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Last Updated : 2023-12-03 19:54:00
Sun, 03 Dec 2023 Today's Paper
13 September 2023 10:54 pm - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
--State-owned airline expects to have a healthy profit this year
Nearly 60 pilots have left SriLankan Airlines during the last 12 months and the airline is in the process of recruiting pilots. It has already obtained Government approval to recruit foreign pilots if required, to face the shortage, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Richard Nuttall said.
The loss-making SriLankan Airlines witnessed a significant departure of pilots in response to recent national economic challenges. The country's sovereign debt default and the government's decision to impose higher taxes prompted some pilots to leave the airline.
These departures have posed a challenge for SriLankan Airlines in maintaining its pilot workforce.
The CEO said the airline requires at least 30 pilots this year, and potentially 50 more by the middle of next year.
“Fortunately, there is a pool of skilled pilots available in Southeast Asia and Northern Europe," he added.
He said the airline has received government approval to hire foreign pilots, should the need arise to address the current shortage.
"It is approved and the package offered to foreign pilots is on par with that of local pilots, with the exception of international standard housing,” he said.
SriLankan Airlines currently operates a vast network of 112 destinations spanning 58 countries. With a fleet of 23 aircraft, SriLankan Airlines has temporarily grounded three of its aircraft for engine repairs. All aircraft in its fleet are leased.
According to the pilot cadre within the airline, SriLankan Airlines currently operates with a team comprising 143 captains, 53 first officers and 26 junior first officers.
Additionally, the airline is actively nurturing its future talent pool, with 14 cadet pilots undergoing training within the organization.
The CEO pointed out that the airline industry is notoriously capital-intensive and has a history of being challenging for governments to operate profitably.
He said turning a profit in the coming years might be slightly more challenging than the present year. However, he expressed optimism that strategic growth initiatives, including expanding the airline's hub, acquiring new aircraft and strengthening the entire network, will create a more resilient and cost-effective operation.
“Carrying over five million passengers annually, highlighting the inevitable challenges that arise in the aviation industry, delays during peak seasons and occasional disruptions due to various factors are common worldwide, and SriLankan Airlines is no exception," he added.
The CEO encouraged a shift in focus from minor issues to the broader understanding of the industry's complexity.
Speaking about privatization and restructuring of SriLankan Airlines, the CEO said privatization represents a significant strategic shift that can potentially inject fresh capital, expertise and efficiency into the airline.
“It doesn't matter whether it's government-owned or whether it's privatised, you need to have a strong national carrier. I'm not going to talk very much about the process itself. The process is in the hands of the government. And as an airline, we don't mind whether we're privatised, we don't mind whether it's facing government hands, as long as we get the support we need to grow this business for the benefits of the region,” he said.
Nuttall highlighted that successful debt restructuring would not only lower the airline's immediate financial stress but also enhance its creditworthiness, making it more attractive to potential private investors during the privatization process.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)
Retd.pilot Thursday, 14 September 2023 01:53 AM
Advertise for pilots to fly Sri Lankan airlines.
Nilmini Welivita Thursday, 14 September 2023 02:30 AM
The only option is to train the hostesses to pilot the fleet. They can service the passengers when the plane is on auto pilot to cut costs.
reyaz Friday, 15 September 2023 10:22 AM
Are you crazy, piloting is a "have to be alert" job, any thing can go wrong any second. Not to mention the aircraft engine problems get noticed in the gauges and alert systems, that may require split second action.
Tinpot president and his subhuman masters Thursday, 14 September 2023 02:35 AM
Another Ranil rajapaksa success story. Just sell it to the bidder with the highest offer of commission.
Space monkey Thursday, 14 September 2023 02:39 AM
We should appoint Chichi as the head to replace Namals inlaw. If he can send rockets to planet Hambantota, I am sure he is well qualified for the job.
rajapaksa mile high club Thursday, 14 September 2023 02:42 AM
Health profit for whom? Namals farther in law?
Jeanne Thursday, 14 September 2023 03:20 AM
What an absolute travesty! Sri Lanka seems incapable of retaining any professional of worth and integrity. The only professionals that will NEVER leave this country are the crooked politicians. Shame!
Galkissaboi Thursday, 14 September 2023 04:16 PM
But they are not professionals.
sampath Thursday, 14 September 2023 03:56 AM
Better to handover Air Lanka to Rajapakses. They will manage very well.
