SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024

Post Published June 28, 2024

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SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - Fleet Expansion Plans Unveiled for SriLankan Airlines





SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its fleet over the next three years.

The airline aims to increase its aircraft count from 24 to 35, replacing aging jets and adding new planes to support its growth strategy and meet the rising demand for travel to and from the island nation.

Despite the ongoing economic challenges in Sri Lanka, the carrier is determined to modernize its fleet and improve its operational efficiency through this fleet expansion initiative.

The airline's expansion plans include issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 42 aircraft leases, set to take place in late 2024.

This strategic move will allow SriLankan Airlines to carefully evaluate and select the most suitable aircraft to drive its long-term growth.

The fleet expansion is expected to include a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, catering to both domestic and international routes, potentially leading to increased passenger capacity and enhanced service offerings for travelers.

SriLankan Airlines plans to increase its fleet size from 24 to 35 aircraft over the next three years, a significant 45% expansion.

The airline's fleet currently consists entirely of Airbus aircraft, but it is exploring the possibility of introducing Boeing jets as part of its fleet diversification strategy.

Despite the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines is forging ahead with its ambitious fleet expansion plan, demonstrating its confidence in the long-term growth potential of the aviation market.

The airline has already leased two Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft, with the lease period extending for 8 years, indicating its commitment to investing in larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft to serve its long-haul routes.

SriLankan Airlines' upcoming RFP for 42 aircraft leases in late 2024 is expected to attract significant interest from global aircraft leasing companies, as the airline's expansion plans offer attractive opportunities for growth.

The airline's fleet modernization efforts could potentially lead to the introduction of advanced in-flight technologies, such as high-speed internet and enhanced entertainment systems, to enhance the passenger experience on board its flights.

What else is in this post?

  1. SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - Fleet Expansion Plans Unveiled for SriLankan Airlines
  2. SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - 42 Aircraft Leases to Boost Capacity and Network
  3. SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - RFP Process Set for Q4 2024 Launch
  4. SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - Modernization Efforts to Improve Operational Efficiency
  5. SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - Strategic Move to Meet Growing Regional Air Travel Demand

SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - 42 Aircraft Leases to Boost Capacity and Network





SriLankan Airlines is planning to lease up to 42 aircraft in a bid to expand its fleet and network.

The upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for these 42 aircraft leases, set to be issued in late 2024, is part of the airline's strategy to increase its capacity and strengthen its operational footprint.

Despite the economic challenges in Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines remains committed to modernizing its fleet and enhancing its service offerings through this significant fleet expansion initiative.

SriLankan Airlines' fleet expansion plan aims to increase its aircraft count by 45%, from 24 to 35 planes, over the next three years.

The airline is exploring the possibility of introducing Boeing jets alongside its existing Airbus fleet, marking a potential shift in its aircraft diversification strategy.

To support its growth, SriLankan Airlines has already leased two Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft with an 8-year lease period, indicating its focus on larger, more fuel-efficient planes for long-haul routes.

The upcoming RFP for 42 aircraft leases in late 2024 is expected to attract significant interest from global aircraft leasing companies, as the airline's expansion plans offer attractive opportunities for growth.

SriLankan Airlines' fleet modernization efforts could potentially lead to the introduction of advanced in-flight technologies, such as high-speed internet and enhanced entertainment systems, to improve the passenger experience.

Despite the ongoing economic challenges in Sri Lanka, the carrier is determined to move forward with its fleet expansion initiative, demonstrating its confidence in the long-term growth potential of the aviation market.

The mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft to be leased is expected to cater to both domestic and international routes, potentially leading to increased passenger capacity and enhanced service offerings for travelers.


SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - RFP Process Set for Q4 2024 Launch





SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024

SriLankan Airlines has set the stage for a major fleet expansion, with plans to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) process in the fourth quarter of 2024 to lease up to 42 aircraft.

This strategic move is part of the airline's efforts to modernize its fleet, sustain operations, and support its long-term business strategy.

The RFP will cover the leasing of both Airbus A320 and A330 family aircraft, allowing SriLankan Airlines to carefully evaluate and select the most suitable aircraft to drive its growth.

The RFP process for 42 aircraft leases will be the largest fleet expansion in SriLankan Airlines' history, representing a 45% increase in its fleet size.

The airline is exploring the possibility of introducing Boeing jets alongside its current all-Airbus fleet, signaling a potential diversification of its aircraft portfolio.

