SriLankan Airlines transforms BIA’s Serendib Lounge with latest IT sophistication

SriLankan Airlines has transformed its plush ‘Serendib’ Business Class Lounge at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) into one of the most technologically advanced airport lounges by investing in state-of-the-art systems in entertainment, business and information.

The enhancement of the Serendib Lounge’s facilities is one of the many steps by the National Carrier in support of the country’s aviation and tourism industries, which the Government views as catalysts in the country’s economic growth. BIA, already reputed as the finest airport in South Asia, is currently undergoing yet another phase of expansion to add even more facilities apart from its modern aero bridges, new arrivals and departures terminals, new pier, elegant airport hotel, and well-stocked duty free centre.

SriLankan’s Head of Service Delivery, G.T.Jeyaseelan, said: “At SriLankan we are constantly seeking to innovate in order to provide our passengers with the very best in comfort and convenience. That’s on top of our world renowned reputation for the highest standards in service, both in the air and on the ground.”

SriLankan last year won two Platinum Awards from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the air travel industry’s global governing body, for its use of sophisticated technology to advance its business and passenger convenience. They included one for its operations at BIA where it is the sole ground handler for all airlines; and another for being one of the first airlines in the world to introduce a major innovation to tickets – the 2D Bar Coded Boarding Passes Programme.

SriLankan’s Head of Information Technology Kamal Nanayakkara said: “We at SriLankan take great pride in being in the forefront of cutting edge technology for the benefit of our passengers. Although we are a small airline, we are definitely up there with the large airlines when it comes to having the latest technology.”

SriLankan was also recently honoured by Microsoft Sri Lanka as an ‘Early Implementer of Technology’; and won a Merit Award at the National Best Quality Software Awards 2010 (NBQSA), which recognises innovations in Information Technology.

Among the exciting new additions are two giant television screens — 55-inch LED backlit screens — which give you the feeling of being in a mini-movie theatre. They are connected to the sophisticated Blue Ray Home Theatre System and there’s a well-stocked Movie Library to choose your favourite blockbusters from Hollywood and Bollywood.

There’s also a Satellite TV with about a hundred channels to choose from for news, sports, music, children’s channels, nature, local channels, and movies. SriLankan has even added Bose Mini Music Players in each of the three resting rooms in the lounge.

Kids, and the young at heart, will also love the Microsoft X-Box Gaming Console which is the last word in gaming entertainment.

SriLankan certainly hasn’t forgotten the needs of business travellers, adding a Digital Camera with a Photo Printer so you can easily shoot and print high quality photos. There are also Portable I-Pads with Wifi connectivity; and a high quality Laser Colour Printer connected to a Fax. Also the lounge has provisioned business desktops to passengers to continue their most needed business communication matters until the flight is ready for boarding. This includes an all new Apple iMac which delights all Apple lovers in entertainment as well as business travellers. Added to all, touch screen Skype phone with audio and video call facility is also available on lounge so that the passengers can simply take their Skype call without costing any charge.

Passengers also have the benefit of two 46-inch display screens for flight Information to stay abreast of the latest flight timings.

The Serendib Lounge is for the use of all of SriLankan Airlines’ Business Class passengers — in transit, arrival or departure. It already has a reputation as one of the finest lounges in the region with its luxurious furniture including reclining armchairs, superior ambience, wide range of cuisine and beverages including beer on tap and a selection of specialty teas and coffees, panoramic view of the airport’s apron through floor to ceiling viewing glass, and convenient location within BIA.

Breaking the concept of a traditional lounge, the SriLankan Airlines ‘Serendib’ Business Class Lounge is soon to expect ‘Microsoft Surface’, the interactive lounge table that offers surface computing platform responds to natural hand gestures and real world objects. It has a 360-degree user interface and contains fun filled entertaining applications that passengers can interact – just like they are using a computer.

Other features of the Serendib Lounge are the Siddhalepa massage service, showers, and separate area for smokers.