Biman to turn profitable in near future: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed the hope that Biman, the national flag carrier, will be a profit making organisation in the near future. The PM voiced the hope while launching the induction of a 777-300ER aircraft named ‘Akash Prodeep’ at the VVIP ramp of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) International Airport in the city on Tuesday. The capability of Biman Bangladesh Airlines to sustain in the global competition has been increased to a new height with the induction of fourth generation Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with most modern technology to its emaciated fleet. Two other such aircraft were inducted in Biman’s fleet in 2011 and the fourth Boeing 777-300ER will be added to the Biman fleet by end of the next month. From the same programme, the Prime Minister also said goodbye to the last passenger carrying DC-10 aircraft of the world, saying that this was also a historic moment. The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to increase amenities including quality food and boost the services of national airlines to attract passengers, especially over 8 million expatriate Bangladeshis. She also asked the Biman authorities for further boosting the existing e-ticketing system, according to UNB.