SriLankan Airlines is currently experiencing difficulties in acquiring additional aircraft due to global supply shortages, as it seeks to expand its fleet to open new routes and increase capacity. According to deputy minister of ports and civil aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku, the airline needs at least seven additional aircraft to rationalize its network but is hampered by high market demand affecting dry lease availability.
The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of 23 aircraft, including A320-200s, A320-200Ns, A321-200Ns, A330-200s, and A330-300s, with plans to cancel a pending order for four A350-900s. SriLankan's management has indicated that diversifying into other aircraft manufacturers is unlikely given the current fleet size and leasing constraints. The government is preparing a special procurement process to address supply issues, aiming to support the airline's growth initiatives.
Fleet Management and Future Plans
Chairman Sarath Ganegoda emphasized that, given the current fleet composition, expanding with manufacturers other than Airbus may not be feasible. The airline intends to introduce new routes and increase frequencies on routes where it does not currently operate daily. Simultaneously, the government is shortlisting candidates for the airline's chief executive position to strengthen its management team.
These developments highlight the challenges faced by the carrier amid a constrained supply chain, which may impact its ability to fully capitalize on market opportunities in the near term.
