[QUOTE=Galive;62294827]I also think that but in case of regional routes like Male, Colombo, Kunming, Delhi we need another 737.

Actually i think they need 2 more. These are the possible routes that can be operated, Kolkata, Delhi, Karachi, Kathmandu, Kunming, Male, Colombo, Bangkok, Hanoi, Mumbai, Muscat and maybe more. Also dunt forget, there are potential routes from Chittagong as well.

Biman's never get more than 260 pax per flight(except some season) in LHR route. the 777-200ER has 323 capacity that means 70-75% pay load. It is enough for the profit, but if it is a 767 then it will be more profitable. It is also applicable for Rome route.

If Biman had 767 then this 777-200ER was enough for the JFk route. Also it don't need to lease for four years. Two years enough.

:)

:)
I have question to the guys who use this 777. In this 15.5 hour flight to LHR--- tell us about the food served by Biman.
It is enough, good ?

haha if Biman ever gets a 767 it will be capable of carrying 300+ pax! Biman will try to get the most out 767 no doubt:) and ofcourse, if they can operate DC-10s on Rome than obviously they can work with 767s........

Biman's never get more than 260 pax per flight(except some season) in LHR route. the 777-200ER has 323 capacity that means 70-75% pay load. It is enough for the profit, but if it is a 767 then it will be more profitable. It is also applicable for Rome route.

If Biman had 767 then this 777-200ER was enough for the JFk route. Also it don't need to lease for four years. Two years enough.

:)

:)
I have question to the guys who use this 777. In this 15.5 hour flight to LHR--- tell us about the food served by Biman.
It is enough, good ?

The 772ER flight to LHR doesn't take 15.5 hours. It's around 10.5-11 at max.

I also think that but in case of regional routes like Male, Colombo, Kunming, Delhi we need another 737.
Actually i think they need 2 more. These are the possible routes that can be operated, Kolkata, Delhi, Karachi, Kathmandu, Kunming, Male, Colombo, Bangkok, Hanoi, Mumbai, Muscat and maybe more. Also dunt forget, there are potential routes from Chittagong as well.


Biman should provide consistent, reliable service to those destinations where it has high passenger loads, viz, Gulf cities, London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and may be couple of cities in the subcontinent. It doesn't make sense to fly with 10-15 passengers to a destination such as Kunming or Hanoi. Once the airline matures and has a reliable network, it can venture to destinations that are not oft traveled by Bangladeshis.

I'm curious- why hasn't Biman ever considered the A330? 333s would be the perfect fit for Biman's routes.

----------
Varun,
Moderator,
www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com

It is one thing to plan for a fleet based on current routes (which is almost never the smartest of things to do) and another to plan for a fleet based on routes planned for the future. The A330-300 is a good mid-to-high capacity (depending on config) mid-haul aircraft, which wouldn't be able to do many of Biman's existing (e.g. DAC-LHR, DAC-FCO) as well as planned (e.g. DAC-MAN, DAC-SYD) routes with full payload. For such routes, Biman had to opt for the 777s (and the A350XWB wasn't available yet when the planning process was on) and it'd again be silly for Biman to have A330s and B777s within what will still be a very small fleet anyways (10-15 aircraft in total).

Don't get me wrong...the A330 is one of the best airplanes Airbus has ever built...but a lot more than just basic tech specs has their role to play in any airline's fleet planning...commonality, availability, timing, et al.

:)

Biman should provide consistent, reliable service to those destinations where it has high passenger loads, viz, Gulf cities, London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and may be couple of cities in the subcontinent. It doesn't make sense to fly with 10-15 passengers to a destination such as Kunming or Hanoi. Once the airline matures and has a reliable network, it can venture to destinations that are not oft traveled by Bangladeshis.
Sounds like common sense to me. Reckon BG or anybody within GoB has any?

Biman should provide consistent, reliable service to those destinations where it has high passenger loads, viz, Gulf cities, London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and may be couple of cities in the subcontinent. It doesn't make sense to fly with 10-15 passengers to a destination such as Kunming or Hanoi. Once the airline matures and has a reliable network, it can venture to destinations that are not oft traveled by Bangladeshis.

we are talking about the time when Biman will have received all their aircrafts or atleast he 737s. So obviously it wouldnt be before 2015-2017. I know that it is crucial for BG to serve those routes where they get most pax but i am talking afterwards to operate on these close destinations that could be operated to expand network. Anyways only Hanoi and Kunming are routes that might be a little risky all the other routes have high potentials and have running routes by other carriers in between.

:)
I have question to the guys who use this 777. In this 15.5 hour flight to LHR--- tell us about the food served by Biman.
It is enough, good ?

flight using 777 takes 10 hour at maximum..Its non stop. LHR-DAC [dont know the food]

however Biman still uses the newly leased A310 on LHR as well via DXB to DAC.....takes about 14 hours [sometime the old A310]

on that they serve[Snacks, Dinner [Chk+rice or Veg+Rice + additional (i did have daal once) and dessert], Breakfast [bread, jam, omelette, tea/coffee, juice]

I also think that but in case of regional routes like Male, Colombo, Kunming, Delhi we need another 737.

Actually i think they need 2 more. These are the possible routes that can be operated, Kolkata, Delhi, Karachi, Kathmandu, Kunming, Male, Colombo, Bangkok, Hanoi, Mumbai, Muscat and maybe more. Also dunt forget, there are potential routes from Chittagong as well.

apparently lately Air India and Jet's 737s are flying somewhat empty to Delhi and Mumbai from DAC. recently few of family members used it and they told me there were only 10/15 passengers on those flights

on that they serve[Snacks, Dinner [Chk+rice or Veg+Rice + additional (i did have daal once) and dessert], Breakfast [bread, jam, omelette, tea/coffee, juice]

Thanks bro.

Biman should provide consistent, reliable service to those destinations where it has high passenger loads, viz, Gulf cities, London, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and may be couple of cities in the subcontinent. It doesn't make sense to fly with 10-15 passengers to a destination such as Kunming or Hanoi. Once the airline matures and has a reliable network, it can venture to destinations that are not oft traveled by Bangladeshis.

the destination where 10-15 pax that shouldn't be a route.

I heard that Jet and Air Indian Ex. got revenue pax load from DAC-Delhi. Specially Jet doing well.

the destination where 10-15 pax that shouldn't be a route.

I heard that Jet and Air Indian Ex. got revenue pax load from DAC-Delhi. Specially Jet doing well.
I'm sure both AI and 9W will discontinue the routes if the load factor remains consistently poor. Presently, one of the shortest flight from Detroit to Dhaka is on AI from ORD via BOM. I expect at least the food to be good.

Apparently the major problem with AI and 9W is that most of the passengers from USA and Canada does want to fly with AI or 9W. they prefer Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Kuwait in these routes. I wonder does it have anything to do the quality or airline brand. Even here in london the review for AI has always been poor and 9W is receiving the same lately. They fly because both of them happens to be cheap.

Apparently the major problem with AI and 9W is that most of the passengers from USA and Canada does want to fly with AI or 9W. they prefer Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Kuwait in these routes. I wonder does it have anything to do the quality or airline brand. Even here in london the review for AI has always been poor and 9W is receiving the same lately. They fly because both of them happens to be cheap.
I think they all want the opportunity to frolic in Dubai. :lol: I'm no longer enamored by EK/EY. They are not as consistent as SQ.

Never had the chance to fly SQ. Expensive from LHR

Guys,

Ex- British PM use a large size LARJET or something like that. I watch the aircraft on TV.

See the different of size of next generation
aircraft(i got this image from a forum)

http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx192/galive003/Sizeofaircrats.jpg


Iasif Vai,will you tell us which one better in case of economy 787-9 or 787-8

787 and 350 have almost similar nose.

Apparently the major problem with AI and 9W is that most of the passengers from USA and Canada does want to fly with AI or 9W. they prefer Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Kuwait in these routes. I wonder does it have anything to do the quality or airline brand. Even here in london the review for AI has always been poor and 9W is receiving the same lately. They fly because both of them happens to be cheap.

That is not true at all, you are absolutely mistaken.

Most of the Indian middle class and Bollywood celebrities take 9W to LHR, SIN and HKG and the USA routes through BRU. Similarly Kingfisher has it's fare share of loyal passengers to Asian destinations and London. A million people I know fly on 9W and IT and have chosen to never fly with any other carrier, given the choice. This when not more than 5 years ago, BA or VS or SQ used to be the preferred carrier to foreign destinations.

As for AI, since they commenced their non-stops in 2007, they too have enjoyed their fare share of loyal passengers, mainly VFR and Students and other O&D traffic. Granted that the AI brand doesn't quite contain the charisma to the Indian public as 9W's or IT's, but it does appeal to a certain group of people, who have made AI their airline of choice on non-stop flights to/from North America. This year AI is starting a few more non-stops from T3 vis a vis DEL-YYZ, DEL-ORD, DEL-SFO, DEL-MEL, etc. so their passenger base should only increase given that they will be flying brand new 777s and 787s on these sectors.

----------
Varun,
Moderator
www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com

That is not true at all, you are absolutely mistaken.

Most of the Indian middle class and Bollywood celebrities take 9W

I was talking about in regard of Bangladeshi passengers from USA/Canada NOT Indian nationals. I am fully aware of 9W's reputation in india or kingfisher's. but we are talking about Bangladeshi pax who probably don't share the same passion for 9W/IT. Another problem with indian airlines is that pax have to go through Delhi and Mumbai and the hassle ppl suffers in the name of security.

Another problem with indian airlines is that pax have to go through Delhi and Mumbai and the hassle ppl suffers in the name of security.

Can you elaborate on this?

Guys,

Ex- British PM use a large size LARJET or something like that. I watch the aircraft on TV.
Do you mean Learjet? Which former PM, Blair or Brown? I'm sure they are charters not privately owned.

That is not true at all, you are absolutely mistaken.

Most of the Indian middle class and Bollywood celebrities take 9W to LHR, SIN and HKG and the USA routes through BRU. Similarly Kingfisher has it's fare share of loyal passengers to Asian destinations and London. A million people I know fly on 9W and IT and have chosen to never fly with any other carrier, given the choice. This when not more than 5 years ago, BA or VS or SQ used to be the preferred carrier to foreign destinations.
I'm sure all the Bollywood folks use F/J class, so no problem filling that section(s). How about the cattle class? How's the load factor there? Anyway, the bottom line is if the load factor isn't satisfactory on any route, 9W being a private concern, and out there to make money, that/those route would be shutdown. Can't say the same for government owned AI.


As for AI, since they commenced their non-stops in 2007, they too have enjoyed their fare share of loyal passengers, mainly VFR and Students and other O&D traffic. Granted that the AI brand doesn't quite contain the charisma to the Indian public as 9W's or IT's, but it does appeal to a certain group of people, who have made AI their airline of choice on non-stop flights to/from North America. This year AI is starting a few more non-stops from T3 vis a vis DEL-YYZ, DEL-ORD, DEL-SFO, DEL-MEL, etc. so their passenger base should only increase given that they will be flying brand new 777s and 787s on these sectors.
I, for one, wouldn't mind trying AI on the ORD-DEL nonstop, since the current route is via FRA to BOM. As Shuvon mentioned though, "shake down" by the security personnel at Indian airports has been a problem. While do not know the present situation, I was such a victim years ago at CCU. They tended to target Bangladesh passport holders, probably because they thought such people could easily be intimidated. Unlucky for that fellow though, he didn't have any luck with me.

Do you mean Learjet? Which former PM, Blair or Brown? I'm sure they are charters not privately owned.

its a Gulfstream V jet carrying Swiss reg (HB-***,will let u know full details),since leaving office Blair has used a number of Gulfstreams, including a South African-registered,based at Luton Airport.

Do you mean Learjet? Which former PM, Blair or Brown? I'm sure they are charters not privately owned.

Yes I mean Learjet. And it is Blair

The jet is not too small.

Another problem with indian airlines is that pax have to go through Delhi and Mumbai and the hassle ppl suffers in the name of security.

101% correct. In my office most of the person got this experience.

101% correct. In my office most of the person got this experience.

What exactly do you guys mean? What happens at security at DEL and BOM?

Air communication between Rajshahi and Dhaka is likely to resume very soon under a public-private partnership system.

Galaxy Flying Academy Limited has a plan to carry passengers side by side with training activities at Rajshahi Shah Mukhdum (R) Airport.

The company will also set up workshop for repairing airplane alongside manufacturing necessary instruments and apparatus.

The flight operations from the airport remained suspended since February 20, 2007 due to shortage of passengers.



Galaxy Flying will set up the workshop with assistance from CTRM, a Malaysian aviation company.

Corporate Marketing Divisional Chief of CTRM Adrian Randal Lopez and Managing Director of Galaxy Flying Academy Masudur Rahman revealed these at a meeting with Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton at the latter's office yesterday.

They added that five ultramodern US Cessna airplanes will be engaged in the passengers carrying service along with imparting training to both the home and foreign trainees.

The mayor lauded the initiatives of the Flying Academy towards various development sectors of Rajshahi including air communication, socio-economic uplift, education and administration.

He, however, hoped that the region would be economically benefited upon resumption of the port.

Assuring his all possible cooperation, Liton expected that the technological activities would be further expanded.

link-http://www.bdtravelandhealth.com/jsp/news/newsDetails.jsp?ID=356

Can you elaborate on this?

What exactly do you guys mean? What happens at security at DEL and BOM?

Ever tired DEL-DAC or BOM-DAC ON 9W/AI?....

What you were saying is 9W and AI offers good service. Yes they do only until DEL/BOM. You don’t get the trouble of using Indian airport because your flight either stops at Delhi/Mumbai or Kolkata so you don’t have to go through those hassles on transit.

8 out of 10 customers using 9W or AI flying to DAC would say “what a pathetic journey I had”.

Let me give you scenario. My brother who is a civil engineer by trade used to be a frequent flyer to DAC on 9W/AI. Out of last 11/12 flights he used AI/9W. Last December he again used 9W to fly back home and like every time he was complaining about the different service he received on LHR-BOM and BOM-DAC route. The difference is huge on transit and airlines and so on

On his return he was harassed by the security who took him away from the boarding gate, due to the reason that he was wearing baseball cap. They took him to a room and asked for bribe which he refused and then one of the duty manager threatened him to send back to DAC. He then challenged them and asked them to give him the number to call the British Embassy in India. They refused and kept him waiting for an hour and half. Later my bro made a call to the British Embassy in India using his UK mobile sim for assistance and after half hour later the station manager came to say sorry and so on.

This is how bad it is. He has received or saw similar harassment [to others] quite few times. Now he longer fly with 9W but with Emirates and it is one of the main reason I have never or would fly with 9W/AI. I have never came across a person recommending me to use 9W/AI for DAC. All of them complained about the hassle and service quality they received from DEL-DAC or BOM- DAC both in airport and aircraft.

I'm sure all the Bollywood folks use F/J class, so no problem filling that section(s). How about the cattle class?

