SriLankan is world’s first airline to fly London-Male-London non-stop return
SriLankan Airlines has become the world’s first airline to operate non-stop return flights direct between London and Male.
Sri Lanka’s National Carrier, for many years the largest operator to the Maldives, introduced its new service from Male to London Heathrow on 26th October. SriLankan simultaneously increased its existing London-Male flights from two per week up to four.
Kaushal Seneviratne, SriLankan’s Regional Manager UK, Europe & Americas, said: “The Maldives is one of the destinations of choice among holidaymakers in the UK and other European nations, and is a fast-growing market. SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka have traditionally had close ties with the Maldives, and we are happy to strengthen this relationship through our new Male-London service.”
More than 850,000 tourists visited the Maldives in 2007, mainly from Europe. The Indian Ocean nation is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs teeming with reef fishes of every hue and colour. It is a favourite among upmarket tourists, including water sports enthusiasts and honeymooners.
SriLankan is renowned for its warm and friendly inflight service, and will operate its long-haul Airbus A340-300 aircraft fleet on the 11-hour route. These contain many on-board comforts such as 18-channel seatback television at every seat with 22 audio channels and 16 video games, with Business Class having a choice of movies on video as well.
Up to now, UK passengers bound for the Maldives on SriLankan returned to London via Colombo. SriLankan operates 8 flights from Colombo to London.
SriLankan has 15 flights between Male and Colombo, and also operates two return flights between Tokyo and Male.
Sri Lanka’s award-winning carrier now has a network of 44 destinations in 24 countries across Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest carriers into Indian, where it serves 11 cities.
