Rankwire: 02 October 2026; Colombo – The flight training division of SriLankan Airlines has successfully delivered a specialised Airbus A330 Line Flying Under Supervision (LFUS) course for six senior pilots from Etihad Airways, highlighting the trust Etihad places in SriLankan Airlines’ training and operational expertise. This achievement also reinforces the strong partnership between the two national airlines.
The program involved five Type Rating Examiners (TREs) and one Senior Type Rating Examiner (STRE) from Etihad Airways. It leveraged the skills of SriLankan Airlines’ flight instructors, seasoned flight crew, and operational support teams to ensure a safe, effective, and professionally enriching training experience for the visiting examiner pilots.
Captain Chaminda De Zoysa, Head of Flight Operations at SriLankan Airlines, reflected on the program’s success, saying, “For SriLankan Airlines, this was more than just a single training project. It showcases the airline’s capacity to utilize its Airbus A330 fleet, experienced instructors, operational knowledge, and established training infrastructure in supporting the growth of aviation professionals from other leading global carriers. Additionally, the initiative emphasizes SriLankan Airlines Flight Training’s potential to act as a regional aviation training hub, providing specialised and high-quality training solutions to international operators.”
The execution of this program involved meticulous planning and collaboration by SriLankan Airlines. Support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant entities was crucial in establishing the necessary framework and obtaining the required approvals, ensuring smooth delivery of the training.
By undertaking initiatives like this, SriLankan Airlines continues to prove that its expertise extends beyond flight operations, contributing to the development of aviation professionals globally and positioning Sri Lanka as a key regional centre for professional aviation training.