UL headhunting: Expats welcome!

Contrary to assertion that the Mahinda Chinthana Government could run the national carrier with locals, SriLankan Airlines last week advertised two key positions Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and said it welcomes applications from qualified foreigners.

Aviation industry experts, as well as the staff, are not against hiring qualified and experienced non-nationals to the key positions, but analysts said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his henchmen appeared to be anti foreign. One reason adduced to kick Emirates out was allegations that the award winning mega global carrier fleeced the national carrier.

Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, as well as SriLankan Chairman Harry Jayawardena, during their initial interactions with the staff, reaffirmed the government’s confidence in the staff’s capabilities and ability to run the airline successfully, and asked for their fullest cooperation and support in the future.In its advertisement, SriLankan said it was seeking a dynamic, result oriented professional with extensive experience and a proven track record, to provide leadership and strategic direction to Sri Lanka’s flagship carrier.

Among other requirements, the ideal candidate should have 15 years post qualifying experience in a business leadership role within the commercial aviation sector and proven track record with a recognised airline in a similar capacity, preferably, possessing in-depth knowledge of commercial flight operations, engineering and maintenance of a commercial airline.

SriLankan doesn’t have a COO, hence, it is a new position. However, analysts said that if the national carrier finds the ideal CEO, they may reconsider the post of COO.

Senior management said that the advertisement boosted confidence among staff, especially, for maintaining an open mind with regard to accommodating interest by non-nationals for the two key posts.

Emirates ceases to manage SriLankan with effect from April 1, 2008, with the expiration of its 10-year contract, though it will continue to own 43% stake in the airline. 

On Monday, the SriLankan Board had a cordial exchange of views lasting over three hours. Emirates Airlines President and SriLankan Managing Director Tim Clark was also present. The future of the joint frequent flyer program Skywards was discussed in addition to other transitional issues.

Newly appointed Consultant to the Board, Lalith de Silva, formerly CEO, Mobitel and now Consultant, Saudi Telecom, has been busy since last week, attending to matters to ensure smoother transition. A team from Emirates out of Dubai too, is working in parallel.

Meanwhile, the issue of granting higher salaries for pilots has been referred to the Treasury for its approval. Over 10 pilots have left the national carrier and a further 15 have indicated their intentions, due to better prospects elsewhere. Chairman Jayawardena has verbally and in writing, assured pilots a better deal and to reconsider their decisions.