TBM Staff - Mumbai
SriLankan Airlines celebrates its 45th anniversary, commemorating a remarkable journey that began on September 1, 1979, with two Boeing 707 aircraft. As a pioneer in the region, the airline has remained resilient, consistently showcasing true Sri Lankan hospitality on a global scale. Over the decades, SriLankan has navigated an ever-evolving industry, achieving numerous milestones and receiving prestigious awards.
Notable achievements include the 1999 rebranding from Air Lanka to SriLankan Airlines and joining the oneworld alliance in 2014. The airline has also been recognised with multiple awards, such as the World Travel Awards for “World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean” (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) and APEX’s 4-star rating in the Major Airline category (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023). Other accolades include the PATA Gold Award for Marketing-Carrier (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and the Golden City Gate Awards for various marketing campaigns.
SriLankan Airlines has also been at the forefront of innovation, introducing South Asia’s first self-service check-in and bag drop facility in 2023. Additionally, the airline’s commitment to sustainability was recognised with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award for Best Aviation Sustainability Programme in 2022.
Reflecting on the airline’s journey, Chairman Ashok Pathirage expressed pride in SriLankan’s resilience and dedication to its customers and the nation. CEO Richard Nuttall emphasised the importance of the airline’s people in its success, stating the airline’s vision to continue offering an authentic Sri Lankan experience, characterised by warmth and hospitality.
SriLankan Airlines currently connects to 114 destinations in 62 countries, operating an all-Airbus fleet of A330, A321, and A320 aircraft. The airline’s direct route map spans major cities in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Far East.
