flight Operations.