Biman's 3rd 777 arrives in Dhaka
The third extended range Boeing 777-300 purchased from the US plane maker landed at Shahjalal International Airport yesterday afternoon.
The aircraft, christened Akash Prodip, is expected to be put into operation after the prime minister formally inaugurates it on February 11.
Biman officials expect the aircraft would help Biman improve its services and better maintain flight schedule. With an Airbus grounded, the national flag carrier has been struggling to maintain the schedule.
“Akash Prodip landed at Dhaka at 12:55pm, 55 minutes behind schedule,” Assistant Manager (public relations) Tasmin Akhtar of Biman told The Daily Star yesterday.
Biman Managing Director Kevin John Steele reached Dhaka on the new plane. He told The Daily Star yesterday, “I am delighted to return to Dhaka today in our 3rd Boeing 777-300ER.”
The 777 was purchased under a 10-plane deal with Boeing signed during the last caretaker government's tenure.
Apart from Akash Prodip, Biman has two other Boeing 777-300ERs, two Boeing 737-800s, two Airbus 310-300s (one grounded) and a soon to be retired DC-10-30. Biman will send the fuel guzzling DC-10, which is now the only passenger aircraft of its kind in the world, on retirement on February 20.
Biman was delivered the other two Boeing 777-300ERs, named Palki and Arun Alo, in October and November of 2011.
The fourth Boeing 777-300ER, already named Ranga Probhat, is expected to arrive on March 21, Kevin Steele said.
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