Biman Bangladesh Airlines launches Manchester services as new partnerships with Bangladeshi cities are announced

The launch of a direct air route between Manchester and Bangladesh will be the catalyst for a new era of collaboration between the two locations.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines celebrated the inaugural flight from Manchester Airport to Dhaka and Sylhet last night, at an event attended by civic leaders and representatives from the Bangladeshi community across the North.

The three-times-a-week service has been welcomed by the more than 70,000 people of Bangladeshi origin living in the North and comes on the back of a delegation led by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham travelling to both cities in October.

Following that visit, and last night’s launch of the Biman service, a series of further activities are planned to foster closer ties between the city region and Bangladesh.

In the coming months, delegations from Dhaka and Sylhet will visit Manchester to explore opportunities in a range of business, cultural and educational fields.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines confirms order for two 787-9 Dreamliner

Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Biman) confirmed at the 2019 Dubai Airshow an order for two 787 Dreamliner aircraft.  According to Boeing documents,  the order was first firmed up in October, listed in dealings as "unidentified" customer as the US manufacturer needed to save some 'good news' for the Dubai airshow, to please shareholders and show organisers.

The order complements Biman's fleet of 787-8 jets with the larger and longer-range 787-9 version of the jet that is currently under investigation for higher than expected wear and tear. Biman says the 787-9s will help modernise its fleet and further expand its international network. 

"One of our key priorities is to have a modern fleet with technologically-advanced aeroplanes that will enable us to expand our international reach," said Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Former Chief of Air Staff, Chairman Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. "While we have a good domestic network, we plan to extend our international network to include more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787 with its technological superiority, excellent operational performance and passenger experience will enable us to achieve that goal," he added.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Return To Manchester Airport From New Year

The national flag carrier of Bangladesh has confirmed it will restart services to Manchester Airport in the new year. 

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will fly three times a week from the UK’s northern hub to the Bangladeshi capital and Sylhet, one of the two world’s biggest cities.

The news was announced at a special event at the British High Commission in Dhaka, attended by the Chairman- Biman Bangladesh Board of Directors, Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is leading a 10 day-long delegation to Bangladesh and India.

Flights to Dhaka start in January

Three flights per week on state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner

News announced by Airport CEO during formal visit to Bangladesh led by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham

Huge benefit to 70,000 Bangladeshi population in airport’s vast catchment area

Biman will use a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the route, which will start on January 4th 2020, and will operate via the eastern Bangladeshi city of Sylhet on its return from Manchester.

Biman airlines flight BG147 ends in the death of hijacker

Photo AFP

The 25-year-old man that took a Biman Airlines crew member hostage during an attempted hijacking has been shot dead by members of the security forces.

The Boeing 737 aircraft was operating a flight from Dhaka in Bangladesh to Dubai when the passenger, who was believed to be armed with a gun and carrying explosives, tried to storm the cockpit.

In a special operation that lasted nearly 10 minutes, Bangladeshi special forces stormed the aircraft and shot the suspected hijacker, who has been identified by the low police as Mohammad Palash Ahmed, an aspiring actor.

During the attempted hijacking Mohammad Palash Ahmed had repeatedly asked to speak to the Bangladeshi Prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He also revealed he had recently been having relationship difficulties with his wife.  "The reason he gave for the hijack was that he had troubles with his wife and he wanted to talk to the prime minister," said Sarwar-e-Zaman, the airport manager. 

Biman Bangladesh Airlines orders three Bombardia Q400 Turboprops

The national flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has ordered three new Q400 turboprop aircraft from the Canadian manufacturer, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.  

“We are very pleased that Biman is expanding its Q400 fleet with this order for three new aircraft,” said François Cognard, VP, Sales, Asia Pacific. “The Q400’s greater seating and cargo capacity really set it apart from the competition. Furthermore, the Q400’s mix of turboprop economics and jet-like performance were the best match for Biman’s mix of short and long-range routes. Operators coming back for more Q400 aircraft really validates the benefits of the aircraft’s unique characteristics.”

The order was announced this week and based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$106 million.

The first 787-8 Dreamliner arrives in Bangladesh

                               The first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for Biman Bangladesh Airlines arrived in the country yesterday and was welcomed to the fleet by the airlines' management and staff.

The aircraft landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 05.19 on 19th August after a direct 14½ flight from Boeing's Seattle base.  It was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute from the airports fire service and many of the airlines' employees. The aircraft has been called Akashbina.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a $ 2.1 billion deal in 2008 for the purchase of 10 new aircraft - including four Dreamliners with Boeing. The carrier will receive another example in November this year and another two Dreamliners are due to arrive in September next year.  Biman Managing Director and CEO AM Mosaddiq Ahmed said, "The airline added a new milestone by joining the Dreamliner skyline. Biman seeks to provide safe and comfortable services to passengers. The new aircraft will assist the airline in competition with other airlines."