Sri Lankan Airlines – Business Class (Airbus A330-200)

Introduction

This is my review of Sri Lankan Airlines’ Business Class seat, offered on their A330-200. 

Seemingly, Srilankan offer three types of Business Class seat across their A320, A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft.

In the case of A330-200, it seems to be an early model of Business Class, and was perhaps used when Sri Lankan Airlines was establishing a Business Class offering.

Unlike the A320, the A330-200 seats do have a flatbed offering.

The Layout

Business Class in the A330-200 is in a 2-2-2 format.

If you’re in the ‘middle two’ it’s good as you don’t have to step over your neighbour’s feet!

However, I was in 3A – and this did mean having to jump my neighbour’s feet.

With that said, the seats are extremely spacious, and since my neighbour didn’t use the flatbed – it was easy to step out without him even needing to move.      

As nice as these seats are, they do look dated.

Privacy

Generally speaking there is no privacy to be found here!

With that said there is a little door that can be pulled across, but I’m not sure what it adds!

Any entertainment on your screen is certainly shared with your neighbour!

The Seat

I found the seat very comfortable for both sitting in and sleeping in flatbed mode.

Controls for the seat sit in the arm rests. The controller even had a massage feature, which unfortunately didn’t seem to do much! Thought that counts?

There are controls for the foot rest, moving the chair backwards/forwards, and into flatbed mode.

One thing I did like was ability to vary the size of the footrest, which I complained in my A320 seat review was hitting the backs of my ankles. No complaint this time!

In flatbed mode, I found the seat very comfortable, I was able to make some minor adjustments, as I sleep completely flat.  

Table

The table launches from the ‘centre console’ between the two seats. This means lifting a flat up – so you have to pick your moments, as its where you would ordinarily put your drink!

Otherwise, the table was pretty stable for eating and working – it was good in size too!

Another feature the table has, is that turns through 90 degrees. In theory this means you could go to the bathroom, having turned the table. With wine on the table and a neighbour I didn’t know – I decided err on the side of caution! 

Storage

I was actually quite impressed at the storage on offer on this aircraft – it’s arguably better than both the A320 and A330-300!

Built into the seat there is a storage area for headphones – or if you wanted to, a phone.

Under the arm rest there is another storage are, also for smaller items such as a water bottle or phone.

In the front console, there is a large cubby hole under the screen, and one next to it – perfect for shoes, bedding, etc.   

All in all, storage is surprisingly good!

Charging/Power

In the centre console above the headphone store, there is USB outlet.

Under the armrest in the centre console there is a UK/US/Euro style socket.

(I didn’t manage to get good pictures of these)

Air Circulation

Unfortunately, there were no nozzles for temperature control! On this flight I didn’t find it too bad. 

Conclusion

All in all, the seat was very comfortable, and I was only in it for 3 hours – and would have been happy to be in it for longer.

With that said, this is the kind of seat British Airways were offering on their 747’s in the early 1990’s – and I’d be disappointed if I was to endure this on the 11 hours from Colombo to London!