header logo
Mogo Academy
Latest
SriLankan airline to sell new planes
May 11, 201610:30 AM
SriLankan airline to sell new planes
Mobitel Inner

Sri Lanka’s debt-ridden national airline will sell four new Airbus A350s, a government minister said on Tuesday, two weeks after cancelling an order for four of the aircraft.

 

 

 

The state-owned carrier had already sold one of the four planes for a “reasonably good price” to a leasing company and is in talks with airlines over the other three, Deputy State Enterprise Minister Eran Wickramaratne said.

 

 

 

Although SriLankan Airlines needs more aircraft to expand, it does not need long-range planes like the A350, he said.

 

 

 

The airline, which is struggling with debts of around $3.25 billion, ordered eight A350s from Airbus in 2014.

 

 

 

Sri Lanka is facing a balance of payments crisis. About $2 billion of foreign money has flowed out of government bonds since January last year, while the administration is struggling with a legacy of borrowing for infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed a $1.5 billion bailout with the Sri Lankan government to help the island nation avert financial crisis. The government is also negotiating for more project-related loans.

 

 

 

SriLankan Airlines was a profitable 10-year joint venture with Dubai-based partner Emirates Airline until the pair split in 2008.

 

 

 

The airline has bought seven Airbus A330-300s since 2012.

 

 

 

Helped by lower oil prices, it posted a group net loss of 16.33 billion rupees ($113 million) for the financial year to March 31, after a 31.37 billion rupees loss a year earlier.

 

 

 

The carrier last made a profit in 2009, a year after Emirates sold its stake in the venture, Reuters reports.

 

 

 

-Agencies

 

 

 

 

 

MostRead
Mobitel Upahara
VideoStories
Farmers struggle continues as paddy prices plummet; PMB buys over 1 million kg of ‘Yala’ paddy

Farmers struggle continues as paddy prices plummet; PMB buys over 1 million kg of ‘Yala’ paddy

“Final salute to a dedicated officer ”Former IGP Wickramaratne laid to rest with full police honours

“Final salute to a dedicated officer ”Former IGP Wickramaratne laid to rest with full police honours

 Dengue situation worsening in Sri Lanka; Caseload surpasses 76,000 with 162 MOH areas at high risk

Dengue situation worsening in Sri Lanka; Caseload surpasses 76,000 with 162 MOH areas at high risk

 12 years at the heart of every breaking story Ada Derana News Channel marks another milestone

12 years at the heart of every breaking story Ada Derana News Channel marks another milestone

“Sri Lanka reclassified as Upper-Middle Income economy” What are the benefits for the people?

“Sri Lanka reclassified as Upper-Middle Income economy” What are the benefits for the people?

Former Presidents, politicians pay last respects to ex-Police Chief; Final rites tomorrow in Borella

Former Presidents, politicians pay last respects to ex-Police Chief; Final rites tomorrow in Borella

Women account for most dengue fatalities in 2026; PHIs take legal action against 10,000 individuals

Women account for most dengue fatalities in 2026; PHIs take legal action against 10,000 individuals

“Many have lost faith and trust in God” Cardinal says modern society prefers football over religion

“Many have lost faith and trust in God” Cardinal says modern society prefers football over religion

Govt has belittled and ridiculed country's farmers - MP Dilith Jayaweera

Govt has belittled and ridiculed country's farmers - MP Dilith Jayaweera

Who supplied fake QR stickers found on liquor bottles? MP Harsha de Silva questions

Who supplied fake QR stickers found on liquor bottles? MP Harsha de Silva questions

Farmers raise concerns over unopened govt paddy warehouses

Farmers raise concerns over unopened govt paddy warehouses

Over 1,500 fatalities reported from road accidents so far this year - Sri Lanka Police

Over 1,500 fatalities reported from road accidents so far this year - Sri Lanka Police

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead in suspected suicide at Malabe residence

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead in suspected suicide at Malabe residence

Appeal Courts postpones further hearing of Suresh Sallay’s writ petition to July 21

Appeal Courts postpones further hearing of Suresh Sallay’s writ petition to July 21

“Democracy must be defended from elected leaders” - Former BASL President

“Democracy must be defended from elected leaders” - Former BASL President

Lassana Flora