Economic Reporter :
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided to procure three Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft from Canada to strengthen fleet for ensuring smooth operation in domestic and regional routes.
Biman board of directors, highest policy-level forum of the organisation, made the decision recently.
The process to purchase three aircraft would be completed on government to government procurement basis, according to Biman.
Bombardier, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer of Dash 8 Q400, is a series of twin-engine medium-range turbo-prop aircraft.
The top management had earlier considered to buy French-Italian based ATR 72 and Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. Finally, most of board members favoured to buy Dash 8 Q400 aircraft instead of ATR 72.
Now, national flag carrier has two Dash 8 Q400 aircraft in its fleet. In 2015, the airliner has added this aircraft in its fleet on the lease basis from Egypt’s Smart Aviation for five years.
“As Biman acquired two Dash 8 Q400 aircraft on lease basis for five years, the national flag carrier will have to add more aircraft to continue domestic and regional routes after the expiry of the agreement.” Shakil Meraj, General Manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines told this correspondent recently.
“For the continuation of smooth operation, the management of the airlines finally decided to purchase three more aircraft. If one aircraft, out of the two aircraft, is grounded, Biman is to cancel around 50% flights due to lack of aircraft,” said Shakil Meraj.
Currently, national flag carrier is operating 7 domestic routes and two regional routes including Kolkata and Kathmandu by Dash 8 Q400 aircraft.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided to procure three Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft from Canada to strengthen fleet for ensuring smooth operation in domestic and regional routes.
Biman board of directors, highest policy-level forum of the organisation, made the decision recently.
The process to purchase three aircraft would be completed on government to government procurement basis, according to Biman.
Bombardier, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer of Dash 8 Q400, is a series of twin-engine medium-range turbo-prop aircraft.
The top management had earlier considered to buy French-Italian based ATR 72 and Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. Finally, most of board members favoured to buy Dash 8 Q400 aircraft instead of ATR 72.
Now, national flag carrier has two Dash 8 Q400 aircraft in its fleet. In 2015, the airliner has added this aircraft in its fleet on the lease basis from Egypt’s Smart Aviation for five years.
“As Biman acquired two Dash 8 Q400 aircraft on lease basis for five years, the national flag carrier will have to add more aircraft to continue domestic and regional routes after the expiry of the agreement.” Shakil Meraj, General Manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines told this correspondent recently.
“For the continuation of smooth operation, the management of the airlines finally decided to purchase three more aircraft. If one aircraft, out of the two aircraft, is grounded, Biman is to cancel around 50% flights due to lack of aircraft,” said Shakil Meraj.
Currently, national flag carrier is operating 7 domestic routes and two regional routes including Kolkata and Kathmandu by Dash 8 Q400 aircraft.
