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Airline: SriLankan Airlines
Flight Number: UL454
Route: CMB-NRT
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Registration: 4R-ALS
Delivered: April 2009
Flight Duration: 7 Hours 45 Minutes
Distance: 4,285 Miles
Overall Impression:
As aviation enthusiasts, we always jump at the chance to experience new products and services from airlines we don’t often fly with. Naturally, we were excited to see what SriLankan Airlines had to offer in business class on their Colombo to Tokyo route. However, this flight came with a twist: it was originally scheduled to be operated by the larger Airbus A330-300 featuring updated reverse-herringbone business class seats. Unfortunately, a last-minute swap to the older A330-200 left us disappointed.
The 15-year-old A330-200 showed its age with business class seats that were undeniably worn out, plain, and in dire need of refurbishment. The catering from Colombo was adequate, though it fell short of expectations for one of SriLankan’s more premium routes.
Thankfully, the cabin crew turned things around. Warm, friendly, and attentive, they went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable experience. From proactive drink refills to thoughtful check-ins throughout the flight, their hospitality truly stood out and helped salvage an otherwise underwhelming journey.
What I liked:
The service – The in-flight service by the crew was exceptional and truly the highlight of the flight. While I’ve come across reports of inconsistent experiences with SriLankan Airlines’ cabin crew, this flight proved to be a pleasant surprise. The flight attendants in our section were friendly, attentive, and efficient. Business class passengers were promptly offered pre-departure beverages and hot towels, setting a welcoming tone. Throughout the flight, the crew proactively checked in, ensuring we were comfortable and well taken care of. Their warmth and professionalism went a long way in elevating the overall experience.
It was OK:
The Onboard amenities – For this 7-hour-plus flight, SriLankan Airlines provided a modest range of onboard amenities. Business class passengers received an Aigner-branded amenity kit, along with slippers, socks, and eyeshades, noise-canceling headphones, and a bottle of water. A full-size pillow and a thin blanket were also provided. While the pillow was comfortable enough, the blanket felt scratchy and lacked the premium feel you’d expect in business class. A better-quality duvet would have been a much-appreciated upgrade.
The business class lavatories were kept clean throughout the flight, which was reassuring. However, they were quite basic, offering only hand soap with no additional toiletries or amenities.
Serendib Lounge at CMB – SriLankan Airlines’ Serendib Lounge at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) was decent but far from extraordinary. The lounge is relatively small but manages to offer plenty of comfortable seating throughout, ensuring a relaxed environment. For those seeking additional comfort, a rest and relaxation room with recliners is available, which is a thoughtful touch.
The buffet provided a variety of food options, but unfortunately, none of the dishes appeared particularly enticing. Beverage options included a self-serve soft drink bar and a fully stocked bar for alcoholic beverages, catering to a range of preferences.
Overall, the Serendib Lounge is likely the best option at CMB for a short layover. However, it doesn’t offer enough in terms of ambiance, amenities, or food quality to warrant spending more than a couple of hours there.
What I didn’t like:
The seats – Where do I even begin? The seats on this 15-year-old A330-200 were clearly past their prime—tired, dirty, and creaking at every adjustment, especially when converting into bed mode. While the seats do lie flat, they do so at a slight angle, which might not be ideal for everyone. On the bright side, there was ample legroom, a definite plus for taller travelers. However, privacy was severely lacking, which could be a significant drawback for solo passengers seeking a more private experience.
The Food – The catering on this flight was adequate but left room for improvement. The beverage service began promptly after takeoff, followed by the dinner meal service. For starters, I opted for the quinoa vinaigrette salad, while my companion chose the tuna, butter beans, and celery salad. Both starters were served with a warm bread roll and a cheese-and-crackers platter. While the flavors were fresh, the portions were disappointingly small.
For the main course, I had the stir-fried oyster beef. While the dish was flavorful, the beef was unfortunately tough and inedible—I took one bite and had to send it back. My companion fared better with the tamarind chicken curry, which was a more enjoyable choice. Dessert was the standout of the meal: a delicious coffee crème brûlée paired with a cup of Ceylon tea, providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to dinner.
Two hours before landing, a pre-arrival meal was served. The continental breakfast included a cup of fresh fruit, yogurt, toast, a croissant with condiments, and beverages. I added a glass of orange juice and coffee, with the latter being the highlight of the meal. While the breakfast was fine, it was underwhelming considering I hadn’t eaten much from dinner. A wider selection, perhaps with a hot option, would have been a welcome addition.
No Personal Air Nozzles – One drawback of this aircraft is the absence of personal air nozzles. This means you won’t be able to adjust the airflow to your liking during the flight. While this isn’t a major issue for everyone, it’s worth noting for those who value having more control over their cabin environment, especially on longer flights where temperature comfort can make a difference.
Bottom Line:
While SriLankan Airlines’ business class on the A330-200 offers some positives, such as attentive and friendly cabin crew and a decent range of amenities, the overall experience falls short of expectations for a premium product. The dated and worn-out seats, underwhelming catering, and lack of personal air nozzles detract from the comfort of the flight. The Serendib Lounge at CMB provides a decent pre-flight experience but is nothing exceptional.
If service and hospitality are your top priorities, SriLankan Airlines delivers, but the aging hardware and inconsistent catering may leave frequent flyers seeking alternatives for a truly premium experience.
TravelingFoody.com 