I, for one, wouldn't mind trying AI on the ORD-DEL nonstop, since the current route is via FRA to BOM. As Shuvon mentioned though, "shake down" by the security personnel at Indian airports has been a problem. While do not know the present situation, I was such a victim years ago at CCU. They tended to target Bangladesh passport holders, probably because they thought such people could easily be intimidated. Unlucky for that fellow though, he didn't have any luck with me.

on yes I still hear people complaining about the same thing all over again. I think in the sub-continent this has become a trademark or way to the welcome the passengers to "give you a reality to check, back to basic"

Let me give you scenario. My brother who is a civil engineer by trade used to be a frequent flyer to DAC on 9W/AI. Out of last 11/12 flights he used AI/9W. Last December he again used 9W to fly back home and like every time he was complaining about the different service he received on LHR-BOM and BOM-DAC route. The difference is huge on transit and airlines and so on

So you are alleging tiered treatment and racism to Bangladeshi pax on different routes. Maybe this is indeed the case but your brother isn't having it all good switching over to EK either. If anything, EK is even more racist on sub-continental routes compared to their European/Kangaroo/North American runs.

See the different of size of next generation
aircraft(i got this image from a forum)

http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx192/galive003/Sizeofaircrats.jpg



Just for humour, I wonder how many of you will agree that the newer generation of a/c, from both boeing and airbus, are starting to look a lot uglier than the previous designs. Just look how blunt the nose section of the 787 looks as compared to the slick counterpart of the 777. And then there is the flying sausage of an A380 as compared to the edgy design of the A340s.

So you are alleging tiered treatment and racism to Bangladeshi pax on different routes. Maybe this is indeed the case but your brother isn't having it all good switching over to EK either. If anything, EK is even more racist on sub-continental routes compared to their European/Kangaroo/North American runs.

Not alleging but it's a fact. Yes there are problems with EK but given the choice EK offers much better and relaible service and so does Qatar/Etihad. I just can't compare these ones with 9W/AI

So you are alleging tiered treatment and racism to Bangladeshi pax on different routes. Maybe this is indeed the case but your brother isn't having it all good switching over to EK either. If anything, EK is even more racist on sub-continental routes compared to their European/Kangaroo/North American runs.
I don't think harassment suffered at the hands of airport staff/security personnel has any direct bearing on the quality of service of, or lack thereof, of any airline.

As for "tiered" service, I observed that to be the fact of life in the sub-continent sector, regardless of airlines, save for BG. BG staff simply cannot get away with it, on their home turf, can they? But I wouldn't have expected such attitude, if indeed true, from the staff of AI/9W. While I have never flown them, I flew IA lots of time to CCU, DEL, within India, and I had never experienced any such "second class" service. They were always polite, courteous and friendly. I cannot say the same however, when it came to airport staff. It used to be a mixed bag. But I think that is true even in Dhaka.
Perhaps we could blame it on the uppity youth Bollywood culture and failure on AI/9W to inculcate proper training that perhaps should include a good dosage of the golden rule? You know, respect for elders, always try to be polite no matter what, the customer is always right, and so on? :)

So you are alleging tiered treatment and racism to Bangladeshi pax on different routes. Maybe this is indeed the case but your brother isn't having it all good switching over to EK either. If anything, EK is even more racist on sub-continental routes compared to their European/Kangaroo/North American runs.

I think the cabin service of 9W is very good as mentioned to me by a few Bangladeshis who flew them. The complaints are with the treatment at the DEL and BOM airports during transiting. Typically if the passenger is flying with a Bangladesh passport, the security hassles are numerous.

I have flown on 9W a couple of time between LHR and DAC with transits at Delhi, and thankfully have never come across poor treatment onboard or during my transits based on my passport. The only annoying part of the transit at Delhi is the overenthusiastic Jet officials at delhi who scrutinise visas/biometric cards of those pax transiting to LHR, but this is normal on all airlines from my experience (asians with british passports go thru the same immigration 'check', although caucasians with british documentation are waved through with a smile). I can vouch the treatment in delhi is many times better than that in dubai, abu dhabi, bahrain or doha (doha being the worst until now). Onboard, Jet provides superb service. The crew onboard flights to London are certainly a notch better than the ones in the DEL-DAC flights, but thats because the LHR flight crew are handpicked for intl flights only, whilst the crew who run the DAC flights are those that do the domestic routes, who fly multiple flights on the same day without breaks (i.e., DEL-DAC and then continuing to CCU, or CCU-DAC and then flying to Delhi), but their service is still up to the mark. One thing good about 9W is the uniform service they provide to all pax, unlike those at EK/QR et al. whose surly faces on bd flights makes me wonder if they have forgotten to take their antidepressants on their flights to DAC and vice versa.

As for flight loads being low on 9W, I seriously doubt it, as my previous flights with them have been choc-a-bloc everytime. This makes the b737 flights a tad uncomfortable as it makes the aircraft feel quite claustrophobic when it is packed to the gills.

I am flying home in a few weeks and I would certainly choose 9W again, based on their overall service, convenient flight departures from LHR and superb prices.

I have flown on 9W a couple of time between LHR and DAC with transits at Delhi, and thankfully have never come across poor treatment onboard or during my transits based on my passport. The only annoying part of the transit at Delhi is the overenthusiastic Jet officials at delhi who scrutinise visas/biometric cards of those pax transiting to LHR, but this is normal on all airlines from my experience (asians with british passports go thru the same immigration 'check', although caucasians with british documentation are waved through with a smile). I can vouch the treatment in delhi is many times better than that in dubai, abu dhabi, bahrain or doha (doha being the worst until now). Onboard, Jet provides superb service. The crew onboard flights to London are certainly a notch better than the ones in the DEL-DAC flights, but thats because the LHR flight crew are handpicked for intl flights only, whilst the crew who run the DAC flights are those that do the domestic routes, who fly multiple flights on the same day without breaks (i.e., DEL-DAC and then continuing to CCU, or CCU-DAC and then flying to Delhi), but their service is still up to the mark. One thing good about 9W is the uniform service they provide to all pax, unlike those at EK/QR et al. whose surly faces on bd flights makes me wonder if they have forgotten to take their antidepressants on their flights to DAC and vice versa.

As for flight loads being low on 9W, I seriously doubt it, as my previous flights with them have been choc-a-bloc everytime. This makes the b737 flights a tad uncomfortable as it makes the aircraft feel quite claustrophobic when it is packed to the gills.

I am flying home in a few weeks and I would certainly choose 9W again, based on their overall service, convenient flight departures from LHR and superb prices.

I got a chuckle from your narration as I was subjected to the same "immigration check". It wasn't in the middle east though, but KUL. On our way back home from MNL, we decided to check out KUL and spent a few days there. I think the MH check-in agent for NW, spent at least 20/30 minutes scrutinizing my passport with barrage of questions. Perhaps it struck her to be a fake. It started with questions like, "why do you want to go to the US?" To which my reply was I live there, that's my home. Perhaps there was a communication gap because she wouldn't let up. I think she finally gave in when another agent, perhaps a supervisor came and talked to her in Malay to get a move on because she was holding up the check-in queue. I finally muttered, why is it such a big headache for you, if I have to be processed through the immigration counter anyway? Never got a reply.

I don't know why these folks take it upon themselves to be such a pest. I can understand that responsibility falls on the airline agents where there is no immigration and customs check points for outbound passengers, like in the US airports.

Just for humour, I wonder how many of you will agree that the newer generation of a/c, from both boeing and airbus, are starting to look a lot uglier than the previous designs. Just look how blunt the nose section of the 787 looks as compared to the slick counterpart of the 777. And then there is the flying sausage of an A380 as compared to the edgy design of the A340s.

As they say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, for me these NGs are some awesome looking flying machines! Allthough I have to voice out mutually with you on the aesthetics of the 380 :lol: !

gmgexe, please check your pvt message.

I have flown on 9W a couple of time between LHR and DAC with transits at Delhi, and thankfully have never come across poor treatment onboard or during my transits based on my passport. The only annoying part of the transit at Delhi is the overenthusiastic Jet officials at delhi who scrutinise visas/biometric cards of those pax transiting to LHR, but this is normal on all airlines from my experience (asians with british passports go thru the same immigration 'check', although caucasians with british documentation are waved through with a smile). I can vouch the treatment in delhi is many times better than that in dubai, abu dhabi, bahrain or doha (doha being the worst until now). Onboard, Jet provides superb service. The crew onboard flights to London are certainly a notch better than the ones in the DEL-DAC flights, but thats because the LHR flight crew are handpicked for intl flights only, whilst the crew who run the DAC flights are those that do the domestic routes, who fly multiple flights on the same day without breaks (i.e., DEL-DAC and then continuing to CCU, or CCU-DAC and then flying to Delhi), but their service is still up to the mark. One thing good about 9W is the uniform service they provide to all pax, unlike those at EK/QR et al. whose surly faces on bd flights makes me wonder if they have forgotten to take their antidepressants on their flights to DAC and vice versa.

As for flight loads being low on 9W, I seriously doubt it, as my previous flights with them have been choc-a-bloc everytime. This makes the b737 flights a tad uncomfortable as it makes the aircraft feel quite claustrophobic when it is packed to the gills.

I am flying home in a few weeks and I would certainly choose 9W again, based on their overall service, convenient flight departures from LHR and superb prices.

Exactly my point. The Gulf carriers are pathetic on the sub-continental routes. Airlines like AI, 9W and IT are your best bet for good service overall.

-------------
Varun,
Moderator,
www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com

You don't appear to be listening to what people here are saying. Aside from the hassles of transiting through India, 9W has the additional burden of having to change planes in Brussels and wait for several hours. I have flown 9W on the JFK->BOM->JFK and while the service and planes were perfectly acceptable, it did not compare to Qatar or Etihad (both of which I rate higher than EK, btw). Add to that the absurdity of changing planes in Brussels and it becomes a non-starter for traveling to Dhaka.
AI is barely better than Biman so it does not warrant a mention in the same thread (and yes, I have used AI too, unfortunately).
I have flown Kingfisher and was quite impressed by the service, but they do not fly from North America so that is also a non-starter.
For most Bangladeshis in North America, none of the Indian airlines offer a good alternative at this point.



Exactly my point. The Gulf carriers are pathetic on the sub-continental routes. Airlines like AI, 9W and IT are your best bet for good service overall.

-------------
Varun,
Moderator,
www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com

OP ED: The failure to manage Biman

S. M. Nasimul Haque

"TOO many cooks spoil the broth", is a well-known but little realised proverb. In Bangladesh, this has been in vogue since the independence. Biman is run by the people who feel, "I AM THE BOSS." But pressure and influence is applied from various powerful and influential quarters.

What we have witnessed in the past is that, Biman had to float tenders several times for the same item. This is normally done to make money either for oneself or somebody influential. Corruption in Biman was not there earlier but later on people got greedy, scopes were in abundance and the crooks cashed on the opportunities or created opportunities.

That is something similar to digging or filling up a pond without having to touch a spade. Needless to mention that the employees in general are not and were not corrupt, some of them were forced to take recourse to corruption to help people up in the hierarchy.

Any God-fearing government with good intention will not repeat callousness like putting puppets in the helm of affairs. A blind man can never be used as a General; likewise non-technical men cannot be used in technical matters. Biman should be run by people related to the subject in all practicalities. Outsiders will behave like fish out of water and so grope for help not knowing which way to turn to. It is seldom realised that these people make monkey of themselves -- and that, too, at what cost?

It is said that poverty leads to corruption. But surprisingly, the people working in Biman or the Ministry or the Government are not below the poverty level, why should they feel the need for corruption? What I have seen so far in my beloved country is that a millionaire also feels that he is always below the poverty level and so indulges in corruption; examples are many. Areas of big-time corruption are: leasing aircraft, purchasing and selling aircraft, maintenance and stores and Hajj operation. There are other areas but of lesser magnitude.

The way Biman has been handling the Hajj operation for the last 39 years has been a repetition of callousness and ill motives causing sufferings to the Hajjis, not to mention the disrespect shown to them and the religion. Somebody wise had commented, "Only idiots do such things". I tend to agree with this observation.

While groping for a solution to Hajj operation, the management has for the first time given off the rights to six other favoured parties. Have they ensured the royalty part? If not, then another case of corruption is looming large. The citizens have the right to know why such idiocy is continuing. If others can get aircraft, so can we but the timing has to be right.

Biman always starts shopping for aircraft at the last moment. People have been known to offer aircraft at lower cost but Biman did not agree to take them as they were not offered by the typical henchmen.

Most head of governments never had the clue as to what should be correctly done. They either got influenced by their henchmen or relatives and friends to put people of their own liking to take care of a highly technical subject like Biman.

That these people are misfit, is not realized by either party. Possibly greed for name and fame makes them blind to take responsibility. Normally Biman posts are dished out to favoured ones by the head of government. What they fail to see is that there is a difference between knowing a henchman or a relative and friend and his capability as well as credibility.

Putting the top singer as the Chief Engineer is not going to take the department an inch forward in maintenance matters. Rules are formulated to adhere to, for easy operation but in Bangladesh they are meant to be broken to create impediments. After converting Biman into a public limited company (PLC), a guideline was set for determining who should be in the Board of Directors, but that was not followed and that is one of the reasons why Biman could not cover an inch of ground in any matter. Guideline was set for Hajj operation but was not followed to favour the few.

The Prime Minister promised to start the New York (NY) operation in 2009 but it never saw the light of the day. Does anybody wonder, why? The advisers around her never briefed her adequately and correctly, they must have kept relevant information from her. I wonder if she is told that aircraft are available in abundance. Why they cannot be procured, needs probing into or investigated. But by doing this the favoured people are likely to get exposed. Now that she has taken control of the airline, she has gotten herself in a very daunting task of correcting the impossible. I wish her the best in selecting a team of trustworthy and capable people to see through her desires and earn name for the national airline, once again. To any chief executive it is a million dollar question, who to trust.

The writer, Capt. S. M. Nasimul Haque, is a former president of BAPA

http://thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?page=detail_news&news_id=109913

OP ED: Who will rule Biman?

Abdulah Mohibuddin

IN 1978 as a Boeing Flight Engineer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, I had operated Hajj flight to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. All crew used to stay at Meridien Hotel. From this hotel, we took a taxi for a destination just at a distance of 2 Km. After getting down at the destination, I paid him the usual fare of 5.0 Riyals, but the taxi driver would not accept less than 30 Riyals. That was during Hajj season. We had to pay 30 Riyals as we did not have passport with us to report to the police. This is the only country where the crew keep their passport with the immigration and in no other place in other countries where Biman's crew stay.

As per ICAO rule, a GD (General declaration form issued by ICAO annex) is good enough to satisfy the immigration department of other countries. We had put this case to our Civil Aviation (CAAB) department to deal with that, but I believe no body has done anything so far.

Apart from this story, in every Hajj season we always see problem -- no proper planning and no proper solution to arrange Hajj flights. In year 1974, Biman had alone handled the Hajjis (around 5000 pilgrims) by its own aircraft. Biman made profit and profit bonus was shared among all employee of Biman. It was then managed by the Flight Operations department of Biman. Slowly, when it was found a good business, it went out from Flight Operations deptt to the Finance deptt and then to the Ministry.

