Though SriLankan Airlines’ passenger capacity is similar to other airlines, the increase in its fuel costs are one of the reasons for it to incur huge losses, says the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

SriLankan Airlines’ fuel costs are almost half of its maintenance costs since more fuel consuming aircraft like the old A340-300 and A330-200 are being still used, says the CBSL.

Hence, six Airbus A330-300 and seven Airbus A350-900 aircraft are expected to be purchased and they would be taken charge by SriLankan Airlines by October, adds the CBSL.

This new fleet of aircraft is expected to reduce the fuel costs by six to 15 percent.