The national carrier Srilankan Airlines is to give up A340 aircraft which it is currently using as the company can no longer afford to maintain them, Minister of Civil Aviation Priyankara Jayaratne said in Parliament yesterday.

Minister Jayaratne who was speaking during the committee stage debate on the budget in the House said the A340 aircraft would be exchanged for A330 aircraft.

The minister however said Srilankan Airlines would have the largest fleet of 25 aircraft in its history by the end of year 2012. He said the fleet would be increased to 20 aircraft by mid 2012. He said the company would cover more destinations through increasing its fleet.

He also informed the house that a training centre for pilots would also be set up with an objective of producing competent air pilots.

Domestic aviation was also going to be an area which the ministry was planning to focus next year according to the minister who said Ratmalana Airport would be developed in accordance with this plan.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka