Airbus Updates No.1047

SriLankan Airlines opts for six A330’s and four A350 XWB’s

Winning combination for efficient long haul fleet

19 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) for six A330-300s and four A350-900s. The airline, an all Airbus operator, has chosen the highly reliable A330 and the latest generation A350 XWB aircraft as part of its long-haul fleet renewal.

“The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330s form the pillar of SriLankan’s long haul operations,” said Kapila Chandrasena, CEO of SriLankan Airlines. “Adding more new A330’s to our fleet, combined with the unbeatable economics  the A350 XWB will offer, allows us to achieve a strong economical performance.”

“We are grateful  of this renewed confidence SriLankan Airlines is placing with us,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers “The winning combination of A330’s and A350 XWB’s will allow SriLankan Airlines to offer the highest levels of comfort to their passengers while also benefitting from superior efficiency levels at any time.”

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.  

The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded more than 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and nearly 1,000 aircraft are flying with nearly 100 operators worldwide. The A330-300 has benefited from numerous product improvements and stands as the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class, achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

The A350 XWB is the all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in spacious three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO₂ emissions. To date the A350 XWB has already won 613 firm orders from 33 customers worldwide.