Srilankan Airlines Logo

SriLankan Airlines, the national airline of Sri Lanka, is headquartered in the country’s capital city, Colombo. The airline’s history dates back to 1947 when it was originally established under the name Air Ceylon. In 1998, it underwent a rebranding process, resulting in the name we know today, SriLankan Airlines.

The airline’s operations span the globe, serving more than 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Central to its operations is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. In addition, the airline also utilizes Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and Ratmalana Airport as auxiliary hubs.

SriLankan Airlines boasts a modern fleet of Airbus A320, A321, A330, and A350 aircraft, as of 2023. This fleet connects numerous destinations, from Male, Delhi, and Karachi in South Asia, to various Middle East and European locations.

SriLankan Airlines has been part of the Oneworld airline alliance since 2014, collaborating with prestigious airlines such as Qantas, American Airlines, and British Airways. This partnership has enabled the airline to enhance further its services, which range from a comprehensive frequent flyer program, access to airport lounges, superior service classes, and a robust in-flight entertainment system.

Interestingly, the airline is government-owned, yet also has a significant stakeholder, Emirates, which has held 43% of its shares since its rebranding in 1998. SriLankan Airlines provides jobs for over 7,000 staff members as an employer, making it a considerable player in the local economy. It plays an instrumental role in supporting the country’s tourism industry, bringing many international visitors to the island nation each year.