Although now 55,000-70,000 Hajis are going out from Bangladesh, still it is not a big job for the professional body like Biman. Just think about it - how much money Biman has given out for taking aircraft on lease. During Hajj season like the Jeddah taxi driver, aircraft's lease rates are exorbitantly high (US$9000 12,000 per Block hour where as the normal rates are from $6500 7500 per block hour). Biman has so far spent a big sum by which it could have three to four B747 aircraft by now.

Now, one should understand who will rule: Biman Hon'ble Minister, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee or Biman's Board!

The Minister for Civil Aviation has rightly pointed out that more than 25 years old aircraft (when it is not maintained by the rule of CAAB), involves safety hazard. He did not explain in details, rather he said about the existing CAAB's rule. One should know about the 'Metal Fatigue'. One can ask this question to one of Biman's board members who hails from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology or BUET (how many thousands landing and vibrations that this aircraft has gone through). Yes, CAAB has not shown much progress in their work to upgrade its standard although they have ICAO consultant working with them.

The Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee is the former Civil Aviation Minister. He knows where to hit on Biman. But let us not forget that the mud slinging and blaming each other will not bring much progress for Biman, rather it will hamper Biman.

There is enough time to organize Hajj programme and Biman can operate Hajj flights by its own aircraft. Biman needs to adjust the winter schedule. The present Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Biman is always for branding Biman. Why does not he try to get this Hajj flights by Biman's own aircraft?

Not only this, Biman can outsource Hajj business if it has its own aircraft. There are number of queries coming up particularly from African countries to operate Hajj flights. Biman can make money by operating Hajj flights. For example, the flight between Cameroon Jeddah Cameroon is 7 Block hours and total Block time will be 14 hours (together pre hajj and post Hajj flight). Cameroon offers other carrier at the rate US$ 2000 per passenger, whereas Biman charge to the Bangladeshi pilgrim from Bangladesh only $1300 for a total of 28 Bock hours.

Let us just not sit only with Hajj flights. Biman is yet to improve its state of things in many fields and there are many issues that are yet to be resolved - like that of operating flight to New York and Tokyo.

We should encourage the Hon'ble Minister for whatever he is going to do for the progress of Civil Aviation & Tourism. The ministry has enough work to do for upgrading the standard of Civil Aviation, bringing momentum to Biman's progress and development of tourism infrastructure to attract the tourist (just not by saying we have the longest beach of the world).

Last of all, the Hon'ble Prime Minister should call all three: the Minister for Civil Aviation, the Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee and the Chairman of Biman's Board to sort out the problem. After all, if Hajj flights get bog down, then the people will not blame Biman; rather the Ministry and the Government will be put to blame.

The writer is a retired DC 10 Flight Engineer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines & former President of Flight Engineers and Navigators Association or FENA

http://thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?page=detail_news&news_id=109981

Cell on Bangabandhu Airport Proposed

Reazul Bashar
bdnews24.com correspondent

Dhaka, Aug 23 (bdnews24.com) — The civil aviation ministry has proposed formation of a cell to speed up the construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib International Airport.

A proposal concerning the issue has already been sent to prime minister Sheikh Hasina, civil aviation secretary Shafique Alam Mehedi told bdnews24.com on Monday.

"The cell will be formed as soon as the prime minister approves the proposal," he said.

Ministry officials preferring not to be named said that the civil aviation authorities were thinking of building the new airport close to Dhaka. It will be built on about 6,000 acres according to the sources.

The civil aviation has initially selected three sites — two in Madhupur, Tangail and on in Mymensingh's Trishal. The airport will start operations with two runways at the beginning but there will be sufficient space to make a third one.

The budget for this airport, including expenses for constructing an elevated expressway between Dhaka and the airport and a monorail, has been estimated at about Tk 50 billion. If implemented, it will be the biggest project in the country.

Mehedi said, "The airport will be constructed on a BOT (Build Operate Transfer) basis. The government will only provide the land."

The construction is expected to be completed by 2013, he added.

In his budget speech, finance minister AMA Muhith had said that this new airport would have all the facilities to become the heart of all international fights.

Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, launched in 1980 in Kurmitola, is a one-runway airport on 1737 acres, but according to a master plan, it was supposed to have two runways.

Many unapproved houses have been built around the airport standing in the way of building another runway. There is also considerable risk of running airport operations because of installations around the airport. The government knocked down 12 structures in 2005.

Officials close to the authorities also said that hundreds of buildings of Uttara and Nikunja will be enlisted as 'risky' if authorities initiate building the second runway at Shahjalal airport.

There are now three international and five domestic airports in the country. In addition, there are seven STAL ports (short take-off and landing).

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=171487&hb=2

Cell on Bangabandhu Airport Proposed

Reazul Bashar
bdnews24.com correspondent

..........


The budget for this airport, including expenses for constructing an elevated expressway between Dhaka and the airport and a monorail, has been estimated at about Tk 50 billion. If implemented, it will be the biggest project in the country.

..............

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=171487&hb=2

:drunk: Pie in the sky?

:drunk: Pie in the sky?

Everyone can dream, can't they? I like how it will be called BSMR Airport. Wonder how long that name will stay on the signs?

Spending close to a billion dollars on a new airport before fully utilizing the current one is just :crazy: but well within expectations from our government. How about spending the same amount of money on 2-3 good size power stations and calling them BSMR Unit-1, Unit-2 , Unit-3 etc? I would make so much dua for our departed leader just for this fact alone.

You don't appear to be listening to what people here are saying. Aside from the hassles of transiting through India, 9W has the additional burden of having to change planes in Brussels and wait for several hours. I have flown 9W on the JFK->BOM->JFK and while the service and planes were perfectly acceptable, it did not compare to Qatar or Etihad (both of which I rate higher than EK, btw). Add to that the absurdity of changing planes in Brussels and it becomes a non-starter for traveling to Dhaka.
AI is barely better than Biman so it does not warrant a mention in the same thread (and yes, I have used AI too, unfortunately).
I have flown Kingfisher and was quite impressed by the service, but they do not fly from North America so that is also a non-starter.
For most Bangladeshis in North America, none of the Indian airlines offer a good alternative at this point.

This is exactly what I was talking about from the very first post.

Etihad, Emirates, Qatar always are safer bet. There is a reason they constantly get good reviewed I personally never had any problem with EK, QR or in DXB or DOH

Everyone can dream, can't they? I like how it will be called BSMR Airport. Wonder how long that name will stay on the signs?

Spending close to a billion dollars on a new airport before fully utilizing the current one is just :crazy: but well within expectations from our government. How about spending the same amount of money on 2-3 good size power stations and calling them BSMR Unit-1, Unit-2 , Unit-3 etc? I would make so much dua for our departed leader just for this fact alone.

My brother it doesn't work like that in Bangladesh. It works as "there is an airport named after Zia so there should be another under my Dad's name. I don't care if that makes sense or not"

My brother it doesn't work like that in Bangladesh. It works as "there is an airport named after Zia so there should be another under my Dad's name. I don't care if that makes sense or not"
As I stated in earlier posts, there isn't going to be another/new international airport to replace VGZR, any time soon. Not even in a decade.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010Front Page

Biman's Aged Aircraft
PM asks for lease details
Sayeda Akter
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked for the details on Biman's lease deal with Kabo Air and leasing airport land to a private company to resolve the conflict between civil aviation minister and a parliamentary body.

The PM has also directed the ministry to provide the civil aviation rules and regulation on leasing or purchasing old aircraft, sources said.

The PM's directive came following a row between the parliamentary standing committee on civil aviation ministry and Civil Aviation Minister GM Quader over permitting 24-year-old aircrafts of Kabo Air for Biman's hajj operation and allowing IPCO a portion of airport's land to build hotels, golf course and country club.

The row came under the spotlight as GM Quader denied to award registration waiver to ageing Boeing 747-200 aircraft of Kabo Air, which Biman leased for the second time last year at a cost of $5,300 per hour mainly for hajj operations.

The parliamentary committee blasted the minister for impeding the initiative by not awarding registration waiver and sticking to the restriction on 20-year-old aircraft for leasing or purchasing for the country.

The committee also alleged that the Australia-based aircraft-leasing firm Ausban Aeronautical originally bid $10,600 for the service; but when the tender box was opened the bid was changed to $9,600 to make it the lowest bid. Orient Thai Airlines offered $9,800.

The Standing committee pointed finger on the family members of the minister for the bid rigging.

In a counter reaction Aviation Minister GM Quader denied involvement of his family members in manipulating tenders for Biman hajj flights terming the accusation "totally false and baseless".

Insiders, however, said the minister did not approve the ageing aircraft based on the allegations of corruption in leasing and using of the plane.

According to Biman officials, the plane was used for about eight months -- nearly 2,200 hours -- on profitable Dhaka-Jeddah and Dhaka-Dammam-Riyadh routes keeping Biman's own aircraft DC-10 idle.

They also alleged that the aircraft was used more than the monthly guaranteed 200 hours to channel the profit to some influential persons.

"As per the allegations I have received, a huge amount of money was involved in the lease of Kabo jets," GM Quader told The Daily Star earlier. However, he declined to name the persons responsible or the money involved in the deal.

Earlier, PM Sheikh Hasina appointed Planning Minister AK Khandaker and her Adviser to Economic Affairs Moshiur Rahman to bridge the gap between GM Quader and the parliamentary body.

The Standing Committee initially asked the ministry to scrap the lease deal of nearly 140 acres of airport land with IPCO but later it changed its position, recommending the ministry to award a portion of land to the company.

Meanwhile, the controversy worsened with Biman Board Chairman Air Marshal (retd) Jamal Uddin Ahmed and standing committee chairman Engineer Mosharraf Hossain claiming that the minister wanted to become the Biman chairman.

Is this the land regent got on lease

Tuesday, August 24, 2010Front Page

Biman's Aged Aircraft
PM asks for lease details
Sayeda Akter
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked for the details on Biman's lease deal with Kabo Air and leasing airport land to a private company to resolve the conflict between civil aviation minister and a parliamentary body.

..........

Is this the land regent got on lease

I could be wrong, but I don't think so because if I'm mistaken, the real estate that was given to IPCO is in the front of the terminal buildings, i.e. not on the air side. I reckon Regent would want land on the air side to build the maintenance facility.

Number of air passengers drops by 3%

http://www.newagebd.com/2010/aug/24/img5.html

by Nazrul Islam

Bangladesh’s main airport at Dhaka suffered a decline in passenger number in recent years since 2000 as global financial meltdown triggered a massive fall in the country’s manpower export, according to an official record.

Officials at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh say the decline in Bangladeshi workers travelling abroad had mainly caused the negative growth of air passengers although the number of flights to and from Dhaka had increased substantially.

‘Recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia was suspended for sometime while the demand in the Gulf countries had gone down due to the global recession,’ an official at the CAAB told New Age.

Bangladesh had sent some 500,000 workers abroad in 2009 compared to 800,000 in the previous year.

The number of flights to and from Dhaka has increased to 47,361 in 2009 from 46,078 in the previous year. But the passenger number fell by 1,25,630 during this period, said a CAAB report placed before the parliamentary standing committee on the ministry of civil aviation and tourism earlier this month.

The authorities, however, have no tally on air passengers to and from Dhaka. Over 4.25 million passengers were ferried on domestic and international routes in 2009 while the number was over 4.38 million in the previous year, marking a 2.87 per cent decline in the number of air travellers.

Cargo operations, however, showed a substantial growth of 1.46 per cent from the previous growth of 0.16 per cent in 2008.

The civil aviation authorities say that the number of national and international flights increased in the recent years. Many of them are looking for new routes and are applying for raising their flight frequency.

But the record shows otherwise; at least eight of a total of 25 airlines licensed with CAAB for passenger transportation have kept suspended their operations for years.

They are Aeroflot, British Airways, Indian Airlines, Iran Air, Uzbekistan Airways, Al Italia, Slovak Air and UAE-based ARK Airways.

According to a CAAB report compiled this month, the number of passengers travelling to and from Dhaka was 4.16 million in 2007, a 5.33 per cent growth from 2006 when the number was nearly 3.28 million.

The CAAB recorded some 3.23 million passengers who travelled in 2005 while the number was 3.12 million in 2004.

Passenger number was 3.03 million in 2003 and 4.09 millions in 2002. In 2001 and 2000 the number of passengers was 2.79 millions and 2.51 millions respectively.

http://www.newagebd.com/2010/aug/24/busi.html#1

Number of air passengers drops by 3%

http://www.newagebd.com/2010/aug/24/img5.html

by Nazrul Islam

Bangladesh’s main airport at Dhaka suffered a decline in passenger number in recent years since 2000 as global financial meltdown triggered a massive fall in the country’s manpower export, according to an official record.

Officials at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh say the decline in Bangladeshi workers travelling abroad had mainly caused the negative growth of air passengers although the number of flights to and from Dhaka had increased substantially.

‘Recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia was suspended for sometime while the demand in the Gulf countries had gone down due to the global recession,’ an official at the CAAB told New Age.

Bangladesh had sent some 500,000 workers abroad in 2009 compared to 800,000 in the previous year.

The number of flights to and from Dhaka has increased to 47,361 in 2009 from 46,078 in the previous year. But the passenger number fell by 1,25,630 during this period, said a CAAB report placed before the parliamentary standing committee on the ministry of civil aviation and tourism earlier this month.

The authorities, however, have no tally on air passengers to and from Dhaka. Over 4.25 million passengers were ferried on domestic and international routes in 2009 while the number was over 4.38 million in the previous year, marking a 2.87 per cent decline in the number of air travellers.

Cargo operations, however, showed a substantial growth of 1.46 per cent from the previous growth of 0.16 per cent in 2008.

The civil aviation authorities say that the number of national and international flights increased in the recent years. Many of them are looking for new routes and are applying for raising their flight frequency.

But the record shows otherwise; at least eight of a total of 25 airlines licensed with CAAB for passenger transportation have kept suspended their operations for years.

They are Aeroflot, British Airways, Indian Airlines, Iran Air, Uzbekistan Airways, Al Italia, Slovak Air and UAE-based ARK Airways.

According to a CAAB report compiled this month, the number of passengers travelling to and from Dhaka was 4.16 million in 2007, a 5.33 per cent growth from 2006 when the number was nearly 3.28 million.

The CAAB recorded some 3.23 million passengers who travelled in 2005 while the number was 3.12 million in 2004.

Passenger number was 3.03 million in 2003 and 4.09 millions in 2002. In 2001 and 2000 the number of passengers was 2.79 millions and 2.51 millions respectively.

http://www.newagebd.com/2010/aug/24/busi.html#1

Question is, is this a sub-continental phenomenon or does it only afflict Bangladesh?

I could be wrong, but I don't think so because if I'm mistaken, the real estate that was given to IPCO is in the front of the terminal buildings, i.e. not on the air side. I reckon Regent would want land on the air side to build the maintenance facility.

Sorry bro I put the question up before reading the news in full.

Does biman look like a public limited
company when the PM who has no clue over airlines asks for lease details and give orders. What a joke man. I mean what is the point of having those biman's stupid directors. Such thing should be decided there and why on earth a parliamentary board would judge biman's performance. I had a terrible time yesterday with one of my family member, explaining him how does the Biman plc works. He was asking me "BA is a plc as well but how come David Cameron or tourism minister never interfears on BA's management decisions and authority". My reply was, that's Bangladesh for you

CNG owners are handling the airline business.

