UL is coming to Melbourne!

[BensAdventures]

Just read this on Ausbt this morning.

https://www.ausbt.com.au/srilankan-airlines-to-launch-colombo-melbourne-flights-this-year

For positioning flights for some of those cheap CMB fares, this is handy, plus for those like me with business (or family) in Sri Lanka and surrounds, a direct A330 flight isn't too bad. Their new business class hard product is actually very good and their service I've always found pleasant.

Let's hope for some great introductory fares for later this year!

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Another exciting addition to the OW route map ex MEL.

This route makes plenty of sense, considering the very large Sri-Lankan community in Melbourne which is reportedly larger than Sydney.

 

[TonyHancock]

Their new business class hard product is actually very good and their service I've always found pleasant.!

That has been my experience too. I did a couple of CMB-LHR's and was impressed.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

This is great news and will provide excellent options into the subcontinent as well. Now to cross my fingers and toes that Qantas will sell flights with a QF code like they do with flights to Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City.

 

[Pushka]

Traveling on UL in July from Colombo and had to swing via HK and CX. Good to hear the 330 is good experience as we are flying into Colombo from LHR in J.

 

[love_the_life]

Looking forward to having another choice out of MEL. Hope they keep the prices competitive though.

 

[Altair]

Looking forward to having another choice out of MEL. Hope they keep the prices competitive though.

Well lucky for you AC has announced that they will test the waters with a seasonal service to YVR.
Official announcement aircanada.com

 

[Catweazle]

And tourism seems to be steadily growing since the civil war, despite some occasional tension in the north, so I'm told. Looks like a great place to visit, so I for one will be keeping my ear to the ground about promo fares to come... or being AFF, should be that 'keeping my head in the clouds' :mrgreen:

 

[Steelo]

Sri Lanka is a great place to visit - currently seems to be predominantly Russian and German tourists in certain areas. The direct flight will be a good opportunity. UL can be a bit hit and miss sometimes - but I have found that their service is much better on the longer routes. The Colombo airport is fine and the Sri Lankan Business Lounge is surprisingly good - with a separate "sleeping" area - good food and drinks.

 

[ermen]

Sri Lanka is a great place to visit - currently seems to be predominantly Russian and German tourists in certain areas. The direct flight will be a good opportunity. UL can be a bit hit and miss sometimes - but I have found that their service is much better on the longer routes. The Colombo airport is fine and the Sri Lankan Business Lounge is surprisingly good - with a separate "sleeping" area - good food and drinks.

Never seen the "sleeping" area when I went. Maybe need to take a closer look around the lounge.

 

[Steelo]

I may have mislead you as the sleeping Lounge is in the Serendip Lounge - not the [FONT=&quot]Serendiva lounge. I have only ever visited the Serendip Lounge at Colombo, as a OW Platinum on J flights - there is a room with about 6 reclining lounges and blankets provided. They gently wake you up when your fight is due. [/FONT]

Never seen the "sleeping" area when I went. Maybe need to take a closer look around the lounge.

 

[badseed]

Great news! Plenty of people I know are heading to Sri Lanka this year for resort hopping, so as well as the local ex-pats there's definitely a growing awareness of tourism.

As a kid I remember going out to MEL airport to see the inaugural Air Lanka L1011 Tristar arrive, as it was the only scheduled flight of that aircraft type. Good times on the old Tulla observation deck. These days they really could make a killing with a beer garden out there.

 

[straitman]

Any new addition is good news. They can maybe have a few of the Qantas slots as they withdraw to Sydney.

 

[docjames]

Any new addition is good news. They can maybe have a few of the Qantas slots as they withdraw to Sydney.

Was thinking much the same - another option to UK - wonder how the imtetable/pricing will go on a through trip to UK?

Edit: Feb dates on UL web pricing $1844 ret but it's using MH via KUL so ? not loaded yet.

 

[Pushka]

Was thinking much the same - another option to UK - wonder how the imtetable/pricing will go on a through trip to UK?

Edit: Feb dates on UL web pricing $1844 ret but it's using MH via KUL so ? not loaded yet.

We are flying from LHR through to Colombo direct on an overnight flight then Colombo to Adelaide via HK in July as direct route not out yet. But it's something I'd book! First flight was an award J and second a paid J. Great price for that.

 

[Catweazle]

Incidentally, I'm curious to know what the additional fees/taxes will be for an award booking direct MEL - CMB on QFF points. Personally, I'd rather this route over the new MEL–PER–LHR.

 

[Danger]

Incidentally, I'm curious to know what the additional fees/taxes will be for an award booking direct MEL - CMB on QFF points. Personally, I'd rather this route over the new MEL–PER–LHR.

And, on the flipside of the coin, how bad the points and SC earning will be.

 

[yohy?!]

hope their long haul product is better than intra-Asia... they're one of the worst airlines Ive flown in Economy - shabby cabin, tight legroom, abrupt service and awful food, non existent IFE

 

[defurax]

hope their long haul product is better than intra-Asia... they're one of the worst airlines Ive flown in Economy - shabby cabin, tight legroom, abrupt service and awful food, non existent IFE

I've never flown them in Y, but in J I've always experienced great service. The leg room in J on the A320 is almost too much!! The old flat bed on the 332 is comfortable for sleeping, but a bit ackward in other positions. The hard product in the 333 is very similar to CX. One thing UL also do well is hot towel, I think you get 4 or 6 in a long haul flight .

My guess is that MEL-CMB-LHR will be priced similar to MH, so I might continue to position SIN, KUL or HKG to fly UL.

 

[madrooster]

Incidentally, I'm curious to know what the additional fees/taxes will be for an award booking direct MEL - CMB on QFF points. Personally, I'd rather this route over the new MEL–PER–LHR.

High - UL fuel fines are as bad as QF and in some cases worse/