Gangchil to be inaugurated tomorrow

The third Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is scheduled to spread its wings on international routes following its inauguration by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina tomorrow.

The premier will inaugurate operation of the modern technology equipped Dreamliner, named “Gangchil” at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 11:00am, said Tahera Khandker, deputy general manager, public relations, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

The aircraft will fly for its maiden flight for Dubai in the afternoon, she told The Daily Star.

Earlier on July 25, the third Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was added to the Biman’s fleet raising the number of total aircraft to 16.

In 2008, Biman signed a deal to purchase 10 planes from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Of these, Biman has already received four new Boeing 777-300ERs, two 737-800s, and three 787-8s Dreamliner.

The fourth Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be delivered next month.

Gangchil has 271 seats -- 24 business class and 247 economy class -- the business class seats can be flattened to 180 degrees straight.

Biman has planned to operate Gangchil on long and mid-range international destinations like London, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, sources said.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-haul, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The 787 Dreamliner's distinguishing features include mostly electrical flight systems, raked wingtips, and noise-reducing chevrons on its engine nacelles.