Economic Reporter :
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is planning to expand its destination to four new routes – China, Sri Lanka and the Maldives in March next year.
“We would open the four routes: two in china – Kunming and Guangzhou, one each in Colombo in Sri Lanka and Male in the Maldives,” said Biman General Manager (Public Relations) Shakil Meraj while talking to The New Nation.
He said the operation of these routes would likely to start in next summer that is from March 28.
Replying to a query, Meraj said now Biman has 12 Boeing new generation aircraft in its fleet by which it can operate more flights.
On the other hand, the state-owned carrier has initiated a process to lease two more Boeing 737-800 aircraft by December this year.
It has taken the move to replace two decades-old aircraft Airbus A310-300 that were grounded last month.
Shakil Meraj said the process is under way to lease the two Boeing 737-800 aircraft for “a long period”. “We are optimistic of completing the process by December this year,” he hoped.
He said several companies have submitted proposals after Biman had invited the request for proposal (RFP). “Now, we are evaluating the proposals and the appropriate one would be picked soon,” he added.
With the inclusion of the two new aircraft in its fleet, the total number of aircraft of Biman will be 14.
“Now, Biman fleet is younger and stronger,” said the Biman general manager.
Besides, Biman has an agreement with Boeing for two modern and updated Boeing 787 Dreamliners which would be added to the carrier by 2019.
“The Dreamliners would strengthen Biman’s capability for long-haul routes,” said Shakil Meraj.
“With the Dreamliners, Biman would operate more long-haul routes like New York and Sydney,” he added.
Earlier, Biman had brought four new 777-300 ER aircraft from Boeing as part of its modernization initiative.
Later, the national carrier procured two Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft, four Boeing 737-800 aircraft and two Dash 8-Q400 aircraft to strengthen its fleet.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is planning to expand its destination to four new routes – China, Sri Lanka and the Maldives in March next year.
“We would open the four routes: two in china – Kunming and Guangzhou, one each in Colombo in Sri Lanka and Male in the Maldives,” said Biman General Manager (Public Relations) Shakil Meraj while talking to The New Nation.
He said the operation of these routes would likely to start in next summer that is from March 28.
Replying to a query, Meraj said now Biman has 12 Boeing new generation aircraft in its fleet by which it can operate more flights.
On the other hand, the state-owned carrier has initiated a process to lease two more Boeing 737-800 aircraft by December this year.
It has taken the move to replace two decades-old aircraft Airbus A310-300 that were grounded last month.
Shakil Meraj said the process is under way to lease the two Boeing 737-800 aircraft for “a long period”. “We are optimistic of completing the process by December this year,” he hoped.
He said several companies have submitted proposals after Biman had invited the request for proposal (RFP). “Now, we are evaluating the proposals and the appropriate one would be picked soon,” he added.
With the inclusion of the two new aircraft in its fleet, the total number of aircraft of Biman will be 14.
“Now, Biman fleet is younger and stronger,” said the Biman general manager.
Besides, Biman has an agreement with Boeing for two modern and updated Boeing 787 Dreamliners which would be added to the carrier by 2019.
“The Dreamliners would strengthen Biman’s capability for long-haul routes,” said Shakil Meraj.
“With the Dreamliners, Biman would operate more long-haul routes like New York and Sydney,” he added.
Earlier, Biman had brought four new 777-300 ER aircraft from Boeing as part of its modernization initiative.
Later, the national carrier procured two Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft, four Boeing 737-800 aircraft and two Dash 8-Q400 aircraft to strengthen its fleet.
