Leased for a period of six years, the aircraft arrived in Colombo from Malaysia on Thursday night (21 Dec.), and is set to enter service promptly after customization and branding. Its inaugural flight is scheduled to take place on 29 December, to the Maldives.

The Airbus A320 is equipped with Sharklet wingtips, contributing to reduced drag and increased fuel efficiency, and will primarily serve on short and medium-haul routes covering the Indian subcontinent, the Far East, and the Middle East.

Featuring a configuration of 12 Business Class seats and 138 Economy Class seats, the 4R – ABS will enable the national carrier to enhance its seating capacity on these routes.