SriLankan provides convenient connections to a global network (including codeshare partners) of 114 destinations in 62 countries around the world. The airline’s direct route map covers major cities across the Europe, Australia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Far East.
SriLankan Airlines turns 45, celebrating the journey that took off on September 1, 1979, with just two Boeing 707 aircraft. The airline has always remained resilient in the face of turbulence and has consistently championed true Sri Lankan hospitality globally. Over the years, SriLankan Airlines has proven its versatility in an ever evolving and testing environment. Today, SriLankan continues to be one of the major international airlines from South Asia, having achieved numerous milestones and accolades along the way.
SriLankan Airlines, originally launched as Air Lanka on September 1, 1979 with two Boeing 707 aircraft, embarked on its maiden flight to Bangkok the same day, quickly expanding its services to destinations such as Bahrain, Frankfurt, London, and more. By 1980, the airline introduced Air Lanka Catering Ltd and acquired its first Lockheed L1011 Tristar, followed by a Boeing 747-200 in 1984. In 1990, Air Lanka joined IATA, leased Ilyushin IL-86 aircraft for Gulf War mercy flights and became the first international airline to receive IATA accreditation for its training center.
The launch of the frequent flyer program “The Serendib Club” in 1992 marked another milestone, alongside the acquisition of its first Airbus A320-200 in 1993 and the Airbus A340 in 1994, making it the first South Asian airline to operate this aircraft. A strategic partnership with Emirates in 1998 led to the rebranding of Air Lanka as SriLankan Airlines in 1999, when the airline also acquired its first Airbus A330-200 and phased out its Lockheed Tristars to form an all-Airbus fleet. In 2000, SriLankan Cargo became a separate entity, launching dedicated freighter services. The airline’s revamped website went live in 2001, the same year it was named Skytrax Airline of the Year – Central Asia, a title it won consecutively until 2004. SriLankan Airlines earned numerous accolades, including the “World’s Friendliest Cabin Staff” by Skytrax in 2003, the Avion Awards for Best Overall Inflight Entertainment in 2003 and 2004, and the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation’s Airline Turnaround of the Year in 2004.
The launch of the community arm SriLankan Cares in 2004 and the International Aviation Academy in 2006 further demonstrated the airline’s commitment to service and training. Achievements in the late 2000s included receiving IOSA certification in 2007, introducing the FlySmiLes frequent flyer program in 2008, and operating the first Green Flight in South Asia in 2009. The airline continued to innovate, earning the IATA Platinum Award in 2010, opening the SriLankan Flight Academy in 2011, and joining the oneworld alliance in 2014. The 2010s saw continued recognition with multiple World Travel Awards for “World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean,” and in 2018, SriLankan Airlines was named the most punctual global airline. The airline demonstrated resilience during the pandemic, supporting local exporters and conducting repatriation flights in 2020.
Recent accolades include multiple PATA Gold Awards, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award for Best Aviation Sustainability Programme in 2022, and the APEX IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage 2024 Award in 2023.
“Forty-five years is a long time in any industry, but achieving this milestone in the commercial airline sector is an even greater feat. SriLankan Airlines is one of the oldest commercial airlines in this region, and we are incredibly proud of our journey over the past 45 years, despite the regular challenges we have faced. Through it all, SriLankan has remained steadfast in its commitment to our loyal customers and in supporting Sri Lanka through every high and low,” said Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines.
“We owe our successes and resilience to every individual within the airline, both current and past, who has dedicated themselves and made sacrifices for our success. As we celebrate our achievements, we will also focus on our vision for the future, striving to be the airline of choice for travellers seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience, personified by the warmth and hospitality of our people,” added Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines.
SriLankan Airlines provides convenient connections to a global network (including codeshare partners) of 114 destinations in 62 countries around the world. The airline’s direct route map covers major cities across the Europe, Australia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Far East. SriLankan operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting wide-bodied A330 aircraft, A321 aircraft and mid-range A320s.
