Melbourne’s airspace is getting busier by the day as SriLankan Airlines and Japan Airlines become the latest carriers to confirm new international services to and from the city.
The two airlines join a string of others, including Air China and Air Canada, to introduce new routes and operations to the fast growing Australian aviation hot spot.
Kicking things off in September is Japan Airlines’ new daily evening services which will compliment the carrier’s existing operations from Sydney as well as Melbourne-Narita flights operated by its oneworld partner, Qantas, which currently run during the day, Finder.com.au reported.
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will be utilised on the route, giving flyers the choice of 38 Business Class suites with lie-flat beds or spacious Economy Class seats.
Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines has confirmed speculations of a new Melbourne-Colombo service taking off from 29 October this year, The Island Online reported.
The new daily non-stop flights will tap into growing interest to visit the destination, which was named one of the hottest for 2017, while also catering to the large Sri Lankan diaspora residing around Australia.
An Airbus A330-200 aircraft will be used on the route to offer passengers access to 18 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 26 standard Economy seats.
SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive, Captain Suren Ratwatte, said a presence in Australia will optimise the airline’s network by connecting to a new continent.
“On the other hand, given the number of Sri Lankans residing in and around Victoria, we fulfill a long felt need for a direct service,” he said.
“We are proud to welcome all the diverse residents of Victoria who can now enjoy the direct connections when visiting their friends and families throughout our network.”