By: Staff Writer
April 04, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines will get two out four A330 wide-body aircraft from Ireland-based ORIX Aviation and Aergo Capital Ltd., on monitoring lease facilities, along with an additional aircraft SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage disclosed.
The move follows a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting held on Monday based on the recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and the Standing Procurement Committee.
Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the media the approved contracts include the lease of two aircraft from ORIX Aviation and two aircraft from Aergo Capital Ltd.
Under these contracts, ORIX Aviation will provide two aircraft on a monthly lease of $ 360,000 for six years, whilst Aergo Capital Ltd., will lease two aircraft for a monthly fee of $ 365,000, spanning eight years,” he said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing held yesterday.
The proposal to this effect submitted by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.
SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage disclosed that the airline has contracted for three A320s, one of which is already received. Additionally, the airline has received offers for six A330s and hopes of finalising these acquisitions by the end of the year.
He said the fleet expansion of the national carrier remains an immediate focus as the current fleet consists of 17 aircraft, of which three are grounded.
Previously, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the acquisition of two aircraft for SriLankan Airlines under an operational lease scheme during their meeting held on 18 March.
Justifying the decision, Gunawardena said these aircraft leases expect to facilitate the seamless operation of services of the national carrier.
The lease will allow the airline to continue operations till a deal is reached in the interim,” he explained the rationale for leasing aircraft amid the Government extending the tender to sell the airline to investors.
SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage revealed yesterday that procurement delays have resulted in only two of the four wide-body aircraft approved by the Cabinet being available for lease for the national carrier.
Speaking to the media, Pathirage explained that the lengthy Government procurement procedures, coupled with the high global demand for aircraft post-COVID pandemic, have significantly delayed the acquisition of additional flights for the airline.
Recalling that the lease cost of an A330 airplane of A330 four years ago was $ 1 million, but after taking a 25% haircut, they were able to lease one for $ 750,000, he argued that $ 360,000 for a six-year lease was a favourable price for an airplane.