Anyway, there is a report on B787, as it could face more delay

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/08/23/346353/787-schedule-in-jeopardy-following-trent-1000-testbed.html

Does biman look like a public limited
company when the PM who has no clue over airlines asks for lease details and give orders. What a joke man. I mean what is the point of having those biman's stupid directors. Such thing should be decided there and why on earth a parliamentary board would judge biman's performance. I had a terrible time yesterday with one of my family member, explaining him how does the Biman plc works. He was asking me "BA is a plc as well but how come David Cameron or tourism minister never interfears on BA's management decisions and authority". My reply was, that's Bangladesh for you

CNG owners are handling the airline business.

Anyway, there is a report on B787, as it could face more delay

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/08/23/346353/787-schedule-in-jeopardy-following-trent-1000-testbed.html

Actually it will not hamper that Biman choose GE engine and fault is in trent1000

... I think the MH check-in agent for NW, spent at least 20/30 minutes scrutinizing my passport with barrage of questions. Perhaps it struck her to be a fake. It started with questions like, "why do you want to go to the US?" ...

Yeah .. what's up with KUL these days? These watch dogs/immigration officers asked a similar stupid question to me about ten days ago .. and I made some irritated remark like, "EXCUSE ME?" plus an evil stare .. he stamped my passport .. and I walked off.

As for India, I had a nasty experience at Kolkata immigration ... put me off going there again in the foreseeable future ...

I used to go to Vancouver BC a lot to play in field hockey tournaments .. one of the Canadian watch dogs once asked me, "do you plan to leave anything behind in Canada?" .. to which I replied, "Yes, I do have to use the toilet during my stay in your country" ... and drove off.

Immigration officers or petty law enforcers like TSA are basic losers in life. Don't take them seriously and certainly not personally. Frankly, they are a necessary evil in modern day travel .. someone has to do the dirty job. These people have no nationality .. they exist everywhere ... humor them and move on.

Yeah .. what's up with KUL these days? These watch dogs/immigration officers asked a similar stupid question to me about ten days ago .. and I made some irritated remark like, "EXCUSE ME?" plus an evil stare .. he stamped my passport .. and I walked off.

As for India, I had a nasty experience at Kolkata immigration ... put me off going there again in the foreseeable future ...

I used to go to Vancouver BC a lot to play in field hockey tournaments .. one of the Canadian watch dogs once asked me, "do you plan to leave anything behind in Canada?" .. to which I replied, "Yes, I do have to use the toilet during my stay in your country" ... and drove off.

Immigration officers or petty law enforcers like TSA are basic losers in life. Don't take them seriously and certainly not personally. Frankly, they are a necessary evil in modern day travel .. someone has to do the dirty job. These people have no nationality .. they exist everywhere ... humor them and move on.

immigration officers are just doing their job. They have right to do odd and stupid questioning. :cheers: Canadians Immigrations are so easy going that they just started to have hand guns :lol: but they did have taser guns

http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=171602&hb=top

Govt show-causes Biman chief


Tue, Aug 24th, 2010 8:56 pm BdST

Dial 2000 from your GP mobile for latest news
Dhaka, Aug 24 (bdnews24.com) — The civil aviation ministry has served a show-cause notice on the Biman chairman for remarks about the minister and secretary.

A top civil aviation ministry official who has seen the document confirmed to bdnews24.com that the ministry had issued the notice.

The notice reads that national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines chairman Jamal Uddin Ahmed's statements of Aug 18 about civil aviation minister and secretary were in breach of discipline and objectionable.

Another official told bdnews24.com that the notice, signed by a joint secretary of the ministry, Aftab Uddin Talukdar, asked the Biman chair to explain why he had made those remarks being an office bearer of the republic.

Cant go wrong..there is only one piece in Bangladesh

this is Asif bhai right? first time I have seen your pic.

http://bd.linkedin.com/in/imranasif

and when i mean logo...i mean something like this. well done. just tells you how much details they have gone through.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7183/regent.jpg

Does biman look like a public limited
company when the PM who has no clue over airlines asks for lease details and give orders. What a joke man. I mean what is the point of having those biman's stupid directors. Such thing should be decided there and why on earth a parliamentary board would judge biman's performance. I had a terrible time yesterday with one of my family member, explaining him how does the Biman plc works. He was asking me "BA is a plc as well but how come David Cameron or tourism minister never interfears on BA's management decisions and authority". My reply was, that's Bangladesh for you

CNG owners are handling the airline business.

Anyway, there is a report on B787, as it could face more delay

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/08/23/346353/787-schedule-in-jeopardy-following-trent-1000-testbed.html
There is a gulf difference between a British "PLC" and a Bangladesh "sector corporation". While the PLCs are truly publicly owned and managed by people in the private sector, the sector corporations like Biman, Jibon Bima Corporation, and so on, are in reality owned by the state (GoB) and managed by the government through its bureaucrats.

http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=171602&hb=top

Govt show-causes Biman chief


Tue, Aug 24th, 2010 8:56 pm BdST

Dial 2000 from your GP mobile for latest news
Dhaka, Aug 24 (bdnews24.com) — The civil aviation ministry has served a show-cause notice on the Biman chairman for remarks about the minister and secretary.

A top civil aviation ministry official who has seen the document confirmed to bdnews24.com that the ministry had issued the notice.

The notice reads that national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines chairman Jamal Uddin Ahmed's statements of Aug 18 about civil aviation minister and secretary were in breach of discipline and objectionable.

Another official told bdnews24.com that the notice, signed by a joint secretary of the ministry, Aftab Uddin Talukdar, asked the Biman chair to explain why he had made those remarks being an office bearer of the republic.

Even though, technically, the Biman chairman reports to the Minister of Civil Aviation, if it comes to a showdown, the chairman will prevail. For he is related to the PM.

There is a gulf difference between a British "PLC" and a Bangladesh "sector corporation". While the PLCs are truly publicly owned and managed by people in the private sector, the sector corporations like Biman, Jibon Bima Corporation, and so on, are in reality owned by the state (GoB) and managed by the government through its bureaucrats.

towhid bhai..this is exactly what i told him and he looked rather more confused hahahhahahhahahha

Cant go wrong..there is only one piece in Bangladesh

this is Asif bhai right? first time I have seen your pic.

http://bd.linkedin.com/in/imranasif

and when i mean logo...i mean something like this. well done. just tells you how much details they have gone through.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7183/regent.jpg

Now thats a nice logo! Its professionally done!

Guys look,
747 with 477 pax in 9600US$/BH is the rate of Hajj aircraft for this year. But by this amount Biman can get 777-300

from

1. Air France----- with 472 pax

2. JAL------------ with 500+ pax

3. ANA also ------ 500 pax
(All these are used in domestic routes)


777 is more efficient and consume less fuel.



Is it possible ???^^

Nice shot but this cyclist is probably deaf or in the process of going deaf. These pieces of Chinese crap have ruined many a phone conversation I was having with my parents in Uttara.

Righfully said brother! I dont think I have ever seen these loaded with armament. What good is a fighter if it cant fight? BD doesnt even have an aerobatics squadron so we could have said that we are putting them to some use instead of just using them as toys.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7183/regent.jpg


When you look at Regent Airways logo it makes you wonder shuvon, who was behind the United Airways logo...and how un-professional it looks given most of the investors are from uk.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7183/regent.jpg


When you look at Regent Airways logo it makes you wonder shuvon, who was behind the United Airways logo...
An eight year old kid? :)

Guys look,
747 with 477 pax in 9600US$/BH is the rate of Hajj aircraft for this year. But by this amount Biman can get 777-300

from

1. Air France----- with 472 pax

2. JAL------------ with 500+ pax

3. ANA also ------ 500 pax
(All these are used in domestic routes)


777 is more efficient and consume less fuel.



Is it possible ???^^

Penny wise Pound foolish?

I can understand that for an individual or a (small) it might be more feasible to lease/make a purchase via the vehicle of installment payments, but for a large entity like BG, which moreover is government owned, it is baffling as to why they would make decisions like those ($9600/BH 747).

Guys look,
747 with 477 pax in 9600US$/BH is the rate of Hajj aircraft for this year. But by this amount Biman can get 777-300

from

1. Air France----- with 472 pax

2. JAL------------ with 500+ pax

3. ANA also ------ 500 pax
(All these are used in domestic routes)


777 is more efficient and consume less fuel.



Is it possible ???^^

No and never! galive bhai, for simple reasons when biman lease an aircraft its not about saving money and to get a cheaper deal for similar aircraft, but, within biman managements WHO gets a cut out of the deal. :)

An eight year old kid? :)

Or could it be Akbar1 bhai. :lol:

Or could it be Akbar1 bhai. :lol:

ha ha very funny...............i am taking it light heartly. Actuly it was my son, he is five!!!!!!! lol

it's not just to do with the logo dear bro. it can be updated at any point. Just look at GMG. Regent had the advantage of looking at both of us before going to their design.

why don't you design a new logo for4H, lets put some ideas together.

ha ha very funny...............i am taking it light heartly. Actuly it was my son, he is five!!!!!!! lol

it's not just to do with the logo dear bro. it can be updated at any point. Just look at GMG. Regent had the advantage of looking at both of us before going to their design.

why don't you design a new logo for4H, lets put some ideas together.

Kudos to our five year old nephew for designing the 4H logo. :D akbar bhai are proposing a contest for new 4H logos... if so, everyone & iamkarib, bros you got a job on your hands. :lol:

Regent had the advantage of looking at both of us before going to their design.

I beg to contradict: we had absolutely nothing to do with, or get any ideas out of, the logo/branding of Z5 or 4H.

We wanted something to our liking, and which would be meaningful...hence the result you can see.

I beg to contradict: we had absolutely nothing to do with, or get any ideas out of, the logo/branding of neither Z5 nor 4H.

We wanted something to our liking, and which would be meaningful...hence the result you can see.

And a great looking design asif bhai :applause:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC02750.jpg

QUOTE]

This is a Beechcraft King Air B300 operated by a Thai Charter company. So I presume its arriving from Thailand. This does make you wonder what a striking range these King Airs must be having. The max range of a 1900D is around 1500 nm which is roughly a fifth more than what the dash 8 can cover. That would be enough to operate to Nepal at times from DAC.

Even if Nepal is pulling the leg, it wouldnt be a bad idea to have a few to supplement the dash-8s for routes like Jessore, Saidpur, Cox's (direct), if they are not too costly to maintain just for a handful of routes.

The cabin may be stuffy but, unlike other versions of King Air, the 1900D's fuselage is vertically stretched allowing passengers to stand upright. Some western passengers still complain that they hit the ceiling when they stand but the fraction of our population with comparable heights to westerners will be much smaller.

However, I do not think it will be easy getting hold of a 1900D from the market these days.

I beg to contradict: we had absolutely nothing to do with, or get any ideas out of, the logo/branding of Z5 or 4H.

We wanted something to our liking, and which would be meaningful...hence the result you can see.

I agree, the Regent logo looks nothing like GMG or United. While the GMG logo is very nice it is an artistic design while the Regent one is professional and to the point design. Besides United logo isn't bad either. It has a pure meaning behind it (If you look at it from the literature perspective) The thing about United is the livery of the aircrat that does not stand out as much. But lets wait and see what Regent does.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC02750.jpg

QUOTE]

This is a Beechcraft King Air B300 operated by a Thai Charter company. So I presume its arriving from Thailand. This does make you wonder what a striking range these King Airs must be having. The max range of a 1900D is around 1500 nm which is roughly a fifth more than what the dash 8 can cover. That would be enough to operate to Nepal at times from DAC.

Even if Nepal is pulling the leg, it wouldnt be a bad idea to have a few to supplement the dash-8s for routes like Jessore, Saidpur, Cox's (direct), if they are not too costly to maintain just for a handful of routes.

The cabin may be stuffy but, unlike other versions of King Air, the 1900D's fuselage is vertically stretched allowing passengers to stand upright. Some western passengers still complain that they hit the ceiling when they stand but the fraction of our population with comparable heights to westerners will be much smaller.

However, I do not think it will be easy getting hold of a 1900D from the market these days.

We have had a good amount of discussion on this topic, i.e., using the 1900D or similar under 20 seat airliner on domestic routes where the demand is low. It appears though that nobody in Bangladesh private airline business, whether active/current or upcoming (soon to be launched), wants to consider any aircraft that does not have the appearance of an "airliner". Even Imran Asif, the aviation expert, could not convince his client, Regent Air, to go that route.

I am so against it. I believe where there is only 20 pax there is no point of flying. Rather go for dash8 and you can use it in routes like Nepal, Kolkata including other short distance regional and domestic routes. Beechcrafts are not for commercial airline but rather charter. I don't think such aircrafts would hit break-even point for the airline. It's doesn't sound good financially.

I am so against it. I believe where there is only 20 pax there is no point of flying. Rather go for dash8 and you can use it in routes like Nepal, Kolkata including other short distance regional and domestic routes. Beechcrafts are not for commercial airline but rather charter. I don't think such aircrafts would hit break-even point for the airline. It's doesn't sound good financially.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_1900

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_EMB_110_Bandeirante

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_L-410_Turbolet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handley_Page_Jetstream

We have had a good amount of discussion on this topic, i.e., using the 1900D or similar under 20 seat airliner on domestic routes where the demand is low. It appears though that nobody in Bangladesh private airline business, whether active/current or upcoming (soon to be launched), wants to consider any aircraft that does not have the appearance of an "airliner". Even Imran Asif, the aviation expert, could not convince his client, Regent Air, to go that route.

Well, for the business model that Regent is going to operate, the Beech 1900D doesn't fit in, yet, as the flights from DAC to CGP, CXB, ZYL warrants aircraft with at least 35 seats. Of course, if Regent eventually operates to thinner domestic routes in the future, we could be having smaller turboprops. However, the planned direction for now is on the other way...to going international with bigger birds! :)

In terms of logos, I still think GMG's one remains Bangladesh's best.

My top list (in terms of logos of Bangladesh carriers) :

1. GMG (current livery)
2. Regent
3. Biman
4. United

Explanation for my ranking :

A logo is meant to portray an airline's practice and beliefs. It is expected to attract attention from potential customers in a positive way. A logo is a company's face in a competitive market. I feel GMG attains each of the above very well. GMG's logo brings out the lush flora and fauna of the country in its logo and uses colours to the maximum (and BD is known to be quite a colourful country). Moreover, the attention GMG's logo gets from pax is tremendous; let alone aviation enthusiasts, pax who are least bothered about aviation take an active interest in GMGs logo and will often enquire about the airline to know more about it. During my traveles in and out of DAC recently (when the GMG 767 remained idle on the tarmac), I have often heard people take an interest in flying with the airline just based on the airline's livery, e.g. 'Thats a nice design. Where does
G-M-G fly to?', 'Bah GMG tar design shundor hoise to, oder service o naki improve korse.' GMGs reputation has improved significantly since its image overhaul.

