SriLankan Airlines is removing its current fuel surcharge on fares on almost its entire route network with effect from January 1, in order to pass on the benefits of reduced fuel prices to passengers.

The airline has completely removed its fuel surcharge on all tickets to short-haul and medium-haul destinations, including all cities in India and the Middle East, as well as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing, Male, and Karachi.

The fuel surcharge on fares between Colombo and just five long-haul destinations – London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Tokyo - has also been greatly reduced, said a statement.

A flat rate surcharge of EUR 25 will be levied for one-way fares purchased in Europe, and EUR 50 for return tickets. Tickets purchased in the UK will have a surcharge of GBP25 one-way and GBP50 return. Fares from all other points to these five destinations will have a surcharge of $25 one-way and $50 return.

SriLankan introduced the fuel surcharge in July this year for short, medium and long-haul journeys when fuel prices reached a record high $147 per barrel of crude. Fuel prices have declined in recent months.

The effects of crude oil price reductions take some time to impact on the cost of aviation fuel, and SriLankan is anticipating that it will begin reaping the benefit of reduced fuel prices by January 2009.

The carrier has also significantly increased the fuel efficiency of its aircraft fleet, and begun replacing its older aircraft with newer ones that are more fuel efficient. The first of its new Airbus A320s arrived on November 30.

Sri Lanka’s award-winning airline now flies to 45 destinations in 25 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.-TradeArabia News Service