SriLankan Airlines Adapts to Harsh Cargo Landscape with Emphasis on Partnerships,

 E-Commerce, and Digital Transformation

Chaminda Perera, SriLankan Airlines. Source: SriLankan Airlines

Faced with challenging air cargo market conditions, SriLankan Airlines is considering partnerships, e-commerce, and digitalization to strengthen its export operations. General manager of cargo for the airline, Chaminda Perera, noted that Sri Lanka's export market is currently facing challenges from both global and local factors, such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, China-US trade disruptions, decreased consumer spending due to inflation, and the fuel shortage on the island.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and European nations are Sri Lanka's primary destinations for airfreight exports, with significant items including fashion apparel, tuna fish, live greenery, and fruits and vegetables. SriLankan Cargo intends to increase the number of interline cargo agreements with other airlines in order to improve capacity and give clients with the ability to transport cargo to locations beyond SriLankan's network. Additionally, the airline is seeking collaboration opportunities with online e-booking platforms in order to extend its market reach and enhance its market exposure.

SriLankan Airlines intends to increase capacity to China and capitalize on China's expanding e-commerce business, which holds the greatest market share. The airline is adapting to new market conditions and overcoming obstacles to return to pre-pandemic levels more quickly. In addition, SriLankan Airlines has rapidly increased its flight numbers, with over 9,000 flights operated by the end of January in the current fiscal year, showing that operations are nearing pre-pandemic levels.