Colombo: State-run SriLankan Airlines is getting ready to resume scheduled flights by June if health authorities give the go-ahead, Chairman Ashok Pathirage said as the carrier is battling a to survive a Coronavirus crisis.

“We are working with Airport and Aviation Services to resume our scheduled commercial flights by the first of June,” Pathirage told an online forum organized by Sri Lanka’s National Chamber of Commerce.
 
“We can be ready, but it is up to the government and health authorities… they will have to evaluate and tell us when this could be possible.”

SriLankan stopped scheduled flights as airports closed and travel restrictions came in.

Pathirage said airports are gradually opening up. India had just given the nod to resume domestic flights.

“We have to learn to live with this pandemic,” Pathirage said. “I do not think we think this is going to go away in three months.

“We have to take all the important measures and walk with this. We have to think about the economy and the government revenues side.”

Lockdown curfews have brought many economic activities to a halt and the fiscal deficit is expected rise in 2020. The government has selectively let many businesses operate.

The airline is now selling tickets on a few flights to Japan, Hong Kong and London, which are operated to bring back SriLankans or take cargo.

SriLankan is also operating to over two dozen airports carrying cargo from Sri Lanka. It is also carrying cargo for third countries. Last week SriLankan airlifted supplies to South Africa.

https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-airline-readying-to-start-scheduled-flights-in-june-01-70000/