Biman's Boeing 777 to arrive Oct 22
Biman Bangladesh Airline's first 777 airplane, a 777-300ER (extended range), is in the final stages of preparing to exit the 777 manufacturing line at Boeing's Everett factory, says a Boeing press release received here yesterday.
The airplane, the first direct purchase for Bangladesh's flag carrier, will next move to the paint hangar for a coating in the airline's brand new livery and undergo a final inspection before exiting the factory.
Biman already decided a name for the airplane: “Palki”, scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on October 22.
Another 777-300ER, powered by twin engines and containing 419 seats, likely to join the fleet in mid-November, was already given the name “Arun Alo”.
The two airplanes will not only ease pressure on the airline's ageing fleet, but also boost its economic strength, said Biman Managing Director Muhammad Zakiul Islam while talking to The Daily Star recently.
They are among the 10 new aircrafts for which Biman signed a procurement deal with the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing involving Tk 17,250 crore during the immediate past caretaker regime.
The aircrafts include four 777-300ERs, four 787-8 Dreamliners and two 737-800s.
The two Boeings will fly on long-haul routes including Dhaka-Manchester-New York, Dhaka-London-Dhaka, Dhaka-Rome-Dhaka and Dhaka-Sydney-Dhaka, said Biman officials.
Recently, a high-profile Bangladesh delegation led by Civil Aviation Minister GM Quader visited the Boeing establishments and discussed handing over of the aircrafts and training of pilots and other staff, said a Biman official wishing anonymity.
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