Sri Lankan Airlines

Sri Lankan Airlines is going through changes since their partner and CO-owner Emirates has dropped out at the end of March 2008 after disputes with the President of Sri Lanka who had revoked visa and work permit for the British CEO.

Trouble began when Sri Lankan had not been able to provide 50 seats for the President and his entourage including around 20 dancers who had wanted to leave London during high Christmas traffic. 5 seats had not been enough, what had triggered anger with the Sri Lankan leader.

Until that moment a big compliment had gone out to Sri Lankan Airlines for an exceptional service quality and often competitive prices which had made for example German LTU and Condor look extremely poor.

In particular a dedicated and friendly crew had impressed a lot in the past and one has to see, if the new staff will be able to preserve this quality whilst a lot of them has left to work now for Emirates and some Indian carriers.

In comparison to any American and European Airline the Sri Lankan Airlines stewardesses not only look truly impressive, they also come across with great humor, charm and physical strength.

Knowing about their tight roster rotation one has to wonder, how they can operate at this strenuous level.

Their working hours exceed European standards by far and still their smiles remain exceptional.

Fully convincing is also the on board entertainment with a great selection of videos, music, games and the air show, which sends outside pictures and informs about distance and the flying time left.

Certainly it is nice to follow the landing through the cockpit camera.

Even headphones are given for free whilst for example the German carrier LTU does charge 5 Euro despite a totally useless entertainment with old and boring films.

What also speaks for Sri Lankan Airlines is the exceptional catering that includes a variety of tasty meals, proper cutlery and glasses alongside free, unlimited drinks such as wine and cocktails.

Most charming are the stewardesses at Sri Lankan Airlines who even resist the 3 cold European destinations London, Paris and Frankfurt with dignity and their irresistible smiles in their Kandyan Saris.

On ground staff and booking system does impress with great flexibility as much as many special offers depending upon seasons.

For example connecting Europe with Colombo had been available for as little as $250 at times.

But also regular rates are way more competitive than most European airlines. Only Dutch Martin Air can come up with such impressive rates.

Great had been the Skywards membership in order to collect miles and bonuses. For example a return flight to Europe had earned a round-trip to India. Skywards covers mileage with Emirates and Sri Lankan Airlines.

Now Sri Lankan Airlines prides it`s own bonus system called Smiles to which Emirates Skywards miles can be transferred after 6 months.

Overall one has to say, that it had always been a great pleasure to fly Sri Lankan Airlines.

more information on Sri Lanka at web62.com