The recent buzz around flight cancellations and technical crew numbers at SriLankan Airlines has been drawing a fair share of media attention. In response, SriLankan Airlines took the initiative to clarify the circumstances with a statement, providing insights into the challenges they have been dealing with.
Tackling A Reduced Fleet
On June 25, SriLankan Airlines issued a formal statement explaining that over the past two months, the company had been operating with a diminished fleet of 15 aircraft, three less than the intended 18. This fleet contraction has regretfully affected the airline’s ability to maintain their flight schedules and on-time performance.
Various unforeseen events have exacerbated an already difficult situation, leading to a greater aircraft shortage than expected. These include an elongated period required to complete annual C checks on two of its planes due to a local scarcity of components and an ongoing global engine shortage for Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Influences of Economic Climate and Maintenance
The current economic climate of the nation has also played a significant role in this issue, causing delays in procurement processes for new leases that were due last year. However, SriLankan Airlines is optimistic that the situation will ease by mid-July 2023.
One reason for this optimism is that the two aircraft currently undergoing maintenance C checks are expected to return to active service next week. In July, the airline also expects a short-term lease extension for a plane that was initially scheduled to be returned.
In addition to these changes, the carrier anticipates the arrival of replacement engines for Airbus A320neo aircraft currently grounded and a newly leased Airbus A330. These expected developments should boost the total aircraft count to roughly 20.
Addressing Crew Resignations
In terms of technical crew numbers, the carrier shared that there have been 57 pilot resignations from early 2021 until now. This figure includes early retirements, and they anticipate further staff departures. Before the pandemic, SriLankan Airlines employed 320 pilots for an operational fleet of 27 aircraft.
Despite these challenges, the airline remains confident with its current 257 pilots, affirming that the number is adequate to meet its operational demands with the smaller fleet. They continue to maintain average crew flying hours within global standards.
To date, the airline has only had to cancel a few flights, including a well-publicized flight to South Korea due to an unexpected lack of scheduled crew and replacements.
Investing in Future Crew Expansion
As the statement concluded, SriLankan Airlines emphasized its awareness of the need to grow its technical crew numbers in tandem with its planned fleet expansion. To this effect, the airline is actively training new cadet pilots and recruiting pilots, with advertisements circulating both locally and internationally.
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