State-run carrier, Biman, has decided to add two more aircraft to its fleet for 72 months on lease before October next year, aiming to spread its wings on more routes.
The Biman Bangladesh Airlines has invited proposal/offer for 'dry lease' (only aircraft) of two 737-800 aircraft with winglets for a period of 72 months, a senior official of the national airliner said, reports UNB.
He noted that the airline wants to induct the two aircraft with delivery schedule on or before October 01, 2018.
The aircraft will be operated on regional, international as well as on the domestic routes of Biman, the official added.
He said that Biman has increased its weekly frequencies to some important routes and is also planning to extend its services to prospective new destinations such as Guangzhou, Colombo, and Male, while resuming flights to New Delhi and Hong Kong.
"These two aircraft will be helpful for the airliner to meet our expectation," he said.
He said that the aircraft will have two class configuration with 162, 12 business class and 150 economy class, seats. The age of the aircraft will not be more than 13 years as on October 1, 2018.
According to an official document, the aircraft must be delivered in full operating condition.
Heavy Maintenance Check (D Check or Equivalent) of the offered aircraft must not fall due within the first 12 months of the lease period.
If above mentioned tasks and heavy maintenance check (D Check or equivalent) is due in the second year, the lessor must pay the difference between the heavy maintenance cost and the accumulated maintenance reserves, the document said, adding that each aircraft must be delivered fresh out of `C'-check.
Established in February 1972, at present Biman is operating flights to seven domestic and 15 international destinations.
Out of the international destinations, Biman operates flights to two destinations in the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, four destinations in the South East Asia, eight destinations in the Gulf and Middle-East and one destination in Europe.
At present, Biman has 13 aircraft in its fleet including four 777-300ER, two 777-200ER, one A330-200, four 737-800 and two Dash8-Q400 aircraft.
Biman got the delivery of four 777- 300ER and two 737-800 aircraft from Boeing under the purchased agreement for 10 aircraft signed in 2008. Remaining four 787-8 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2018 or 2019.
According to the Biman officials, the airliner has planned to start its operation on Dhaka-Narita (Japan)-Dhaka route after having suitable aircraft in its fleet.
In the light of its fleet plan, they said, Biman will operate its flights to Sydney, Jakarta, Toronto and Madras in phases.
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