Regent's livery is quite contemporary, but I am not sure if it would demand the same attention from customers as GMG does (after the initial interest in the airline fades a few weeks after launch). However, the logo does look a lot nicer against the dark blue background it is gonna be set against on the actual aircraft. btw, where is the rest of the bird's body on the logo? lol. I am not a fan of the font they have used though.

I dont like United's livery at all. First, it looks like a copy of a charity in the UK. Second, its not attractive or pleasing to the eye. Third, I hate the fact that each of their aircrafts have the logo set against a different colour (which are not the nicest colours either). Fourth, I hate the english font they use of the aircraft.

Biman's old logo is classic, not necessarily very good though. The new logo was fantastic, looks a lot better in the flesh than on pictures. Sad that new livery is out now.

Thats my 2p worth of opinion. It may not mean much to anyone, but as a frequent flyer, I am sure a customer's opinion is important to an airline.

I wish the very best of luck to Regent and hope to fly with the airline soon.

p.s., for those who are interested, this is what i meant when i said united's livery looks like a copy of a UK charity :

http://www.microfinancefocus.com/news/2009/09/18/care-aims-to-reach-30-million-people-in-africa-by-2019/

i know the hands are the other way round, but does not CARE's logo remind you of that of United's, or vice versa (as in my case) ?

In terms of logos, I still think GMG's one remains Bangladesh's best.

My top list (in terms of logos of Bangladesh carriers) :

1. GMG (current livery)
2. Regent
3. Biman
4. United

Explanation for my ranking :

A logo is meant to portray an airline's practice and beliefs. It is expected to attract attention from potential customers in a positive way. A logo is a company's face in a competitive market. I feel GMG attains each of the above very well. GMG's logo brings out the lush flora and fauna of the country in its logo and uses colours to the maximum (and BD is known to be quite a colourful country). Moreover, the attention GMG's logo gets from pax is tremendous; let alone aviation enthusiasts, pax who are least bothered about aviation take an active interest in GMGs logo and will often enquire about the airline to know more about it. During my traveles in and out of DAC recently (when the GMG 767 remained idle on the tarmac), I have often heard people take an interest in flying with the airline just based on the airline's livery, e.g. 'Thats a nice design. Where does
G-M-G fly to?', 'Bah GMG tar design shundor hoise to, oder service o naki improve korse.' GMGs reputation has improved significantly since its image overhaul.

Regent's livery is quite contemporary, but I am not sure if it would demand the same attention from customers as GMG does (after the initial interest in the airline fades a few weeks after launch). However, the logo does look a lot nicer against the dark blue background it is gonna be set against on the actual aircraft. btw, where is the rest of the bird's body on the logo? lol. I am not a fan of the font they have used though.

I dont like United's livery at all. First, it looks like a copy of a charity in the UK. Second, its not attractive or pleasing to the eye. Third, I hate the fact that each of their aircrafts have the logo set against a different colour (which are not the nicest colours either). Fourth, I hate the english font they use of the aircraft.

Biman's old logo is classic, not necessarily very good though. The new logo was fantastic, looks a lot better in the flesh than on pictures. Sad that new livery is out now.

Thats my 2p worth of opinion. It may not mean much to anyone, but as a frequent flyer, I am sure a customer's opinion is important to an airline.

I wish the very best of luck to Regent and hope to fly with the airline soon.

I love our logo allthough I would've preferred if there were some changes made in the tail section livery paint scheme. Rather than all the colors, probably it would've been better and more economical to use only 1 or 2 color.

I like the Regent's Logo but there's a but. I don't like the color mix. The greyish gradient background makes it all look very dull. Asif bhai, ask your marketing agency to come up with more color mixes.

.......

I like the Regent's Logo but there's a but. I don't like the color mix. The greyish gradient background makes it all look very dull. Asif bhai, ask your marketing agency to come up with more color mixes.
If the bosses like it, it's a done deal. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_1900

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_EMB_110_Bandeirante

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_L-410_Turbolet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handley_Page_Jetstream
Towhid bhai you seriously think Biman, United, GMG and Regent would make money out of those 19 pax routes using these aircrafts? The only time it's financially reasonable when the airline already using big birds on long distance flights and making money and they have spare cash to support these routes. Not for a growing airline.

Ppl are better off using bus or train on such routes.

I like the Regent's Logo but there's a but. I don't like the color mix. The greyish gradient background makes it all look very dull. Asif bhai, ask your marketing agency to come up with more color mixes.

Hardly his fault brother. I am the one who took the logo from the regent website and pasted here. The background of the website was grey and hense..........

I beg to contradict: we had absolutely nothing to do with, or get any ideas out of, the logo/branding of Z5 or 4H.

We wanted something to our liking, and which would be meaningful...hence the result you can see.


Imran, what i meant was, you must have checked out all your competiters before you decided. come on bro, we all do it, whether we admit it or not. Otherwise where is the fun in competition. right.:cheers:

@ Akbar1

Hi there. I'm not sure whether you disclosed your involvement/relationship with United Airways Bangladesh. Are you an investor, a shareholder, and/or are you in the management of 4H? Not that you are obliged to inform us here, but I'm sure most of us are curious. :)

For very thin and short haul routes like the ones withing Bangladesh, ATRs should work very well. Has any Bangladeshi carrier considered using an ATR on these sectors?

Question is, is this a sub-continental phenomenon or does it only afflict Bangladesh?

Throughput at Indian airports show a strong growth so far this year (in excess of 20% y-o-y in most of the airports). It was a marginal growth in 2009 -10 (7 or 8 %)

Imran, what i meant was, you must have checked out all your competiters before you decided. come on bro, we all do it, whether we admit it or not. Otherwise where is the fun in competition. right.:cheers:

Of all the things, checking out the competitors' logos would've been the last thing on the list...and we just didn't do it at all.

I have no hesitation in admitting that GMG's new colours, particularly on the tail, looks good. But as already discussed, it is a very difficult mix of colours that'd be expensive and more importantly time-consuming to paint. For ours, we considered several factors before deciding to use more basic colours, and in the process had to give up many rather "complicated" preferences!

As for competition mate, believe you me we can hardly wait to taste the "fun"! ;)

Towhid bhai you seriously think Biman, United, GMG and Regent would make money out of those 19 pax routes using these aircrafts? The only time it's financially reasonable when the airline already using big birds on long distance flights and making money and they have spare cash to support these routes. Not for a growing airline.

Ppl are better off using bus or train on such routes.
Yes, that is very much true, in Bangladesh(i) context, but I thought your point was anything under 20 seater cannot be considered as an airliner.

Given Bangladesh's economic and administrative structure where everything is Dhaka centric, I do not see the prospect of a viable domestic airlines service for years, perhaps decades to come. Thus from time immemorial, airlines, private or public, has to have a profitable international sector to offset the losses incurred in the domestic sector.

Alright guys, somebody needs to briefly update me whats been going on here. I was in Bangladesh so couldnt be updated on-time with BD aviation.

Well unfortunately, I am back in Oman but let me just share my return EK experience :)

The EK this time was an awesome one, DAC-DXB, on a long B777-300 which had all 3 (F,J,Y) class :) ...... and surprisingly, there was hardly any labour class people on board, but i should say that 98% of the passengers were transit passengers, most of them going to Europe and US destinations. The food was awesome and entertainment, awesome as usual, loved the aircraft a lot :)

btw, i was supposed to meet Iasif bhai at the airport, but when i was there, i tried calling him but we couldn't get connected for some reason :/ ..... anyways, there is always next time :D

Of all the things, checking out the competitors' logos would've been the last thing on the list...and we just didn't do it at all.

I have no hesitation in admitting that GMG's new colours, particularly on the tail, looks good. But as already discussed, it is a very difficult mix of colours that'd be expensive and more importantly time-consuming to paint. For ours, we considered several factors before deciding to use more basic colours, and in the process had to give up many rather "complicated" preferences!

As for competition mate, believe you me we can hardly wait to taste the "fun"! ;)

Mr Asif, when does the Regent web site comes on line?

manazir miya kotha khom photo besi....bismillah boila shuru koira deo...dekhi ki tulla na tulla


Alright guys, somebody needs to briefly update me whats been going on here. I was in Bangladesh so couldnt be updated on-time with BD aviation.

Well unfortunately, I am back in Oman but let me just share my return EK experience :)

The EK this time was an awesome one, DAC-DXB, on a long B777-300 which had all 3 (F,J,Y) class :) ...... and surprisingly, there was hardly any labour class people on board, but i should say that 98% of the passengers were transit passengers, most of them going to Europe and US destinations. The food was awesome and entertainment, awesome as usual, loved the aircraft a lot :)

btw, i was supposed to meet Iasif bhai at the airport, but when i was there, i tried calling him but we couldn't get connected for some reason :/ ..... anyways, there is always next time :D

@ Akbar1

Hi there. I'm not sure whether you disclosed your involvement/relationship with United Airways Bangladesh. Are you an investor, a shareholder, and/or are you in the management of 4H? Not that you are obliged to inform us here, but I'm sure most of us are curious. :)

Akbar1 mia has been ignoring or trying to avoid this question, i have tired before but never got any answer :)

I smell something fishy :D

Alright guys, somebody needs to briefly update me whats been going on here. I was in Bangladesh so couldnt be updated on-time with BD aviation.

:cheers: nothing special as of august :D

Of all the things, checking out the competitors' logos would've been the last thing on the list...and we just didn't do it at all.

I have no hesitation in admitting that GMG's new colours, particularly on the tail, looks good. But as already discussed, it is a very difficult mix of colours that'd be expensive and more importantly time-consuming to paint. For ours, we considered several factors before deciding to use more basic colours, and in the process had to give up many rather "complicated" preferences!

As for competition mate, believe you me we can hardly wait to taste the "fun"! ;)

:bash: Asif bhai i demand online ticket booking for your airline.

Please and thank you

Akbar1 mia has been ignoring or trying to avoid this question, i have tired before but never got any answer :)

I smell something fishy :D

Given that we bash united quite frequently I guess Akbar1 is just trying to be on the safe side. For your comfort we believe "papi ke noy papi ke ghrina korun " haha

manazir miya kotha khom photo besi....bismillah boila shuru koira deo...dekhi ki tulla na tulla

hahahaha :lol: :lol:

bhai, photo tulte pari nai unfortunately, as my flight was during night, and I'm really not an expert in taking photos at nightlight :ohno:

But, I will tell you what I saw at ZIA. There was 3 BGs at the boarding gate (1x A310 going to Kualalumpur, 2x DC-10s for DXB and MCT) , there was a Dragonair A330 which was going to Kathmandu, and our EK for DXB.

Apart from that, I saw BGs B777 and surprisingly, it was sleeping at the parking bay the whole day, I wonder dont they use it :ohno: .......

Speaking of logos, which logo does Biman use now? I heard the man who designed the old logo was making a big fuss about his logo being changed. As if Biman had a lifelong treaty with him that it will never dare to change his design! The senile designer also said the new crane looks like an American crane, not a Bangladeshi one blah blah blah.

BG gov gonna upgrade DAC after a long time. 4000million BDT project.

see news- http://www.banglanews24.org/newlocation/bangla/detailsnews.php?nssl=a3fc981af450752046be179185ebc8b5&nttl=201008276510

^^
yeah it will take 10 more years, just wait .......... honestly, the only change ive seen at DAC this time was the addition of 2 new glass boarding bridges! ...... and beggars outside the airport :ohno:

Given that we bash united quite frequently I guess Akbar1 is just trying to be on the safe side. For your comfort we believe "papi ke noy papi ke ghrina korun " haha

is it
"pap ke noy papi ke ghrina korun " or "papi ke noy pap ke ghrina korun "

You got me all confused

BG gov gonna upgrade DAC after a long time. 4000million BDT project.

see news- http://www.banglanews24.org/newlocation/bangla/detailsnews.php?nssl=a3fc981af450752046be179185ebc8b5&nttl=201008276510

So basically all these talks about JFK is ashes...:ohno: It says No airlines from Dhaka can land in JFK until its upgrade to class 3 is done.....Is it true? Is Biman just playing around havin no intentions to operate to JFK anytime soon?

is it
"pap ke noy papi ke ghrina korun " or "papi ke noy pap ke ghrina korun "

You got me all confused

me too.

Akbar1 mia has been ignoring or trying to avoid this question, i have tired before but never got any answer :)

I smell something fishy :D
I don't why the hesitation to reveal himself. After all, we have real officials from GMG and Regent Air in our forum, actively participating. For all we know, Akbar1 could be Mr CEO of 4H, himself! ;)

So basically all these talks about JFK is ashes...:ohno: It says No airlines from Dhaka can land in JFK until its upgrade to class 3 is done.....Is it true? Is Biman just playing around havin no intentions to operate to JFK anytime soon?
No, it means there cannot be any direct (point-to-point) flight from DAC to JFK. BG can continue to operate to JFK as long as JFK bound flight departs from a category 1 airport, as classified by FAA.

me too.
:lol: Akbar1 Mia once again you have ignored the question.

I don't why the hesitation to reveal himself. After all, we have real officials from GMG and Regent Air in our forum, actively participating. For all we know, Akbar1 could be Mr CEO of 4H, himself! ;)


NO offence to special one or anyone.
Well ,you have to see that United is bottom of all present Bangladeshi carriers, so its kinda embarrassing to represent United.

BG gov gonna upgrade DAC after a long time. 4000million BDT project.

see news- http://www.banglanews24.org/newlocation/bangla/detailsnews.php?nssl=a3fc981af450752046be179185ebc8b5&nttl=201008276510

The news about ZIA infrastructure upgrade thus far have surfaced and re-surfaced in the media for the last few years. I would question as to why this time around it isn't more of the same?

There is also quite a bit of either incorrect or confusing information. VGZR does have DME, NDB, and VOR. And even an ILS which is cat I. According to Imran, it is so poorly calibrated that makes it practically unusable. The Danish grant, I believe, is specifically for upgrade/replacement of the existing radar, in addition of an SSR, which DAC lacks. Didn't know about the control tower height increase. Hopefully it will be relocated to its own separate structure, with provision for Doppler radar in the future.

New int'l airport to cost Tk 50,000cr
Says ministry report
Rejaul Karim Byron

Building another international airport nearby Dhaka will cost Tk 50,000 crore, a pre-feasibility study by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism suggests.

The ministry has sought approval of the cabinet committee on economic affairs to implement the project under public-private partnership (PPP). It is likely to be placed in the committee meeting tomorrow.

The ministry proposal said as the project involves a huge budget, it would be logical to implement it through PPP.

Alongside the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the government has decided in principle to build another airport named Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib International Airport.

A nine-member pre-feasibility study committee has been formed headed by a member of civil aviation authority. After visiting seven sites in Gazipur, Tangail, and Mymensingh districts, the committee preferred three among those.

A high level meeting held at the civil aviation ministry made recommendation for the site in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh covering 2,600 hectares of land. About 1,000 acres of land of Bangladesh Army remain unused in the area, which could be an advantage.

The ministry sources said the cabinet committee on economic affairs would make the final selection of the site.

The civil aviation ministry put forward several logics for building another international standard airport nearby Dhaka.

Aviation is increasing substantially in the country and about 80 percent of the air passengers use Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said the ministry proposal adding the airport has only one runway and its annual passenger handling capacity is 80 lakh. This is inadequate compared to increasing number of passengers.

