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SriLankan Airlines marks International Pilots’ Day with a thanksgiving celebration
SriLankan Airlines celebrated its pilots with a special gathering for International Pilots’ Day on Saturday, 26th April. The event was held at the airline’s Flight Dispatch Centre at Bandaranaike International Airport. Pilots were presented with a special vehicle badge bearing the iconic winged emblem, in appreciation of their enduring dedication and flying spirit that keeps the world connected every day. The event also treated guests to pilot-themed cupcakes, and served as an opportunity for SriLankan Airlines staff to reflect on and celebrate the extraordinary effort and sacrifices pilots make in bringing the world closer together.
SriLankan Airlines lauded for outstanding food service at PAX Readership Awards
SriLankan Airlines received the Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier award for South Asia at this year’s PAX Readership Awards. The event was held on Wednesday, 9th April, in Hamburg, Germany. The award proves yet again that SriLankan Airlines’ culinary expertise continues to level up its inflight dining experience for passengers. Airline commercial head Dimuthu Tennakoon expressed his gratitude by saying: “We take great care to ensure our onboard menus are a sensory treat, as food plays a crucial role in shaping the overall flying experience, whether you are a first-time traveller or frequent flyer. We continuously review passenger feedback across different sectors to craft our menus, while guaranteeing that meals are prepped with the freshest ingredients, cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs and feature regular updates. This recognition reaffirms that we’ve got the recipe right for our onboard food service.” Exceptional dining in the air The SriLankan Airlines’ inflight menu offers a perfect blend of local cuisine from each market the airline operates in and quintessential Sri Lankan hospitality. For its South Asian service, SriLankan presents a choice of meals inspired by the localities within its widespread network spanning India, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The airline’s customers from this region can look forward to the familiar tastes of home; from an assortment of biriyani and masala; to Idli, upma, samosas, paratha, chapathi; and traditional curries such as palak paneer, aloo gobi, gobi masala, butter chicken makhani; and more. Regardless of routes, the mainstay on every SriLankan Airlines’ flight is the Sri Lankan meal option, featured under its award-winning SriLankan Flavours menu. Using heritage recipes and authentic, local ingredients, SriLankan Airlines serves delicious classics such as egg roti with paraw fish curry and crumb fried prawns; dhunthel rice with traditional curries; kuruluthuda heirloom rice with chicken pepper curry and local vegetables; and lamprais.
SriLankan Airlines extends assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar
SriLankan Airlines successfully concluded a critical humanitarian relief mission to earthquake-stricken Myanmar on Saturday, 5th April. This initiative was undertaken at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka, and involved the transportation of 26 relief personnel and a consignment of essential relief equipment, including urgently needed medical supplies. Despite significant logistical challenges and time constraints, the SriLankan Airlines team responded with exceptional professionalism and commitment. The mission was planned and executed at short notice following the formal request from the Ministry of Defense. Active coordination necessary Coordinating with multiple stakeholders under considerable constraints was no easy feat, but the seamless collaboration of all parties involved ensured a safe and timely operation. SriLankan Airlines extends its sincere appreciation to the Secretary of Defense and his team for their unwavering support and cooperation, which was instrumental in the success of this effort. This mission stands as yet another testament to SriLankan Airlines’ continued commitment to humanitarian causes, both at home and abroad, reaffirming its role not only as Sri Lanka’s national carrier, but also as a proud partner in serving humanity worldwide in times of need.
SriLankan Aviation College hailed IATA ATC top performer for 2024
SriLankan Airlines’ training centre SriLankan Aviation College was recently hailed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as an IATA Authorized Training Center (ATC) Top Performer for 2024. This distinction is awarded to the most outstanding IATA-accredited training institutions worldwide, and advances SriLankan Aviation College into the Preferred ATC category. This is proof of SriLankan Airlines’ relentless commitment to excellence in developing talent for the travel trade on a global scale. Airline chief executive Richard Nuttall remarked: “We are truly humbled to be recognised as a top performing IATA Authorized Training Center. It speaks volumes about how much effort the college puts into offering high quality job-ready programmes led by top-tier instructors, blending real-world knowledge and practical sessions.” Nuttall added that the SriLankan Aviation College has made remarkable progress over the past two years, especially with the aviation industry fully returning to pre-pandemic levels throughout 2024. Bringing the best the world has to offer to Sri Lanka Over the years, SriLankan Aviation College has introduced some of the most sought-after IATA programmes to Sri Lanka, including the IATA Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma; IATA Cargo Introductory Course; and the IATA Airline Cabin Crew course, among many others. Whether in the quality of training, state-of-the-art facilities or talent incubation, SriLankan Aviation College has consistently produced the best results in the island across all IATA programmes over the years, in line with its mission of developing the right talent for the aviation industry. The ATC accreditation also symbolises the longstanding partnership and credibility that SriLankan Aviation College built with IATA Training. The institution’s other achievements include being an IATA Approved Training Center since inception, being recognised as an IATA Top Performing Training Center for several consecutive years and being the only IATA Regional Training Partner in Sri Lanka, and among the few in the region.
