'Hansabalaka' lands in Dhaka today
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to celebrate the delivery of its second factory-fresh Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner today.
The delivery flight from Paine Field, USA departed yesterday noon and is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka 15 hours and 30 minutes later. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina named the aircraft “Hansabalaka”.
On September 4, the national flag carrier marked a milestone with its maiden brand-new Dreamliner taking off for Malaysia. The aircraft was named “Akashbeena”.
The Dreamliners are part of a $2.1 billion order for 10 aircrafts signed between Biman Bangladesh and Boeing in 2008.
One decade later, the carrier can now begin its long-awaited fleet renewal venture, Biman officials said.
With the inclusion of the second 787, Biman now boasts a fleet of 15 aircrafts, which includes four 737-800s, four 777-300ERs, and two Bombardier Q400s.
The Dreamliner features 271 seats across a two-class configuration -- offering 24 seats in business and 247 seats in economy class.
In-flight Wi-Fi connectivity will also be available.
Each seat comes fitted with Panasonic's ex2 IFE, which features nine TV channels, more than 100 movies, and also video games.
Roaming on mobiles will also be available due to the carrier having contracts with 25 satellites around the world.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer AM Mosaddique Ahmed said inclusion of another Dreamliner in the Biman fleet would facilitate connecting with new destinations and increase flight frequency on different routes.
“The Dreamliner will fly six times a week on Dhaka-London route, four times on Dhaka-Dammam and three times on Dhaka-Bangkok route,” Biman's General Manager (Public Relations) Shakil Meraj said.
“The aircraft, which is capable of flying 16 hours straight, requires 20 percent less fuel to operate than other planes,” he added.
Air Marshal (retd) Muhammad Enamul Bari, chairman, Biman Board of Directors, said the Dreamliner would add new dimension to travel safety and increase operational skills.
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