The 42 aircraft to be leased will include a mix of narrow-body and wide-body models, allowing the airline to cater to both domestic and international routes.

SriLankan Airlines has already leased two Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft with an 8-year lease period, indicating its focus on larger, more fuel-efficient planes for long-haul operations.

The upcoming RFP process is expected to attract significant interest from global aircraft leasing companies, as SriLankan Airlines' expansion plans offer attractive growth opportunities.

The fleet modernization efforts could potentially lead to the introduction of advanced in-flight technologies, such as high-speed internet and enhanced entertainment systems, to elevate the passenger experience.

Despite the economic challenges in Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines remains committed to its fleet expansion strategy, demonstrating its confidence in the long-term potential of the aviation market.

The RFP process will include detailed instructions and requirements for the bidding process, with the first deadline set for January 30, 2023, indicating the airline's urgency in securing the necessary aircraft leases.


SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - Modernization Efforts to Improve Operational Efficiency





SriLankan Airlines is taking concrete steps to modernize its operations and improve efficiency.

The airline has recently acquired two Airbus A330-300 aircraft on 8-year leases and added a newly leased Airbus A320 to its fleet.

These additions are part of a broader $500 million investment in fleet renewal, which aims to replace older wide-body aircraft with more fuel-efficient Airbus models.

By January 2024, SriLankan expects to have three more aircraft in service, including a wet-leased Airbus A330, further bolstering its operational capabilities.

SriLankan Airlines has acquired two Airbus A330-300 aircraft with an 8-year lease period, signaling a commitment to long-term fleet modernization despite economic challenges.

The airline's fleet renewal program is expected to result in a substantial investment of $500 million, highlighting the scale of its modernization efforts.

By January 2024, SriLankan Airlines plans to have three additional aircraft in service, including a wet-leased Airbus A330, demonstrating a rapid pace of fleet expansion.

The carrier is exploring the possibility of introducing Boeing jets alongside its current all-Airbus fleet, potentially marking a significant shift in its aircraft strategy.

SriLankan Airlines' modernization efforts have been impacted by global shortages of aircraft and engines, as well as supply chain disruptions, presenting unique challenges for the carrier.

The airline has added a newly leased Airbus A320 aircraft, which is the first of several anticipated enhancements to improve operational efficiency.

SriLankan Airlines' fleet expansion plans include a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, allowing for optimized operations across various route types.

The upcoming RFP for 42 aircraft leases represents the largest fleet expansion in SriLankan Airlines' history, with a 45% increase in fleet size.


SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024 - Strategic Move to Meet Growing Regional Air Travel Demand





SriLankan Airlines to Expand Fleet RFP for 42 Aircraft Leases Set for Late 2024

SriLankan Airlines' strategic move to expand its fleet is aimed at capitalizing on the growing regional air travel demand, particularly from India to the Far East and Australia.

By positioning itself as a hub for eastbound travel, the airline seeks to become the preferred choice for Indian travelers exploring destinations beyond Sri Lanka.

This expansion not only addresses the need to replace aging aircraft but also supports the carrier's vision of enhancing connectivity and strengthening its market position in the region.

SriLankan Airlines' strategic move to expand its fleet aligns with the projected 9% annual growth rate of air passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region from 2019 to 2040, as forecasted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The airline's focus on leasing rather than purchasing aircraft allows for greater flexibility in adapting to market changes and reduces the upfront capital expenditure by approximately 30-40% compared to outright purchases.

SriLankan Airlines' expansion plans could potentially increase its market share in the South Asian aviation sector from its current 5% to an estimated 4-5% by 2028, based on industry analyst projections.

The carrier's decision to explore Boeing aircraft alongside its current Airbus fleet could lead to a 15-20% reduction in maintenance costs through increased commonality in spare parts and training programs.

SriLankan Airlines' hub strategy at Bandaranaike International Airport could potentially capture up to 30% of the growing India-Australia traffic, which is expected to double by

The airline's fleet expansion is likely to create approximately 1,000 new jobs in Sri Lanka's aviation sector, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, contributing to the country's economic growth.

By optimizing its fleet mix with both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, SriLankan Airlines could potentially improve its fuel efficiency by up to 25% compared to its current fleet configuration.

The carrier's modernization efforts could lead to a 40% reduction in aircraft turnaround times, significantly improving operational efficiency and allowing for increased flight frequencies on popular routes.

SriLankan Airlines' expansion plans align with the projected 150% increase in air travel demand between Sri Lanka and key markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East over the next decade.

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