Looking out the window of SriLankan Airlines at the beautiful coast line of the Indian Ocean, one can only be in awe of the Sri Lankan beauty and hospitality. Step into a world of enchantment with SriLankan Airlines as I take you along my journey with them.
Tripti Jain
Exploring Sri Lanka has never been more seamless and delightful, thanks to the impeccable services of SriLankan Airlines. With an ever-growing focus on the Indian market, SriLankan Airlines continues to strengthen its connections, offering unmatched experiences both in the air and on the ground. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing their services firsthand during a familiarization trip to Sri Lanka organised by the airline. It was a journey filled with comfort, elegance, and a touch of magic. Richard Nuttall, CEO, SriLankan Airlines shares insights about the airline including the relations with Indian market and expansion plans.
Connecting with the Indian land
SriLankan Airlines has made significant strides in the Indian market over the past year. Richard shares, “More than 200,000 passengers of Indian origin have flown with us since the start of this year. India contributes about 11 per cent of our revenue, making it one of our top-performing markets with an overall average load factor of about 74 per cent.”
My flight from New Delhi to Colombo was a testament to these impressive numbers. The aircraft was nearly full, yet the crew managed to maintain a high level of service with genuine warmth. As I settled into my seat, I was struck by the thoughtfulness of the cabin design and the array of in-flight entertainment options available.
The two E’s – Exploring and expanding
To cater to the growing demand for air travel between Sri Lanka and India, SriLankan Airlines is actively looking to expand its reach. “We are exploring the possibility of adding new Indian destinations to our route network as part of our long-term plan once we acquire new aircraft. In the short term, our focus is on increasing frequencies on existing routes,” explains Richard.
The prospect of more flights and new destinations is exciting, especially for frequent travellers such as myself. The anticipation of smoother, more frequent connections adds to the appeal of planning future trips. My experience in the SriLankan Airlines lounge in Colombo was exceptional, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to quality. The lounge offered a serene environment, complete with comfortable seating, a wide selection of refreshments, and attentive staff that ensured a relaxing pre-flight experience.
Partnerships and alliances for the win
Enhancing connectivity and services for passengers is a key focus for SriLankan Airlines. “Air India is currently a codeshare partner. We are also in discussions with several prominent South Asian carriers, as well as online travel agencies and other digital travel service providers, to establish codeshare partnerships and offer bespoke deals and competitive fares for our customers,” shares Richard.
Such partnerships are crucial for expanding the airline’s reach and providing passengers with more travel options. During the fam trip, I witnessed firsthand the ease of travel facilitated by these alliances. The seamless transition between flights and the smooth handling of logistics made the journey stress-free and enjoyable.
Grabbing the Indian pulse
Understanding and catering to the preferences of Indian travellers is a priority for SriLankan Airlines. Richard shares insights into the demographics and preferences of their Indian passengers and says, “We see a lot of millennials, young professionals, and families, as well as a growing number of pilgrims traveling since we began promoting the Ramayana trail. We offer a vegetarian meal option on every sector, a selection of movies in Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil, and tailor-made holidays through SriLankan Holidays for Indian passengers.”
I found these tailored services to be highly thoughtful and reflective of the airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction. The vegetarian meal I enjoyed on my flight was not only delicious but also a nod to the fact that the airline understands the dietary preferences of its passengers.
Bright and sunny future!
SriLankan Airlines has ambitious plans to capture a larger share of the Indian outbound and inbound travel segments. Richard shares, “We aim to position Colombo as a strategic gateway that facilitates seamless connections to and from India, while capturing a portion of the expanding Indian outbound travel market. This will be supported by increased frequencies to Indian metros and the expansion of our Indian network with new cities, including both major metros and underserved secondary cities.”
The vision of making Colombo a central hub for Indian travellers is both strategic and exciting. During my time in Sri Lanka, I was mesmerised by the country’s beauty and cultural richness, which SriLankan Airlines is keen to showcase to the world. The familiarization trip highlighted the airline’s efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a premier holiday destination, making the journey as enchanting as the destination itself.
A journey beyond expectations
SriLankan Airlines is not just an airline; it’s an experience. The dedication to excellence, the thoughtful services, and the strategic vision all contribute to making every journey memorable. Richard shares, “SriLankan Airlines is gearing up to meet the rising demand for Sri Lanka as a holiday destination from India and around the world. We will build on our past successes while trailing new strategies to maintain our status as one of the most award-winning and dynamic airlines in the region.”
My trip with SriLankan Airlines was nothing short of magical. From the moment I boarded the plane to the time I stepped off in Colombo, every aspect of the journey was meticulously planned and executed. The combination of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes and the airline’s superior service made for an unforgettable experience, one that I eagerly look forward to repeating.
