Boeing 787-8 dream-liner will be added to Biman’s fleet at the end of August and start operation from Sep 1. Though the craft is capable of flying 16 hours non-stop, it won’t be used for long-haul flights.
Initially, this will be used for Dhaka-Singapore and Dhaka-Malaysia routes with 4 hours fifteen minutes and three hours forty five minutes of flying time respectively.
Constructed of composite material, the craft is lighter and has improved air compressor which prevents passengers from becoming tired during long flights. It also needs twenty per cent less fuel than other planes. The initial plan was to operate the Dreamliner to Rome, USA, London and Canada routes, but Biman did not get permission.
Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, CAAB, could not attain category rating 1 from USA based Federal Aviation Administration, FAA.
However, CAAB is hopeful of attaining the rating.
To assess the Bangladesh Safety Oversight, the FAA has completed a technical review and a final assessment will be completed following two technical evaluations. If Bangladesh succeeds then direct flights to New York will be possible.
The names of the planes were chosen by the PM, and they are Akashbeena, Hongshobalaka, Gaangcheel and Rajhangsho.
Of these, the one arriving on 20 August is named Akshbeena; the plane has 271 seats with 24 in business and 247 in economy class.
Dreamliner cannot be used for London routes since Biman is already operating Boeing 777 in that route, which can carry 419 passengers.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation will provide in-flight entertainment service for the new airplane. Passengers will be able to use the Internet, get 10 MB usage free for 15 minutes and make phone calls with roaming facilities.
Speaking about the introduction of the new craft, general manager (public relations) of Biman, Shakil Meraj, says: “once formal approval arrives, we shall launch flights to Rome, Manchester, Montreal, Delhi, Hong Kong and Tokyo.”