Four replacement engines for grounded aircraft by mid-July: Minister

SriLankan Airlines is getting four replacement engines on July 15 to fix four Airbus aircraft that are now grounded, Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said Friday.

“With great difficulty we have talked to the engine repairing companies, given the engines, and got four engines that can be used,” the minister said. “For that it took six to seven months.”

“Those who repair engines give priority to airlines that have 100 to 200 aircraft, not to small airlines like ours in a small country. We have to understand that.”

SriLankan Airlines which has lost 1.2 billion US dollars needs a strong partner and the government is now planning to re-structure the airline, Minister de Silva said. The airline has 15 aircraft flying at the moment.

At least four A320NEO (New Engine Option) family aircraft were grounded over engine problems. Many other airlines had also seen problems with the engines.

SriLankan has a fleet of 22 aircraft. Around three are undergoing regular maintenance. The airline is also facing an exodus of pilots after tax hikes and a currency collapse. (EconomyNext)