SriLankan Airlines is Hybiz TV’s People’s Airline of the Year
India’s Hybiz TV hailed SriLankan Airlines as the Best People's Airline of the Year at the Hybiz TV Business Excellence Awards 2025. The awards ceremony took place at the HICC Novotel in Hyderabad and was graced by several high-profile dignitaries. The Hybiz TV Business Excellence Awards recognise the remarkable achievements made by businesses across various sectors in Telangana and are supported by the Telangana State Government, as well as the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation. This latest accolade reflects the timeless popularity of SriLankan Airlines in India and among its Indian customers. SriLankan Airlines’ regional manager for India, Bangladesh, and Nepal Fawzan Fareid declared: “We could not ask for a better affirmation of our service excellence than being recognised as the People’s Airline of the Year in the state of Telangana. As SriLankan Airlines continues to strengthen its position as one of the largest international carriers out of India, this recognition only inspires us to push our limits in every aspect of service, whether it be connectivity, convenience or an exceptional onboard experience for our valued customers in India.” Winning streak SriLankan Airlines’ victory at the Hybiz TV Business Excellence Awards is yet another feather in its cap. The airline recently triumphed at the Tamil Nadu State Tourism Awards as the Best Airline Partner for Tamil Nadu, and was also named the Leading International Airline in South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards 2024. These awards serve as a testament to the airline’s influential presence in both India and the South Asian region.
SriLankan Airlines’ AI-Powered Chatbot, Yaana to revolutionise customer support
SriLankan Airlines is presenting a game-changer with the introduction of ‘Yaana,’ an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot. Yaana is set to transform customer support and the way passengers interact with the airline by leveraging advanced AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies to intelligently assist with a wide range of passenger inquiries. Developed in collaboration with CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd. Yaana is now live on SriLankan Airlines’ corporate website. Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology at SriLankan Airlines, commented on this latest advancement in customer engagement technology stating: “Yaana features a generative AI virtual assistant powered by GPT-4 technology and is equipped with sophisticated retrieval capabilities to enhance customer interactions and efficiently address inquiries. The system also utilises a conversational AI framework and custom AI algorithms to deliver rapid, accurate, empathetic and contextually relevant responses. By cross-referencing multiple policy documents, real-time data sets, including flight schedules, Yaana ensures that passengers receive reliable, tailored information.” Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution at SriLankan Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about Yaana’s potential, stating; “Since going live, Yaana has handled close to 12,000 inquiries with remarkable efficiency, autonomously resolving 88% of them. Furthermore, with its scalability, we anticipate Yaana will manage five times the current volume. By providing 24/7 assistance, including real-time updates during disruptions, streamlined booking guidance and personalised support for complex queries, Yaana will significantly enhance customer service every step of the way.” The chatbot will prove especially indispensable during unplanned flight disruptions, a common occurrence in the airline industry, by assisting passengers in swiftly finding alternative travel options. Available globally, Yaana also has multilingual capabilities, making it accessible to SriLankan Airlines’ diverse, global customer base. For SriLankan Airlines, an airline committed to using technological advancements to elevate the travel experience for passengers, Yaana marks a significant milestone in its digital evolution. With this launch, SriLankan Airlines reaffirms its commitment to being one of South Asia’s most innovative and customer-focused airlines.
SriLankan Airlines introduces its AI-powered customer service chatbot Yaana
SriLankan Airlines recently introduced Yaana, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot to augment its customer service facilities. Yaana is set to transform customer support and the way passengers interact with the airline by leveraging advanced AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies to intelligently assist with a wide range of passenger inquiries. Developed in collaboration with CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd, Yaana is now live on SriLankan Airlines’ corporate website. The chatbot is expected to become an indispensable tool, especially during unplanned flight disruptions, a common occurrence in the airline industry, by assisting passengers in swiftly finding alternative travel options. Available globally, Yaana also has multilingual capabilities, making it accessible to SriLankan Airlines’ diverse, global customer base. How does Yaana work? Yaana is a generative AI virtual assistant powered by GPT-4 technology and is equipped with sophisticated retrieval capabilities to enhance customer interactions and efficiently address inquiries. The system also utilises a conversational AI framework and custom AI algorithms to deliver rapid, accurate, empathetic and contextually relevant responses. By cross-referencing multiple policy documents, real-time data sets, including flight schedules, Yaana ensures that passengers receive reliable, tailored information. Since going live, Yaana has handled close to 12,000 inquiries with remarkable efficiency, autonomously resolving 88 percent of reported issues and concerns. SriLankan Airlines’ head of worldwide sales and distribution Dimuthu Tennakoon said: “With its scalability, we anticipate Yaana will manage five times the current volume. By providing 24/7 assistance, including real-time updates during disruptions, streamlined booking guidance and personalised support for complex queries, Yaana will significantly enhance customer service every step of the way.”
SriLankan Airlines to launch new daytime Bangalore-Colombo route
SriLankan Airlines is launching a new daytime flight between Bangalore and Colombo starting 31 October 2024, bringing the total weekly operations between the two cities to 10 flights. The new flight timings are ideal for both Indian holidaymakers and business event attendees travelling to Sri Lanka for short weekend escapes. Flight UL 1174 will depart from Bangalore to Colombo at 09:40 AM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving in Colombo at 11:10 AM. The corresponding return flight, UL 1173, will leave Colombo at 07:20 AM and reach Bangalore at 08:40 AM, also every Thursday through Saturday. A more flexible travel experience The schedule of the new service is designed to offer a more flexible travel experience for Bengalureans jetting out to Sri Lanka, whether for a vacation or a workation. It provides more daytime hours on the island while being conveniently scheduled closer to the weekend. This allows travellers to pack more into their itinerary, make the most of their visit, and return home in time for the start of a new week, making it the most convenient flight option for weekend travel to Sri Lanka. The seamless schedule is not the only reason that makes SriLankan Airlines a great choice for Indians. Travellers who are members of the airline’s frequent flyer program, FlySmiLes, can earn 1,174 miles and 1,173 miles when they travel on UL 1174 and UL 1173, respectively. Customers can also savour mouthwatering Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine while enjoying the warmth and friendliness that embody the essence of Sri Lanka when travelling aboard SriLankan Airlines.
SriLankan Airlines introduces Serendib Delights meal preordering service
SriLankan Airlines launched a new meal pre-ordering service for its Economy Class passengers. The Serendib Delights service offers an elevated onboard dining experience that is a cut above standard Economy Class offerings. SriLankan Airlines’ senior manager for commercial services and support Gayan Wickrama said: “At SriLankan Airlines, we are committed to making every onboard experience special for our valued passengers. Serendib Delights offers the best of exquisite flavours crafted by SriLankan Airlines' culinary experts, all at a price that’s within reach.” Suiting diverse tastes Through the service, passengers make their choices from an assortment of meals designed to meet a variety of dietary preferences. Each meal is meticulously prepared from fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a gastronomic treat. The menu also includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring that every passenger can find something to delight their taste buds. Note that meals catered from Colombo and many other locations across the SriLankan network are halal-certified. Passengers can easily pre-order their preferred Serendib Delights meal at least 48 hours before departure by visiting the SriLankan Airlines website, contacting the SriLankan 24-hour contact centre at 1979 (within Sri Lanka) or +94 777 77 1979 (outside Sri Lanka) or by speaking with their travel agent.
flydubai inks interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines
flydubai and SriLankan Airlines announced that they have entered an interline agreement that will introduce greater travel opportunities between the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Commenting on the interline agreement, flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said of the agreement: “We are excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines [as it will] will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.” SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall echoed his counterpart’s sentiments regarding the new partnership. Nuttall added: “This partnership reinforces our strategy to broaden our network and global reach, presenting customers with more travel choices and flexibility. We look forward to collaborating with flydubai and welcoming their passengers aboard our flights to experience an authentic SriLankan journey.” A wider range of destinations This new agreement gives flydubai passengers access to 16 destinations on SriLankan Airlines’ network, including those in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and Australia. Likewise, those flying via SriLankan Airlines can connect seamlessly to over 30 destinations by way of the Dubai aviation hub. These are destinations covered by flydubai and are spread throughout Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeastern Europe, as well as in the Middle East.
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