The proposal also said due to space constraint in the terminal building, modern five-level security concept cannot be employed which is mandatory as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.

As the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is surrounded by residential area and cantonment, its extensive future expansion is impossible. These make building another international standard airport near Dhaka an urgent necessity, mentioned the proposal.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/print_news.php?nid=152589

^^
honestly are these people out of their minds?? this money could be used to build power plants (there is too much power crisis in the country), improve infrastructure and even develop the exisitng airport! Dont they understand that we dont need a new airport!!! ..... we have enough space to extend the existing airport and improve it

^^
honestly are these people out of their minds?? this money could be used to build power plants (there is too much power crisis in the country), improve infrastructure and even develop the exisitng airport! Dont they understand that we dont need a new airport!!! ..... we have enough space to extend the existing airport and improve it

I've always maintained there's no compelling reason to build another (new) international airport for (in or around) the capital. There are far more need for infrastructural improvement in other areas that will have an immediate and direct impact on Bangladesh economy like ones Manazir mentioned, power generation, road, rail, and maritime transportation network, and so on.

Those who are bent on getting a new airport, to my mind, fall into three groups: 1) badly wants to see their (or their master's/mistress's) family name on a famous/prominent building, 2) salivating to grease their palms, and 3) aviation fanatics/nuts.

is it
"pap ke noy papi ke ghrina korun " or "papi ke noy pap ke ghrina korun "

You got me all confused

me too.



its papi ke noy pap ke ghrina korun..sorry for the typo before

^^
honestly are these people out of their minds?? this money could be used to build power plants (there is too much power crisis in the country), improve infrastructure and even develop the exisitng airport! Dont they understand that we dont need a new airport!!! ..... we have enough space to extend the existing airport and improve it

abbar adesh...Sheikh Mujib once dreamed of having an airport named after him ....just like he did when Bangladesh playing in the cricket world cup, zamuna bridge and so on...

its papi ke noy pap ke ghrina korun..sorry for the type before



abbar adesh...Sheikh Mujib once dreamed of having an airport named after him ....just like he did when Bangladesh playing in the cricket world cup, zamuna bridge and so on...

Shuvon, i understand that this is a bad idea to make a new airport right now. I even agree that the Government (Awami league) is doing this simply as a revenge of Zia international. But bringing in Sheikh Mujib into this is pushing it too far. He is our "Jatir jonok" and a personal we are all proud of. I am sure when he was dreaming of an independant country he didnt dream for a airport, stadium, bridge by his name. The real reason why those things were named after him was because he is such an important person on our history.

Well, it is true that this project will require an awful lot of money and with condition of our country it will be absoloutly insane to go with this project. But it wouldve been a long term solution if the government could have done it properly and up to date. But what they will do is rushing through the process and have a OK sort of work done. I want them to take this project when they have far less problems and won't have to worry about the cost and they can go with an amazing plan and do a good job on it.

Shuvon, i understand that this is a bad idea to make a new airport right now. I even agree that the Government (Awami league) is doing this simply as a revenge of Zia international. But bringing in Sheikh Mujib into this is pushing it too far. He is our "Jatir jonok" and a personal we are all proud of. I am sure when he was dreaming of an independant country he didnt dream for a airport, stadium, bridge by his name. The real reason why those things were named after him was because he is such an important person on our history.

Does it bother you, does it? Good then. Just goes to show such things become par for the course, i.e. fair game, when people go overboard and really do not know how to uphold the dignity of a venerable figure, by assigning his/her name to anything and everything, willy nilly.

I will leave most of the world alone, and just focus on the subcontinent to ask, how many edifices can you count that are named Gandhi or Jinnah?

^^
honestly are these people out of their minds?? this money could be used to build power plants (there is too much power crisis in the country), improve infrastructure and even develop the exisitng airport! Dont they understand that we dont need a new airport!!! ..... we have enough space to extend the existing airport and improve it

101% corect. Govt looking for big PPP project or big money. And this money is safe. :lol::lol:

Also I wanna say something related to PPP that actually if you go to the real city design(civil) expert you will find that we also don't need Elevated express way. We need hard rule for private car and strong , effective bus route + metro rail + fly over/ underway(including Joydebpur Chaurasta) in every signal. They will collectively cost 14000crore tk.

By this way we don't need second airport. We need to upgrade DAC airport. We only use 50% of it's capacity and by upgrading the capacity can be increased up to 80%.

Is it realy worth it for biman to have a jfk flight. Would pax actually travel with them.

What do biman charge for a return compared with EK on J/Y class.

Continental used to operate a Mumbai-Newark with a 777-200er non stop. Maybe biman should get a 777-200LR and try. You never know they might get alot of se Asian pax on it

honestly, it costed 1200 crore taka just to change the name of ZIA!!! Could'nt that money be used to improve power situation in the electrcity?? or even do the upgrade work for ZIA?? politicans have gone out of their minds! :ohno:

Shahjalal International Airport

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs375.snc4/45868_430283543800_594118800_4779013_6407954_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs195.ash2/45868_430283538800_594118800_4779012_22115_n.jpg

Shuvon, i understand that this is a bad idea to make a new airport right now. I even agree that the Government (Awami league) is doing this simply as a revenge of Zia international. But bringing in Sheikh Mujib into this is pushing it too far. He is our "Jatir jonok" and a personal we are all proud of. I am sure when he was dreaming of an independant country he didnt dream for a airport, stadium, bridge by his name. The real reason why those things were named after him was because he is such an important person on our history.

respect goes where its due but sorry if you come into my daily life then its a problem. i personally don't like Sheikh Mujib for his many greedy stuffs and political and BAKSAL movements. HOWEVER I DO RESPECT HIM...but what eventually his daughter is doing is creating more hatred for him among the people. how many of the young generation bother about all this [plz dont come with chatra league/chatra dal, they are after power and tender]? NONE.. because whatever we do they put a Mujib/Zia lable on it...LOOK EVEN BIMAN'S LOGO got changed because it was done during Mujib's regime. come on man..Mujib alone DID'NT bring independence. please go back to history and study..

The real reason why those things were named after him was because he is such an important person on our history.
thn lets keep the whole country's name after him.. naming 1/2/3 is fair but naming everything and anything, hospitals, stadium, bridge, airport, school, college, theatre, cinema, village, university, bank, road, highway....my family members went to the war as well.. fought for it....i don't see their name there...yet I have no complaints and lots of other dont...

Does it bother you, does it? Good then. Just goes to show such things become par for the course, i.e. fair game, when people go overboard and really do not know how to uphold the dignity of a venerable figure, by assigning his/her name to anything and everything, willy nilly.

I will leave most of the world alone, and just focus on the subcontinent to ask, how many edifices can you count that are named Gandhi or Jinnah?

exactly Towhid bhai..you are 100% right.

"The Awami League was founded in Dhaka, the former capital of the Pakistani province of East Bengal, in 1949 by Bengali nationalists Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Shamsul Huq, and later Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy."

The NOVO Theatre in Dhaka was named after Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani. AL came into power and changed it to Sheikh Mujib again...why? couldn't they hold on to it? Did we forgot Bhashani's contribution? if they did, sorry i also forgot Mujib's contribution too...personally Mujib regime was good until 1973 and for the rest and why he was killed please people study history properly, REAL history..not something offered by Hasina and Khaleda apa....

sorry for being off topic but those were necessary...

honestly, it costed 1200 crore taka just to change the name of ZIA!!! Could'nt that money be used to improve power situation in the electrcity?? or even do the upgrade work for ZIA?? politicans have gone out of their minds! :ohno:

i think it costed 120 crore.....and this will change again..when 3 years time BNP comes into power and change it again....:cheers:

I like those advertisements on the jetways.....makes them look like tigers.:)

Hi Guys,
Just thought I'll say hello to everyone.
I am new in this forum and finding it very interesting to read about the Aviation in Bangladesh. Got some friends at GMG and just wondering how accurate this rumour about the 4 arriving B767's?

Hi Guys,
Just thought I'll say hello to everyone.
I am new in this forum and finding it very interesting to read about the Aviation in Bangladesh. Got some friends at GMG and just wondering how accurate this rumour about the 4 arriving B767's?

Hello Exbd, welcome to the forum. Hopefully you'll introduce yourself.

Four 767 for GMG? They barely got one in. This is the first time I've heard about it. We have GMGEXEC as a member of this forum. Perhaps he can verify?

Hi Guys,
Just thought I'll say hello to everyone.
I am new in this forum and finding it very interesting to read about the Aviation in Bangladesh. Got some friends at GMG and just wondering how accurate this rumour about the 4 arriving B767's?

Rumour it is and, a wild one :nuts:

Rumour it is and, a wild one :nuts:

Hi guys, thanks for the welcome. Well I knew it was a rumour but I was just checking if the aviators from world apart can live without rumours:lol:!! I have been out of Bangladesh for many years but I was introduced to this forum few weeks back. I am very proud to see Bangladesh Aviation industry is moving forward.

Take care and speak to you soon.

Biman to bank on experience in air
Moves to extend pilots' retirement age to 62
Sohel Parvez

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is likely to increase the retirement age of pilots to 62 years from existing 57 years to get the services of experienced cockpit crew for a longer period.

The issue of raising the service age limit of pilots was discussed at a meeting of the board of directors of Biman yesterday. Participants said the board discussed the matter "positively" and is expected to give a go-ahead to the matter at its next meeting.

"We plan to increase the retirement age in line with the civil aviation rules to use the services of experienced pilots for more years," said a member of the board asking not to be named.

The hike in age is set to come at a time when nearly 10-fleet Biman suffers from a shortage of pilots.

The national flag carrier, having 125 pilots, will need more in the days ahead as it will get delivery of 10 planes purchased from Boeing. The delivery will start from next year.

"We will immediately require 16 pilots after we get the delivery of two aircraft next year," said the Biman board member.

But Biman will not pay compensation if any pilot loses licence after 57 years for medial unfitness, he added.

Presently, the Biman's pilots, after passing 57 years of age, fly on contractual arrangements with the carrier. Of the 125 pilots, seven are currently flying on contract basis, according to Bangladesh Airlines Pilots' Association (Bapa).

Due to using experienced pilots on a contract basis, the board member expects that the financial impact for enhancing the service age period may be minor.

"It appears that there will be no major financial implication," he said.

The airline's initiative to increase the service age of pilots also comes in line with the rules of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and International Civil Aviation Organisation, which had earlier raised the retirement age of pilots.

"We have demanded an increase in our retirement age as per the civil aviation rules," said Bapa President Captain Ashraf Khan.

"The airline will be benefited. It takes a lot of time to make an experienced pilot," he added.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=152751

Just out of curiosity, is the current runway at Dhaka airport the one from when it was built back in the early 80's? I mean how do they repair the runway and maintain flight schedules running at the same time when it's the only one they got?

Just out of curiosity, is the current runway at Dhaka airport the one from when it was built back in the early 80's? I mean how do they repair the runway and maintain flight schedules running at the same time when it's the only one they got?
I have never come across any NOTAM for total runway closure for any extended period at VGZR for maintenance or repair. I think CAAB has never undertaken a total runway overhaul/upgrade. I believe they just patch the areas where and as needed, just like the most of the streets in Michigan these days.

I have never come across any NOTAM for total runway closure for any extended period at VGZR for maintenance or repair. I think CAAB has never undertaken a total runway overhaul/upgrade. I believe they just patch the areas where and as needed, just like the most of the streets in Michigan these days.

They usually do any major repairs between 0200hrs and 0500hrs,the time when the southeast Asian carriers leave and the middle eastern carriers start arriving or ya you can say 'patch the areas where and as needed',but I ampretty sure they do a better job over there :lol:

They usually do any major repairs between 0200hrs and 0500hrs,the time when the southeast Asian carriers leave and the middle eastern carriers start arriving or ya you can say 'patch the areas where and as needed',but I ampretty sure they do a better job over there :lol:
That must on certain days (of the week), right? Aren't there flights that arrive/depart between those hours on some days?

I'm not sure they do any better job at "patching" over here, since it appears to be needed (done), often. :)

Biman to bank on experience in air
Moves to extend pilots' retirement age to 62
Sohel Parvez

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is likely to increase the retirement age of pilots to 62 years from existing 57 years to get the services of experienced cockpit crew for a longer period.

The issue of raising the service age limit of pilots was discussed at a meeting of the board of directors of Biman yesterday. Participants said the board discussed the matter "positively" and is expected to give a go-ahead to the matter at its next meeting.

"We plan to increase the retirement age in line with the civil aviation rules to use the services of experienced pilots for more years," said a member of the board asking not to be named.

The hike in age is set to come at a time when nearly 10-fleet Biman suffers from a shortage of pilots.

The national flag carrier, having 125 pilots, will need more in the days ahead as it will get delivery of 10 planes purchased from Boeing. The delivery will start from next year.

"We will immediately require 16 pilots after we get the delivery of two aircraft next year," said the Biman board member.

But Biman will not pay compensation if any pilot loses licence after 57 years for medial unfitness, he added.

Presently, the Biman's pilots, after passing 57 years of age, fly on contractual arrangements with the carrier. Of the 125 pilots, seven are currently flying on contract basis, according to Bangladesh Airlines Pilots' Association (Bapa).

Due to using experienced pilots on a contract basis, the board member expects that the financial impact for enhancing the service age period may be minor.

"It appears that there will be no major financial implication," he said.

The airline's initiative to increase the service age of pilots also comes in line with the rules of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and International Civil Aviation Organisation, which had earlier raised the retirement age of pilots.

"We have demanded an increase in our retirement age as per the civil aviation rules," said Bapa President Captain Ashraf Khan.

"The airline will be benefited. It takes a lot of time to make an experienced pilot," he added.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=152751

Another political success of the old pilots. :lol::lol:

Everything related to RAJNITI BABA.:lol::lol:

Ei Baba'r Majar hote ashe na keo khali hate. :banana:

They usually do any major repairs between 0200hrs and 0500hrs,the time when the southeast Asian carriers leave and the middle eastern carriers start arriving or ya you can say 'patch the areas where and as needed',but I ampretty sure they do a better job over there :lol:

dude, i saw how the ZIA runway looks at night and how DXB runway looks at night, compared to DXB, the ZIA runway looks like it is lit up by candles! :P

dude, i saw how the ZIA runway looks at night and how DXB runway looks at night, compared to DXB, the ZIA runway looks like it is lit up by candles! :P

That's because the runway lights are often stolen by many of the airport employees and people from surrounding shanties who sneak in. I'm not sure if there's a market in Bangladesh for these :ohno:

dude, i saw how the ZIA runway looks at night and how DXB runway looks at night, compared to DXB, the ZIA runway looks like it is lit up by candles! :P

The old airport, VGTJ, had provision for secondary runway lighting that were actually oil based lamps.

Another political success of the old pilots. :lol::lol:

Everything related to RAJNITI BABA.:lol::lol:

Ei Baba'r Majar hote ashe na keo khali hate. :banana:

Actually, that isn't a bad thing. Why not adopt the international standard? And it is true that the older pilots have more experience, who are expected to be more resourceful in times of emergency than their younger counterparts.

Remember Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger?

