Biman to receive Airbus in first week of Feb

---

Mashiur Rahaman
State-controlled Biman Bangladesh Airlines is going to receive its much-awaited Airbus-310-300 aircraft in the first week of February, aiming to restore its suspended operation to the middle-range international destinations.
"Biman is to receive its mid-haul Airbus from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) on dry lease on February 4 at Miami, USA," a well-placed Biman official told the FE.
The 240-seater aircraft would arrive at the Zia International Airport on February 6 as per schedule; he said adding that Biman has acquired the aircraft for one year that could be extended further over negotiations.
Biman initiated the lease or purchase process of Airbus aircraft in September 2005 by floating open tender, but failed several times to attract significant bidders. After a prolonged tender and re-tender process, the authority finalised the lease agreement with ILFC in early 2009.
In order to mitigate acute aircraft shortage that debased Biman's reputation as well as market share for over a year, the authority hired five aircraft in a desperate attempt. The newly-acquired aircraft would enable the national flag carrier to re-vitalise and sustain its existence in the rapidly growing aviation industry, the official added.
The official, however, declined to disclose the financial details of the deals.
The newly-leased airbus is expected to join Biman's fleet and commence operation to mid-haul destinations namely Europe, Middle East and Far-East countries, Biman's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Air Commodore (Retd) Muhammad Zakiul Islam told the FE.
"The new aircraft would operate to international destinations side by side with other Airbus aircraft in Biman's fleet," he said.
With the new aircraft joining the fleet and exploration of new destinations, Mr Islam forecast a more efficient and dominant Biman in coming days.