Crossing the Indian Ocean in SriLankan Airlines’ refreshed A330 business class

SriLankan Airlines’ A330 business class blends newly refreshed cabins, warm Colombo lounge service and a proudly Sri Lankan food-and-tea program – though not without a hiccup. A late-night long-haul from Colombo to Sydney reveals how the carrier’s ‘silk route’ experience really stacks up

Checking in

Having arrived early from Sri Lanka’s south coast and already spent an hour amid the colourful bustle of Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, I’m eager to experience what SriLankan Airlines refers to as its ‘silk route’. Upon check-in, though, I quickly find out that despite reserving our seats months earlier, my husband and I are allocated to opposite ends of the business class cabin. Not quite the silken streamlining I’d anticipated.

The lounge

I find calm behind the heavy timber doors of the Serendib Lounge where a profusion of black and tan tub chairs and a compact dining space overlook the aircraft parking bay. Given our flight’s post-midnight departure schedule I’m yawning already, and make a mental note of the eight over-stuffed leather recliners in a ‘quiet zone’ to the right of entrance. But first: I hit the shower, grateful for a hamper – towel, 02 Oxygen bath wash, lotion and conditioning shampoo minis, and a toothbrush and paste set – proffered by the eager-to-please lounge attendants.

The timber vanity in the single stall offers ample bench space, and there’s a toilet and dual-headed shower within the oversize cubicle, with water pressure decent enough to leave me refreshed and reconsidering the complimentary buffet. 

The spread offers a tasty cream of cauliflower soup together with fairly typical Western staples – roast chicken and vegetables, cold meats, salads, cheese, cling-wrapped sandwiches, desserts and cakes – but the local curries and regional dishes are where the flavour is at.

There are a selection of spirits and European wines ready to pour at the bar – and a Joseph Perrier Champagne on ice – but, given the late hour, I gravitate to the hot beverage counter, where Sri Lanka’s tea culture is proudly showcased with a selection of local Jaf Tea blends, and an ornate silver hot water decanter.

The cabin

Comprised of 28 leather seats in the national carrier’s signature peacock and cream colour palette, the cabin is laid out in a 1x2x1 reverse herringbone configuration that delivers all passengers direct aisle access throughout the 10-hour flight.

The airline’s A330-300 fleet has been operational for around a decade, but thanks to a 2024 refurbishment the cabin feels comfortably upgraded, its eco-friendly carpets, pillow slips and headrest covers – all crafted from recycled materials – nodding to a recent sustainability focus. There’s also a starry-night effect, that transforms the ceiling when lights dim, adding what I hope will be a sleep-inducing ambience.

The seat

Toward the rear of the business class cabin, pod 6K provides me a window view and, even without a privacy screen, appears to offer more seclusion than the inward-facing middle seats, which share a low divider. There’s a shelf, headphone hanger, coat hook and magazine rack for storage, a 15.4-inch swivel-arm screen with accompanying handset, well-padded headphones, a USB charging port, an international 110-volt outlet and, most importantly in my view, a fully lie-flat bed allowing me a generous 198cm to stretch out.

Beverages

As in the lounge, Joseph Perrier Champagne tops the Sky Bar menu, which also lists Cognac Leyrat XO Hors d’Age, Absolut Vodka, Gibson’s London Dry Gin, Bacardi rum, Baileys and Kahlúa liqueurs, a Martini apertif, Old Reserve Arrack – a traditional Sri Lankan coconut-flower-based libation – and 18 year old Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker Black Label and The Glenlivet Single Malt whiskies.

Wines are not listed, though a Calvet Savignon Blanc, Piccini Pinot Grigio, Don Silvestre Cabernet Savignon and Château La Gamaye merlot and malbec blend top the drink trolley. Sri Lanka’s Lion Lager is championed onboard, together with the expected array of juices and soft drinks – including a delightful, freshly-harvested king coconut water – and, of course, there’s a tea service, presenting at least eight local Jaf Tea options, plus freshly brewed international coffee.

Food

The first meal will be served around 2am, according to my body clock, so I’m initially dismissive of the menu, but the vibrant cover art entices me – as does the memory of the delectable Paneer Kofta and Chole Masala I sampled on my inbound flight. From the four main course options I settle on stir-fried soy chicken with vegetable glass noodles and steamed pak choi. Service is preceded by a white linen tablecloth, with each course served individually, and when it arrives on a large cloth-covered tray, my main proves both succulently sticky with just the right hit of chilli.

Should I wake peckish, the stewardess assures me there are sandwiches, cookies and cashew nuts available, though I’m confident the two meals served will amply sustain me.

Several dishes on each menu proudly emphasise the renowned flavours and spices of Sri Lanka and its surrounding region and – though also catering to Western and vegetarian tastes – as the aromatic Semolina Upma and Masala Dosa I select for breakfast affirms, these are undoubtedly the highlight.

Amenities

There are slippers, socks and a quality eye-mask at my seat upon boarding and an amenity kit, by European design house Aigner, appears later. The two-tone fabric pouch includes earplugs, tissues, lip gloss, body lotion, a toothbrush and paste, together with a fold-open brush-comb combo that will likely find a permanent home in my swim bag.

I find the well-stuffed pillow better under my knees than my neck and, given my sensitivity to cold, I’m glad of my trusty Kathmandu jacket, as the supplied blanket is stand-airline-issue weight. It’s soft though, and easily long enough to fully cover me when stretched out flat.

Entertainment and technology

Owing to the timing of this flight slumber is prioritised, so I don’t pay much attention to the Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system. A quick flick during mealtimes reveals 18 new release movies among the 200 or so available – Bollywood blockbusters included – and a decent variety of television series. I can’t get games or news to load, but 22 e-reader magazines and more than 100 audio choices deliver plenty of material to doze off to.

Baggage

Business class passengers are allowed 40 kg of checked baggage (maximum 32 kg per piece), together with two pieces of hand baggage (maximum 7 kg) and one personal item.