.it looks like they are going to waste the money...i mean they are desparete to build it...like Towhid bhai i was thinking they wouldnt do it...but...the signs are not good

Dhaka's 2nd int'l airport under PPP
Star Online Report
The cabinet committee on economic affairs has approved the building of a second international airport near Dhaka under public-private partnership (PPP).

This is the first project approved after the PPP guideline was finalised last month.

The meeting of the committee was held yesterday at the Cabinet Division with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair.

The estimated cost of building the airport named Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib International Airport is Tk 50,000 crore, according to a pre-feasibility study by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

Alongside the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the government has decided in principle to build the second international airport near Dhaka.

A nine-member pre-feasibility study committee has been formed headed by a member of the Civil Aviation Authority. After visiting seven sites in Gazipur, Tangail and Mymensingh, the committee selected three among those.

A high official of the cabinet division said the final selection will be made after consulting with the private investors.

The cabinet committee also okayed four projects of Bangladesh Railway involving Tk 900 crore to reinstate two rail routes and develop a third one to ensure smooth supply of fuel for the upcoming rental power plants.

Of the total amount, Tk 280 crore will be funded available Indian credit under a deal signed recently.

The communications ministry also sought permission of the cabinet committee on economic affairs for 10 percent advance payment for the contractors.

Re-establishing rail link on Panchuria-Faridpur-Pukuria route and setting up of rail track on Pukuria-Bhanga route will cost Tk 267 crore.

Under another project, renovation of Sholoshahar-Dohazari and Fatehabad-Nazirhat rail routes will be implemented at a cost of Tk 203 crore.

These routes will be used for supplying fuel to Dohazari, Hathazari and Faridpur power plants.

Under another project the ministry will procure 10 broad gauge (BG) diesel electric locomotives costing Tk 217 crore. The ministry will also spend another Tk 183 crore for collecting 180 BG bogey oil tank wagon and six brake vans.

The government is going to import one lakh tonnes of rice from Vietnam through government-to-government negotiation without floating any tender.

The cabinet committee has exempted the food ministry from following the rules of PPA.

Daily Star

.it looks like they are going to waste the money...i mean they are desparete to build it...like Towhid bhai i was thinking they wouldnt do it...but...the signs are not good
I don't see it happening. Even though AL desperately wants a new airport in the name of SMR, it will not materialize under any PPP, for the simple fact that there won't be any takers in the private sector. The government itself cannot fund the project because it would be a political suicide to undertake such a frivolous project.

^^
TIslam bhai, i hope u r right

Monday, August 30, 2010Point Counterpoint

Which way is Biman flying?

Caught in severe turbulence.Photo: STAR
S. M. Helal
I have been waiting for Bangladesh Airlines Pilots' Association (BAPA) to react to the proceedings thus far, but in absence of any such reaction I take this opportunity to redress my tormented conscience. I think remaining a silent bystander in this situation is an offence for a person who is in some way related to Biman.

I am a stakeholder in Biman's affairs as an employee and as a citizen, because Biman belongs to the people, and everyone of the country has right to all information related to the performance of the airline.

Biman is plagued with too many issues which need desperate and immediate action. It is inconceivable why there is so much controversy about one aircraft, which has not been contributing positively either towards revenue earnings or the image of the airline.

It can be said safely that CAAB regulations do not allow this aircraft to be flown. Whether the aircraft is making money for the airline does not matter in any way. There is a cost associated with regulatory compliance and any company doing business should be ready and willing to incur that cost.

There is one argument being voiced today; if Biman can operate aircraft that are more than 30 years old, why can't Kabo 747 be operated? Regulatory requirement prescribes compliance for further acquisitions, and not for aircraft already owned by concerns. It is like the BRTA restriction on import of vehicles older than five years, whereas older vehicles can run up to 20 years from the date of manufacture.

Biman should not be flying the DC-10s or the F-28s. We should have replaced them at least a decade back. Unfortunately, we did not have the visionaries who would make things happen, or even if we had, they were unable to realise their dreams because of pressure from influential people.

No flight should have been operated with the Kabo 747 aircraft during and after the last Hajj. Its story up to the pre-Hajj operations is that of deceit and blackmail. Kabo's bid for Hajj operations was $8,900/hr and the lowest bid by Orient Thai was $7,800/hr. Kabo was asked to match the Orient Thai cost per seat, which would make their hourly rate $8,090 because of the additional capacity of 24 seats.

Kabo initially agreed to this proposal, but they replaced their offer just a few days before Hajj operations with an alternative offer. Kabo would operate for one year instead of only the Hajj operations at a rate of $5,300. This aircraft was parked at Dhaka airport following the 2008 hajj operations. It is obvious that the attempt to secure its long-term wet lease with Biman was preplanned.

There was an emergency meeting at Balaka, Biman head office, to solve the crisis arising from Kabo's withdrawal. It was decided that Thai Orient would be asked to provide a second aircraft. Thai Orient obliged and the second aircraft was contracted. When Kabo's local agent found that their plan did not work, they offered to operate the aircraft for a period of eight months instead of one year.

Having contracted both Thai Orient aircraft, Biman decided not to entertain the Kabo offer. Instead it was recommended that Kabo be blacklisted for deliberately putting Biman under pressure. But amazingly, Kabo's offer was accepted on the pretext that it would provide additional support during Hajj operations.

Obviously, there was strong lobby behind Kabo, strong enough to plan and execute an extra-ordinary and unethical ploy. It is needless to say that Biman had to swallow one additional aircraft without any real requirement.

Why is it so important to have aircraft on wet lease? Because wet lease payment is on hourly basis, and dry lease is on monthly basis. There is a published dry lease rate for different type of aircraft depending on date of manufacture and configuration, but there is no such reliable information on wet lease.

A wet lease aircraft has to be operated for a minimum guaranteed hours, whereas the use of the dry leased aircraft is at the operator's discretion. Just think about it, in case of dry lease, an aircraft can be contracted at a rate of $10-15,000 over the actual market rate, but in the absence of any such published rate, the hourly rate can be a few hundred to a thousand dollars more than the actual "per hour" rate for wet lease.

With guaranteed use for 350 hrs, $1,000 over the actual rate would translate into $350,000. The dry lease contract of the 777-200ER with Biman is for $600,000. We have no idea whether the dry lease part of the contract will actually come into effect, because there is no visible effort in that direction. Of course, we have crew, maintenance capability and ancillary support, all of which are highly under-utilised now.

Surprisingly, while there is strong lobby for allowing Kabo 747 to operate, there is no debate for changing the CAAB regulatory requirement which bars the aircraft from being flown. If it is imperative to fly old aircraft, the rules should be amended to suit that instead of granting waivers to suit particular groups.

It is my assumption that all the private airlines are waiting to see the outcome of this battle, which will ascertain whether the Kabo 747 gets to fly or not. Waiver to let Kabo operate will allow others to bring in old aircraft.

CAAB is presently listed Category Two by FAA and "Significant Safety Concern" by ICAO. Another deviation definitely will not help its efforts to improve credibility in the eyes of those organisations. CAAB is an oversight body and must promulgate appropriate rules/regulations and strictly enforce them.

Aircraft leasing is a fairly common strategy practiced by most airlines. It reduces investment significantly. Nearly 40% of all aircraft with the airlines have been acquired on lease. Airlines purchase aircraft to build equity as they expand. But hardly any airline acquires aircraft on wet lease, simply because they have the capability to provide all the components required for operation, like crew, maintenance, network and many other associated services developed through years.

Acquisition of aircraft on wet lease is done only to address short-term capacity crisis. But in our airline wet lease aircraft acquisition has become a regular practice. Regular leasing companies do not let out aircraft on wet lease, otherwise they would attain the characteristics of a charter company. Obviously, all-round support package always comes at a much higher price.

I have no intention of getting into the financial details, but one thing I can tell with certainty, the airline is bleeding because of the wet leased aircraft. They are becoming increasingly more expensive to operate and less appealing to the passengers. This is an appeal aimed to catch the attention of the Honorable prime minister, who went out of her way to extend sovereign guarantee for the purchase of the new aircraft. We are aware of her feelings for the airline, and I am confident that with the right picture about the airline, we will receive appropriate support to make this airline an asset.

There is no point in hiding corporate dirt under the corporate rug. I request all concerned to open up and make a change. The brand equity of the airline is presently dwelling in negative territory; let us not allow it to slip any further.

Captain S. M. Helal is ex-President, Bangladesh Airline Pilots' Association. E-mail: captainsmhelal@yahoo.com

Monday, August 30, 2010Point Counterpoint

Which way is Biman flying?

Caught in severe turbulence.Photo: STAR
S. M. Helal
I have been waiting for Bangladesh Airlines Pilots' Association (BAPA) to react to the proceedings thus far, but in absence of any such reaction I take this opportunity to redress my tormented conscience. I think remaining a silent bystander in this situation is an offence for a person who is in some way related to Biman.

I am a stakeholder in Biman's affairs as an employee and as a citizen, because Biman belongs to the people, and everyone of the country has right to all information related to the performance of the airline.

Biman is plagued with too many issues which need desperate and immediate action. It is inconceivable why there is so much controversy about one aircraft, which has not been contributing positively either towards revenue earnings or the image of the airline.

It can be said safely that CAAB regulations do not allow this aircraft to be flown. Whether the aircraft is making money for the airline does not matter in any way. There is a cost associated with regulatory compliance and any company doing business should be ready and willing to incur that cost.

There is one argument being voiced today; if Biman can operate aircraft that are more than 30 years old, why can't Kabo 747 be operated? Regulatory requirement prescribes compliance for further acquisitions, and not for aircraft already owned by concerns. It is like the BRTA restriction on import of vehicles older than five years, whereas older vehicles can run up to 20 years from the date of manufacture.

Biman should not be flying the DC-10s or the F-28s. We should have replaced them at least a decade back. Unfortunately, we did not have the visionaries who would make things happen, or even if we had, they were unable to realise their dreams because of pressure from influential people.

No flight should have been operated with the Kabo 747 aircraft during and after the last Hajj. Its story up to the pre-Hajj operations is that of deceit and blackmail. Kabo's bid for Hajj operations was $8,900/hr and the lowest bid by Orient Thai was $7,800/hr. Kabo was asked to match the Orient Thai cost per seat, which would make their hourly rate $8,090 because of the additional capacity of 24 seats.

Kabo initially agreed to this proposal, but they replaced their offer just a few days before Hajj operations with an alternative offer. Kabo would operate for one year instead of only the Hajj operations at a rate of $5,300. This aircraft was parked at Dhaka airport following the 2008 hajj operations. It is obvious that the attempt to secure its long-term wet lease with Biman was preplanned.

There was an emergency meeting at Balaka, Biman head office, to solve the crisis arising from Kabo's withdrawal. It was decided that Thai Orient would be asked to provide a second aircraft. Thai Orient obliged and the second aircraft was contracted. When Kabo's local agent found that their plan did not work, they offered to operate the aircraft for a period of eight months instead of one year.

Having contracted both Thai Orient aircraft, Biman decided not to entertain the Kabo offer. Instead it was recommended that Kabo be blacklisted for deliberately putting Biman under pressure. But amazingly, Kabo's offer was accepted on the pretext that it would provide additional support during Hajj operations.

Obviously, there was strong lobby behind Kabo, strong enough to plan and execute an extra-ordinary and unethical ploy. It is needless to say that Biman had to swallow one additional aircraft without any real requirement.

Why is it so important to have aircraft on wet lease? Because wet lease payment is on hourly basis, and dry lease is on monthly basis. There is a published dry lease rate for different type of aircraft depending on date of manufacture and configuration, but there is no such reliable information on wet lease.

A wet lease aircraft has to be operated for a minimum guaranteed hours, whereas the use of the dry leased aircraft is at the operator's discretion. Just think about it, in case of dry lease, an aircraft can be contracted at a rate of $10-15,000 over the actual market rate, but in the absence of any such published rate, the hourly rate can be a few hundred to a thousand dollars more than the actual "per hour" rate for wet lease.

With guaranteed use for 350 hrs, $1,000 over the actual rate would translate into $350,000. The dry lease contract of the 777-200ER with Biman is for $600,000. We have no idea whether the dry lease part of the contract will actually come into effect, because there is no visible effort in that direction. Of course, we have crew, maintenance capability and ancillary support, all of which are highly under-utilised now.

Surprisingly, while there is strong lobby for allowing Kabo 747 to operate, there is no debate for changing the CAAB regulatory requirement which bars the aircraft from being flown. If it is imperative to fly old aircraft, the rules should be amended to suit that instead of granting waivers to suit particular groups.

It is my assumption that all the private airlines are waiting to see the outcome of this battle, which will ascertain whether the Kabo 747 gets to fly or not. Waiver to let Kabo operate will allow others to bring in old aircraft.

CAAB is presently listed Category Two by FAA and "Significant Safety Concern" by ICAO. Another deviation definitely will not help its efforts to improve credibility in the eyes of those organisations. CAAB is an oversight body and must promulgate appropriate rules/regulations and strictly enforce them.

Aircraft leasing is a fairly common strategy practiced by most airlines. It reduces investment significantly. Nearly 40% of all aircraft with the airlines have been acquired on lease. Airlines purchase aircraft to build equity as they expand. But hardly any airline acquires aircraft on wet lease, simply because they have the capability to provide all the components required for operation, like crew, maintenance, network and many other associated services developed through years.

Acquisition of aircraft on wet lease is done only to address short-term capacity crisis. But in our airline wet lease aircraft acquisition has become a regular practice. Regular leasing companies do not let out aircraft on wet lease, otherwise they would attain the characteristics of a charter company. Obviously, all-round support package always comes at a much higher price.

I have no intention of getting into the financial details, but one thing I can tell with certainty, the airline is bleeding because of the wet leased aircraft. They are becoming increasingly more expensive to operate and less appealing to the passengers. This is an appeal aimed to catch the attention of the Honorable prime minister, who went out of her way to extend sovereign guarantee for the purchase of the new aircraft. We are aware of her feelings for the airline, and I am confident that with the right picture about the airline, we will receive appropriate support to make this airline an asset.

There is no point in hiding corporate dirt under the corporate rug. I request all concerned to open up and make a change. The brand equity of the airline is presently dwelling in negative territory; let us not allow it to slip any further.

Captain S. M. Helal is ex-President, Bangladesh Airline Pilots' Association. E-mail: captainsmhelal@yahoo.com

If this gentleman is currently employed by Biman, I admire his audacity.

The dry lease contract of the 777-200ER with Biman is for $600,000. We have no idea whether the dry lease part of the contract will actually come into effect, because there is no visible effort in that direction. Of course, we have crew, maintenance capability and ancillary support, all of which are highly under-utilised now.


Aircraft leasing is a fairly common strategy practiced by most airlines. It reduces investment significantly. Nearly 40% of all aircraft with the airlines have been acquired on lease. Airlines purchase aircraft to build equity as they expand. But hardly any airline acquires aircraft on wet lease, simply because they have the capability to provide all the components required for operation, like crew, maintenance, network and many other associated services developed through years.

