LONDON – On the 5th of July 2022, the national airlines of Sri Lanka and Kuwait both announced a new codeshare partnership as of the 20th of June 2022.
This means that Sri Lanka Airlines and Kuwait Airways will be closer than ever.
The two airlines will now, therefore, place the other’s marketing code on the routes between Colombo and Kuwait City respectively after this partnership was announced.
A new milestone for the two airlines as there is a significant amount of traffic between Colombo and Kuwait City.
In fact, the relationship between the two flag carriers fated in 1999, when Sri Lankan Airlines or formerly known as Air Lanka has now flown to and from Kuwait City for over 4 decades on a daily basis.
Vice versa, the Kuwaiti flag carrier had been serving Colombo since 1978 and plans as of October 2022 to fly thrice weekly to Colombo. Though the political and economic crisis may change these plans after all.
Passengers from both originating destinations will definitely benefit from this codeshare partnership, as this would ensure they travel between the two destinations.
The codeshare flights will allow passengers to interchange airlines easily and flexibly and passengers can purchase both flights from either airline.
Moreover, Kuwait Airlines flying to North America and Europe can also connect easily and seamlessly to Colombo with this partnership. This will inevitably increase passenger traffic between both destinations.
Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines stated, “We are delighted to enter a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Kuwait Airways and SriLankan Airlines that is expected to generate value for our customers in multiple ways.”
“The Middle Eastern market has always been important to Sri Lankan Airlines, and we continually endeavour to expand our network and product portfolio to serve this segment better.”
“We look forward to working with Kuwait Airways and creating greater synergy between our combined networks for the benefit of our passengers.”
Maen Razouqi, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways stated, “We welcome SriLankan Airlines as our codeshare partner.”
“The new beginning of this partnership will support Kuwait Airways and SriLankan Airlines operations between the two cities and allow more travel options, and facilities for the public.”
“Passengers and travel agents will be able to book directly on these flights through our offices/website/APP and agents’ reservation system.”
“Further, this Codeshare Partnership will not only enhance the relationship between the two airlines but also the strong relationship between the two friendly States, Kuwait and Sri Lanka.”
“On this occasion, I would like to thank Mr. Richard Nuttall and both the teams for their efforts in making this Codeshare Agreement effective.”
A frequent flier programme is also on its way for both national carriers. This will benefit frequent travelers flying between both cities, or using Kuwait City or Colombo airports as connecting hubs for elsewhere.
With the situation worsening in Sri Lanka every day, would this inevitable jeopardise the partnership between Kuwait Airlines and Sri Lankan Airways?
This move could be seen as a bold move for Kuwait Airlines, or either a move for the Sri Lankans to survive to gain more international originating passengers on their flights?