Rene Thursday, 14 September 2023 05:13 AM
Divest it immediately this thing has ruined our country
dias Thursday, 14 September 2023 05:35 AM
So for 23 Aeroplanes you need more than 200 pilots to operate. Tickets are expensive and full and the Airline is totally bankrupt?
Cheers Thursday, 14 September 2023 06:11 AM
Good it will be a blessing letting pilots who wants to leave and focus on new recruits and foreign pilots which will be a healthy composition to the national carrier without any lethargic attitude. When they work overseas they have to work double and maintain efficiency
Anonymous Thursday, 14 September 2023 07:13 AM
The so called 'international standard housing' allowance mentioned here is a tax free allowance of approximately USD 3000. Foreign pilots will be payed through an outsourced company the same way that that the Chairman is being payed. This is done so that the entire salary can be kept tax free. The local pilots are not offered the same conditions and is the primary reason that most are leaving.
Dee Thursday, 14 September 2023 08:19 AM
This is just like SLR . So few aircraft and need hundreds of pilots. Also full of destructive pro communist unions. Just shut it down or sell it off(if there are buyers)
Terrence K Thursday, 14 September 2023 08:23 AM
The govt. have some dumb decision makers who are not conversant with numbers as to the revision of the taxation which have brought professionals from different fields to live a hand to mouth life. Now they are lamenting the loss of human capital to other countries and moves to bring foreigners to fill the vacuum at what PRICE? Always prudent decisions have to be made at the right time even in a crisis to ensure that the govt does not rock the boat of our professionals as there are many countries alert to offer opportunities to attract our human capital who are geared with knowledge and experience and who have displayed acumen in the past in their respective professions.
joshua Thursday, 14 September 2023 08:33 AM
Well done Rajapkashes and SLPP who ruined the country together with the greatest economist Cabba. We are reaping a rich harvest.
Jude Thursday, 14 September 2023 10:05 AM
Ground the damn thing, sell the planes, return the planes that is on lease!! Save The Treasury billions of rupees.
R.K. Jonny Balasinghe - Flying businessman Thursday, 14 September 2023 12:19 PM
Indian bus drivers will come to Srilanka to operate our so-called Sri Lankan Airlines flights almost similar to CTB buses.
Darrel Wesley Moses Thursday, 14 September 2023 12:24 PM
One time the best Air lines globally had become like a Bakki Karatha honestly. Served food is rubbish, no hard liquor except local beer, very noisy like travelling by our state buses, sloppy elderly crew with embalmed faces. What is this Ranil? When we can have a Airline like Emirates.
J.M.D. Fernando [Attorney-at-Law] Thursday, 14 September 2023 12:28 PM
Only Indian and Pakistani bus/taxi drivers will come to join SriLankan Airlines, like Kehliya Rambukwella's cheap, inferior quality drugs purchased paying huge money (commission to him contract basis)
Do Doo Dooo Chin Thursday, 14 September 2023 12:30 PM
Ranil, your planning is very poor comparing to even un-educated President Sirisena. Who will come to SL to operate our 3rd class flights.
Rishan Thursday, 14 September 2023 03:19 PM
Recruit foreign pilots and pay more $$$ to them
ANNECUNT Thursday, 14 September 2023 03:24 PM
None of the buyers are willing to give commission that is why the delay in selling
Tissa Fernando Thursday, 14 September 2023 05:17 PM
When you have no hope and you have to work for stupid , corrupt and thuggery ministers , what else can you do except looking for better opportunities abroad. Stupid people in Sri Lanka ridiculed educated people and now they are leaving the country. Stupids don't realise that they cannot survive without these knowledgeable and experienced people.
Ismet Zaheed Thursday, 14 September 2023 05:33 PM
God forbid! Tragedy in the air?
wickrama wijayasiri Thursday, 14 September 2023 05:59 PM
How many pilots do we have with only a handful of craft?
Tissa Fernando Friday, 15 September 2023 03:47 AM
@Wicrama Wijayasiri, it is a good question, let us do some calculations by taking one route. Colombo Abu Dhabi Colombo, one way travel time 4.5 hours , Air Port wait 2 hours , so a round trip requires the Air Craft to be used for at least for 13 to 14 hours. A single round trip requires 4 piolts. 2 each way. Since it is a daily flight , you may need 3 groups of 4 pilots. That means 12 pilots are required to operate this route alone. Sri Lankan has about 40 routes and at least 480 pilots are required. Remember, pilots are for specific types of Air crafts . I have given a very optimistic estimate . Sri Lanka has capable people but not capable leaders.
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