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Sunday, October 25 2026
Sunday, October 25 2026
MONETABRIEF – A Sri Lanka born former Jaffna resident had piloted the first British Airway Boeing 777 aircraft as the airline resumed direct flights from London-Gatwick.
The first British Airways aircraft landed in Colombo on Saturday after a gap of around 11 years.
Pradeeb Vimalraj, Senior First Officer, who operated the airline’s inaugural flight, said:
"As a Sri Lankan, born and raised in Jaffna in my early years, bringing our first flight back home after more than a decade was particularly special," Pradeeb Vimalraj, Senior First Officer was quoted as saying in a statement.
"The warm welcome we received made it even more memorable, and I’m so proud to be part of this new chapter connecting Sri Lanka and the UK."
The Hayleys Advantis Limited is the General Sales Agent for BA in Sri Lanka.
"The service will offer customers greater travel options while supporting tourism and business travel between the two markets, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with British Airways," Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne said.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the airline was offering introductory fares.
Return ticket are offered at 255,000 for booking until November 15. (Colombo/Oct25/2026)
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