Rankwire: 02 October 2026; Colombo – As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional aviation training, SriLankan Airlines has expanded its role by successfully hosting a specialised Airbus A330 Line Flying Under Supervision (LFUS) programme for six senior pilots from Etihad Airways. This achievement underscores the trust placed in SriLankan Airlines’ training and operational expertise by Etihad Airways, while also deepening the collaborative relationship between the two national carriers.
The programme involved five Type Rating Examiners (TREs) and one Senior Type Rating Examiner (STRE) from Etihad Airways. It was conducted with the support of SriLankan Airlines’ seasoned flight instructors, experienced flight crew, and operational teams, all working together to ensure a safe, efficient, and professionally enriching training environment for the visiting pilots.
Captain Chaminda De Zoysa, Head of Flight Operations at SriLankan Airlines, expressed his views on the programme’s success, stating, “For SriLankan Airlines, this opportunity represented more than a single training assignment. It demonstrates the airline’s ability to leverage its Airbus A330 fleet, experienced instructors, operational expertise and established training infrastructure to support the training and development of aviation professionals from other major global carriers. The initiative also highlights the potential of SriLankan Airlines Flight Training to serve as a regional aviation training partner, offering specialised and high-quality training solutions to international operators.”
The success of this initiative was made possible through meticulous planning and coordination by SriLankan Airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders played vital roles in establishing the necessary framework and securing approvals, facilitating the smooth execution of the programme.
Through efforts like these, SriLankan Airlines continues to show that its expertise extends beyond flight operations. The airline is actively supporting the growth of aviation professionals worldwide and positioning Sri Lanka as a key regional hub for professional aviation training.