Deadline for EOIs for SriLankan, Mihin Lanka extended until 31 August

The deadline for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the reorientation of loss-making national carrier SriLankan Airlines and budget carrier Mihin Lanka have been extended by a week until August 31, a statement from the company said.

The 24 August deadline for the proposals was extended by a week to accommodate four more companies that have shown interest in the reorientation process of the two carriers, according to an official.

The Sri Lankan government last month called for EOIs from any third parties interested in forming a strategic partnership with the two airlines.

Each submission is to be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of USD 5,000. NSB Fund Management, a unit of state-owned National Savings Bank, is the lead manager, while BNP Paribas and KPMG have been appointed as financial and transaction advisors.

China’s HNA Group has been reported as a potential frontrunner in the government’s quest to find a suitable strategic partner for SriLankan Airlines but no official applications have yet been made. (Colombopage)