The official flag carrier of Sri Lanka, Air Lanka, was established in 1978 and has managed to make a strong presence in Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This IOSA certified airline has its headquarters at Colombo and Mattala, in Sri Lanka, and is considered to be one of the largest airlines in all of South Asia. Airline Ratings has given this airline a 7/7 safety rating. Over the years, Air Lanka has won several prestigious awards, including Airline of the Year for 2008, 2009 and 2010 at the Sri Lanka Presidential Travel & Tourism Awards. It has also won the title of the Best Airline Operator from South Asia at the annual Kuala Lumpur International Awards for an amazing 6th time in 2011.
The Fleet
As of 2014, this airline has a fleet of 22 aircraft that comprise of 6 A340s, 8 A330s and 8A320s. The A340s have spacious seating, cozy interiors and ample entertainment options that make your journey fun. The A330s are equipped for long hauls, complete with a relaxing ambience that can turn long tiring journeys into comfortable ones. The A320s are for short and medium haul routes, equipped with recliner seats, allowing you to relax and unwind.
Destinations
As of 2014, this airline serves close to 92 destinations in 44 countries around the globe. It covers all major business and holiday destinations, such as South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. From Colombo, it travels to several places in the US, including Dallas, San Francesco, Las Angeles, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Washington DC, Vancouver and more. In Europe, it caters to passengers travelling to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Brussels, Manchester, Zurich, Rome, Munich, Copenhagen and many more. Its Middle Eastern destinations include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, Kuwait, Riyadh and several others. It flies to several destinations in India too, including New Delhi, Karachi, Chennai and Bangalore.
On Board Services
There is no scope of getting bored on long flights with Air Lanka due to the wide range of entertainment options. You can choose from a wide list of Hollywood movies, television channels and sitcoms, and a wide range of music across 22 radio channels. You can even pre order food that will remind you of home, since the airline offers a wide range of options, including Muslim meals, Hindu meals, non-lactose meals, child meals, Jain vegetarian meals, Western vegan meals and more. Moreover, you can shop for duty free products and have them pre ordered before you commence your flight.
Web Check in and Online Booking
Although there is the convenience of web check-in from 24 hours to 2 hours prior to the flight’s departure, passengers who arrive early can conveniently spend time at the Serendib Lounge, where they have access to a wide variety of meals, internet services and even rest rooms with showers. Those planning to travel by Air Lanka can conveniently book their flight tickets online.
Before you Leave Home
It is essential to know the baggage allowance before you commence your journey. The baggage allowance depends on where you are travelling to. In case you do exceed the limit, you may be liable to pay extra.