Rankwire: 02 October 2026; Colombo – The team responsible for flight training at SriLankan Airlines successfully executed a specialised Airbus A330 Line Flying Under Supervision (LFUS) programme for six senior pilots from Etihad Airways who are responsible for training and examinations. This achievement highlights the trust Etihad Airways has in SriLankan Airlines’ training and operational skills, while also enhancing the professional ties between these two national airlines.
The programme involved five Type Rating Examiners (TREs) and one Senior Type Rating Examiner (STRE) from Etihad Airways, who benefited from the expertise of SriLankan Airlines’ flight instructors, seasoned flight crew, and operational support teams. Their goal was to ensure a training experience that was safe, effective, and professionally enriching for the visiting examiners.
Captain Chaminda De Zoysa, SriLankan Airlines’ Head of Flight Operations, reflected on the programme’s achievements, 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.”
Extensive planning and coordination by SriLankan Airlines supported the successful implementation of this programme. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders helped establish the necessary framework and obtain the required clearances, ensuring smooth delivery of the training.
Through initiatives like this, SriLankan Airlines continues to show that its expertise extends beyond flight operations to include supporting the growth of aviation professionals worldwide and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for professional aviation training.