SriLankan takes wing to more destinations

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

SriLankan airlines has increased its frequencies to 230 per week from 172 frequencies, in line with the ongoing aviation sector development initiatives, Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne said.

The airline has been increasing its fleet adding sophisticated airbuses.

SriLankan airline operates 21 passenger aircraft including airbuses to 61 destinations.

Mihinlanka operates two aeroplanes to seven destinations in the Asian region and will seek a few more destinations. Mihinlanka will commence operation to three new destinations in Nepal, Katmandu and Myanmar.

"This is a huge achievement since in 2005 the airline had only 14 aircraft, which conducted 172 frequencies to 51 destinations per week," the minister said at the mid-year progress reviewing media briefing.

SriLankan Airlines will fly directly to South Korea for the first time in aviation history from December this year as per a decision taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa consequent to his visit to South Korea. This is the 63rd destination of the airline. Initially, the airline will conduct three frequencies to South Korea per week, the minister said.