SriLankan expands fleet

SriLankan Airlines took delivery of an Airbus A320 aircraft on April 8, expanding the national carrier's fleet to its largest.

The airline now has a fleet of 17 aircraft, which include five A320's, five A330's, five A340's, 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 A320's which would be the first brand new aircraft to be acquired by SriLankan in 11 years. The first of these A320's is scheduled to arrive in late May, as is a long-haul A340.

SriLankan's CEO Manoj Gunawardena said this is a major landmark in the history of aviation in Sri Lanka.

"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," he said.