SriLankan Airlines Seeks Seven Airbus Jets Amid Supply Crunch

SriLankan Airlines requires at least seven additional aircraft to rationalise its network and launch new routes, but global aircraft supply shortages are complicating efforts to secure the needed capacity, according to deputy minister of ports and civil aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Kodituwakku said the state-owned carrier needs at least one or two aircraft immediately to stabilise operations and support planned network adjustments. However, he acknowledged that sourcing dry-leased aircraft remains challenging due to tight global availability and sustained demand from airlines worldwide. The government is expected to initiate a special procurement process in the coming weeks to address the shortfall and accelerate fleet expansion.

Chairman Sarath Ganegoda indicated that, given the airline’s current fleet structure, diversifying beyond Airbus is not considered practical. SriLankan Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet, and introducing another manufacturer would increase operational complexity, training requirements, and maintenance costs. At present, the entire fleet is dry-leased, limiting flexibility in a constrained leasing environment.

According to fleet data, the airline operates 23 aircraft, comprising seven A320-200s, two A320neo aircraft, four A321neo jets, three A330-200s, and seven A330-300s. The carrier also holds a standing order for four A350-900s, though it has previously signaled its intention to cancel the commitment and is not expected to take delivery of the widebody jets.

Ganegoda told The Sunday Morning newspaper that SriLankan Airlines aims to expand into new destinations and increase frequencies on routes that currently do not operate daily services. Additional aircraft would allow the carrier to strengthen connectivity through Colombo while improving schedule reliability and competitiveness in key regional and long-haul markets.

Separately, Kodituwakku confirmed that the government is in the process of shortlisting candidates for the airline’s chief executive position. Leadership stability, combined with fleet growth, is viewed as central to the carrier’s broader restructuring strategy as it seeks to restore financial sustainability and rebuild market share in an increasingly competitive aviation environment.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com