SriLankan Airlines to operate direct flights to China

SriLankan Airline, the national carrier of Sri Lanka will commence direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai from Colombo this week after years of preparations. The direct flights will allow passengers to fly directly to Beijing and Shanghai without a stop-over.

According to Kapila Chandrasena, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, the airline is excited about the direct services between Sri Lanka and China as this fortifies the future plans of country’s expansion into China which is one of the airline’s key markets. The airline is looking at increasing the number of destinations as well as frequencies to more cities in China in near future.

The carrier previously flew to China via Bangkok, with tourists heading for the Maldives filling many seats. After the commencement of these services, those heading for the Maldives will reach their destination with just one stop at either of international airports in Sri Lanka.  The new flights will come in handy for those flying to south Indian destinations such as Chennai and Bangalore. An Airbus A330-200 will fly Colombo-Beijing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and Colombo-Shanghai on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Sri Lankan Airline also offers flights from London to Beijing and visitors can also avail these services as well.