We support to privatise the Government's decision the business: Richard Nuttall

No challenge is greater than the collective determination to overcome it, said SriLankan Airlines CEO, Richard Nuttall in an exclusive interview with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World. The airline has managed to recover with strong demand despite of the ongoing economic crisis at a time when the government is exploring options for disinvestment of the airlines as well its subsidiaries. Richard shares his thoughts on the challenges, economic crisis, policies and disinvestment issues which need to be addressed shortly for smooth functioning of the airline.

- Vishal Kashyap

Post-pandemic recovery: how the airline is hoping to ride the recovery wave / what is the most important lesson the airline has learnt through the pandemic?

On a positive note, SriLankan Airlines has recorded a strong recovery in demand over the recent months, irrespective of ongoing challenges. We believe that demand will continue to further normalize in the months ahead as global travel bounces back.

The most important lesson that we learnt in combating the pandemic is, perhaps, honing the ability to evolve and adapt to make the best out of any situation, be it an opportunity or challenge. As a result, since the pandemic, we have been paying special attention to building agility into our plans.

Being the national airline of Sri Lanka, what are your priorities amidst the ongoing economic crisis?

SriLankan Airlines is essentially the glue that holds Sri Lanka's connectedness to the world, and this is never more apparent than in times of adversity. SriLankan will have a significant role to play as the country gears up for a revival in tourism. Currently, SriLankan accounts for a large share of the seat capacity into Sri Lanka and is a leading carrier in most of the traditionally strong markets for tourism to Sri Lanka. We are also the only carrier whose primary marketing goal is to increase traffic to Sri Lanka. For e very other carrier, Sri Lanka is just a part of a network.

Our in-market expertise and knowledge is a vital part of the ecosystem that drives tourism to the country. In addition to tourism, we are a major facilitator in Sri Lanka's global business network, whether this be carrying businessmen and workers or as the largest carrier of air cargo between Sri Lanka and the world. Our priorities therefore are to reinforce our presence in the key markets and to return to medium-term growth both to be a catalyst for and to support the needs of the Sri Lankan economy.