Acquisition of aircraft on wet lease is done only to address short-term capacity crisis. But in our airline wet lease aircraft acquisition has become a regular practice. Regular leasing companies do not let out aircraft on wet lease, otherwise they would attain the characteristics of a charter company. Obviously, all-round support package always comes at a much higher price.


Captain S. M. Helal is ex-President, Bangladesh Airline Pilots' Association. E-mail: captainsmhelal@yahoo.com

It is really true that with 4 leased aircraft Biman is now in great shortage of cash.

1)lease payment,
2)Boeing installment
3)Bangladeshi Bank's installment

Collectively they are in very large amount. But no way. Biman have to pay that. Biman have to take lease. If Biman order 3/4 767 then don't have to lease for a long period.

Looks like Afriqiyah Airways is going to pull out of DAC

http://airlineroute.net/2010/08/30/8u-asia-cxld/

Afriqiyah Airways has cancelled all of its Far East Asia service. Its 2 weekly Tripoli – Beijing and 2 weekly Tripoli – Dhaka service in the GDS availability display has been Zero’d out.

Too bad, but I think it was an odd route, with very little publicity / travel agent push. Also, why did that a/c sit on the tarmac for 12 hours - made no sense - probably could have gone on to BKK / MNL / KUL / SIN.

Looks like Afriqiyah Airways is going to pull out of DAC

http://airlineroute.net/2010/08/30/8u-asia-cxld/

Afriqiyah Airways has cancelled all of its Far East Asia service. Its 2 weekly Tripoli – Beijing and 2 weekly Tripoli – Dhaka service in the GDS availability display has been Zero’d out.

Too bad, but I think it was an odd route, with very little publicity / travel agent push. Also, why did that a/c sit on the tarmac for 12 hours - made no sense - probably could have gone on to BKK / MNL / KUL / SIN.

I had a feeling they would. Unless there is significant Bangladeshi expats in Libya, I doubt the load factor would be profitable. There aren't that many Bangladeshis in Libya these days, are they?

Staff Reporter



Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been spending Tk 40 lakh each month for six additional pilots who have no planes to fly in the emaciating fleet of the national flag carrier, a web-based news agency, yesterday.

The pilots, appointed on contract, receive around US$ 57,000 a month - US$ 9500 each.

A board meeting of the Biman company has recently capped the age limit for pilots at 62, which was earlier 57. However, those six pilots were working for Biman on contractual basis though their age was over 57, sources said.

At present, 116 pilots are working for the aviation company, which failed to tap lots of potential and lost much of its business due mainly to reported mismanagement over the years. As per the contract with Biman, each pilot will have to fly 70 hours a month.

The number of pilots is also adequate to operate four DC-10 and three airbus planes.

Competent sources said the authorities do not allow them to fly for over 50 hours a month. No question has been raised over the contractual pilots within the company.

Jakiul Islam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Biman, told the news agency that the decision on extension of retirement age has been taken for shortage of pilots.

"If anyone is fit after 57 years, he or she can continue the job till 62 years of age," he said, adding: "If necessary, we will recruit more pilots for the carrier."

As per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-recognized age limit, Biman's pilot association has been demanding the age cap should be 65.

According to Biman rules, those who will be unfit in medical test during their service will get one-crore taka in compensation.

A pilot of Biman said that after 55 most of the people in Bangladesh usually get ill with various diseases.

The latest decision will increase Biman's expenditure for compensation.

http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2010/08/31/news0020.htm

I had a feeling they would. Unless there is significant Bangladeshi expats in Libya, I doubt the load factor would be profitable. There aren't that many Bangladeshis in Libya these days, are they?

AFAIK, there are around 30,000 Bangladeshis in Libya! ...... anyways, I knew Afriqiyah would pull out sooner or later, plus the loss of one A330 is probably making it hard for them to maintain their schedule! ...... but i hope they resume in future when the demand will be higher. but for now, EK and QR can serve Tripoli's purpose :)

Jakiul Islam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Biman, told the news agency that the decision on extension of retirement age has been taken for shortage of pilots.

http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2010/08/31/news0020.htm

I have noticed that many people in this country complain about ‘shortage’ of resources that they themselves create without there being an actual shortage. In this country, at any given time, there has always existed either a shortage of power, natural resources, skilled workers, transport goods and infrastructure, economic development and so many more. But is there really a genuine shortage of anything that we can’t make up ourselves? And wouldn’t you laugh you’re a*se off if someone said that ‘theee’ most genuine shortage in BD was that of pilots? The way he comes up with this insane comment sounds like Jacky has been sweating it out managing a growing fleet of a 100 planes!

Ok, perhaps you can scam some people into believing for good in these tricks. But the reality is that there are MANY people who would put their money on people like Jacky up here who, for a change, choose to take up a deceit-filled career in manpower export where all they do is talk of heaven and send them to hell. But does he not think who he is addressing before cutting these remarks, for it is aviation professionals he is addressing in this case and not day labourers desperate to discover a new meaning of the word ‘earning’.



"If anyone is fit after 57 years, he or she can continue the job till 62 years of age," he said, adding: "If necessary, we will recruit more pilots for the carrier."

As per the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-recognized age limit, Biman's pilot association has been demanding the age cap should be 65.

According to Biman rules, those who will be unfit in medical test during their service will get one-crore taka in compensation.

A pilot of Biman said that after 55 most of the people in Bangladesh usually get ill with various diseases.

The latest decision will increase Biman's expenditure for compensation.


More than 90% airlines of the world keep their pilots untill they hit 65. So why should Biman be any different? It is obvious from the current scenario in which Biman is entangled, that it is costing a greater fortune to newly appoint experienced pilots who are in the last decade of their careers. So why say that increasing the age-limit will increase Biman's expenditure even further when it sounds more like a money saving strategy? Sounds like the management of Biman are fore-seeing many more like themselves hidden amongst the cockpit crew! As they say, 'to catch a thief, you need to employ a thief'. And it appears the management of Biman are doing their job very well with respect to this.

That must on certain days (of the week), right? Aren't there flights that arrive/depart between those hours on some days?

I'm not sure they do any better job at "patching" over here, since it appears to be needed (done), often. :)

What they do is check the runway on an hourly(give or take)basis,patrolling the touch down zone,I dont know how efficiently they get the job done as most of them wear 'lungis' during the check :lol:
The shots below were taken during the 1st weeks of August(dont remember the exact date).The CX 744F stood near the holding point to rwy14 for about 45mins before taxiway November was 'patched up'
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC03129.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC03126.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC03131.jpg
Finally moves to the active
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC03135.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC03143.jpg


dude, i saw how the ZIA runway looks at night and how DXB runway looks at night, compared to DXB, the ZIA runway looks like it is lit up by candles! :P

Why only compare the runway(s)Manazir ;)
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC02686.jpg
Anybody notice something in this shot?
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC02338.jpg

That's because the runway lights are often stolen by many of the airport employees and people from surrounding shanties who sneak in. I'm not sure if there's a market in Bangladesh for these :ohno:

I've seen High Loaders being driven straight out of the airport and getting parts sold in Tongi!!!What you are mentioning 'was' what used to happen 5-6yrs back,before the 'cage'(I guess only in Bangladesh)was put on every single light outside the perimeter fence(notice the yellow 'pakhir khaccha')
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC01991.jpg
Inside the fence(even 6yrs back I would walk up to guards inside,in exchange for tea and cigarettes ofcourse,and sit on those lights for a 'light' chat)
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s171/iamkarib/VGZR%202010/DSC02941.jpg

The old airport, VGTJ, had provision for secondary runway lighting that were actually oil based lamps.
Currently I think it doesn't have night landing facilities

...................
Currently I think it doesn't have night landing facilities

Well, VGTJ is used have fully functioning illuminated runway since there is used to a lot of traffic after dark. Must have sold them in the bazaar! :lol:

its an achievement for any pilots to land at DAC... Boeing and Airbus should do their training at DAC for real life bumpy runway ride ...

A pilot of Biman said that after 55 most of the people in Bangladesh usually get ill with various diseases.

i think most of Biman's pilot get this for the "jhakuni" they get day and day out with DC10 and A310 in this runway..hahahhaha


hahahahhah

Biman staff run amok at HQ

Dhaka, Aug 31(bdnews24.com) – Workers and officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have besieged the national carrier's headquarters in Kurmitola demanding a pay rise in line with the pay scale declared by the government.

The staff have also confined the carrier's managing director Zakiul Islam inside his office in the Balaka Building and vandalised his private secretary's office at one point of their demonstration that started around 11am on Tuesday

Workers and employees from the organisation's Motijheel and Airport office also joined the rampaging demonstrators at the headquarters.

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=172125&hb=top

its an achievement for any pilots to land at DAC... Boeing and Airbus should do their training at DAC for real life bumpy runway ride ...

well i actually didnt feel the DAC runway that bumpy, its fine

Biman staff run amok at HQ

Dhaka, Aug 31(bdnews24.com) – Workers and officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have besieged the national carrier's headquarters in Kurmitola demanding a pay rise in line with the pay scale declared by the government.

The staff have also confined the carrier's managing director Zakiul Islam inside his office in the Balaka Building and vandalised his private secretary's office at one point of their demonstration that started around 11am on Tuesday

Workers and employees from the organisation's Motijheel and Airport office also joined the rampaging demonstrators at the headquarters.

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=172125&hb=top

Very sad. "Bhangchur chara ei jati ar kichu jane na". While they are at it, why not vandalize the old diesels and the F-28s too. At least that way we can look forward to speedy procurement of newer aircraft.

Biman staff run amok at HQ

Dhaka, Aug 31(bdnews24.com) – Workers and officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have besieged the national carrier's headquarters in Kurmitola demanding a pay rise in line with the pay scale declared by the government.

The staff have also confined the carrier's managing director Zakiul Islam inside his office in the Balaka Building and vandalised his private secretary's office at one point of their demonstration that started around 11am on Tuesday

Workers and employees from the organisation's Motijheel and Airport office also joined the rampaging demonstrators at the headquarters.

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=172125&hb=top

Groovy! Such acts (behavior) in the holy month of Ramadan, when people in Bangladesh go overboard with their display of piety? Terrific!

Biman Bangladesh Airlines F-28
DAC-CGP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1V0FfnEWm4

Biman staff run amok at HQ

Dhaka, Aug 31(bdnews24.com) – Workers and officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines have besieged the national carrier's headquarters in Kurmitola demanding a pay rise in line with the pay scale declared by the government.

The staff have also confined the carrier's managing director Zakiul Islam inside his office in the Balaka Building and vandalised his private secretary's office at one point of their demonstration that started around 11am on Tuesday

Workers and employees from the organisation's Motijheel and Airport office also joined the rampaging demonstrators at the headquarters.

http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=172125&hb=top

Again Rajniti BABA------------- wo ha ha, wo ha ha :lol::lol:

Nasty, poisonous politics.

Very sad. "Bhangchur chara ei jati ar kichu jane na". While they are at it, why not vandalize the old diesels and the F-28s too. At least that way we can look forward to speedy procurement of newer aircraft.

hear hear, ahahhahahahahahahhaahahh it just get's better and better.

@ Akbar1

Hi there. I'm not sure whether you disclosed your involvement/relationship with United Airways Bangladesh. Are you an investor, a shareholder, and/or are you in the management of 4H? Not that you are obliged to inform us here, but I'm sure most of us are curious. :)

Akbar1 mia has been ignoring or trying to avoid this question, i have tired before but never got any answer :)

I smell something fishy :D

I don't why the hesitation to reveal himself. After all, we have real officials from GMG and Regent Air in our forum, actively participating. For all we know, Akbar1 could be Mr CEO of 4H, himself! ;)

:lol: Akbar1 Mia once again you have ignored the question.

NO offence to special one or anyone.
Well ,you have to see that United is bottom of all present Bangladeshi carriers, so its kinda embarrassing to represent United.


Well finally, although Akbar1 has been ignoring many requests to reveal himself, I have found out that he is only a shareholder, his details:
Mr Ali Akbar s/o Haji Md. Idris Ali from Biswanath, Sylhet. :baeh3:

So I guess he is only an investor and probably isn't involved in the management.

Can some please help

if one wants to change a aircraft interior config from say 8/24/264 to 24/293 will that aircraft need some type of re certification?

Like if biman get the Egypt air 777 they will have to do so. Is that why it is taking them so long to consider that aircraft?

Turkish Airlines to operate to Dhaka from December

_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Turkish Airlines, the third largest airline in Europe by passenger numbers, is expected to operate to Dhaka from its Istanbul base from December this year.

Initially the airline will fly four times a week to Dhaka using Airbus A330s and A340s configured in two classes. The flights will be an extension of Istanbul-Karachi service without fifth Freedom. "Prepara-tions are in the final stage. We want to separate the service as early as possible, as we believe there is potential in Bangladesh.

No European carrier serves this market after British Airways left," said Hikmet Mesut Turkseven, Country Manager Bangladesh, Turkish Airlines. Selahattin Elmaal, Sales Manager Bangladesh of the airline was present on the occasion.

AeroMate Services is the GSA of the airline in Bangladesh.

Hikmet Mesut Turkseven said, "B777 will be used when we receive them and if the load factor is high, which we believe will be. "Dhaka is part of our expansion plan and we give this new destination due importance. We have covered whole of Europe, flying to almost all the cities - big and small - of the continent."

"Now our focus is on Asia and Africa. By the end of this year we will be flying to 20 destinations in Asia." Kuala Lumpur and Sydney is likely to be in its network next year.

"We are in North and South America," he said adding "we want to serve the world using Istanbul as our hub."

Airlines are like bridges. We expect trade relations and cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and Turkey to grow further with the introduction of the flights.

We hope there will be good business traffic as the night flights from Dhaka will connect European cities within two to three hours, he said.

The flights are expected to take off from Dhaka at 10-50 pm reaching Istanbul at 6-30 am for a busy workday in Turkey or Europe. From Istanbul the flights will take off at 12-30 midnight reaching Dhaka at about 2 pm. Hikmet Turkseven said, "There will be about eight hours' ground time in Dhaka. Otherwise we can't provide excellent connection. There will be pilot and cabin crew layover in Dhaka."

Transit passengers from Bang-ladesh with valid Shengen, UK and US visas will receive visa on arrival in Istanbul and will be able to go around the city with TourIstanbul's complimentary city tours.

Founded in 1933, the 77-year-old airline is owned 51 per cent by public shareholders and the rest 49 per cent by the Turkish government and flies to 127 international and 39 domestic destinations.

There are 142 aircraft in the fleet with an average age of 6.30 years and it (the fleet) will start expanding rapidly as the airline starts receiving the 89 aircraft, which are on order, from next month.

Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance since 2008 and this opens up 900 destinations to its passengers, he said. Turkish Airlines has the same frequent flyer programme of the alliance - Miles&Smiles - which the members of the FFP can utilise and enjoy various privileges.

About winning Skytrax World Aviation Award for Economy Class catering, he said catering tremendously improved after Turkish Airlines and Turkish Doco - caterer to Formula One - joined hands. There are also Flying Chefs on board the aircraft presenting absolutely fresh meals to its passengers.

He said, Turkish Airlines is very active in sports sponsorship. Following sponsorship agreements signed with FC Barcelona and Manchester United football clubs, two of the most recognised brands in the world, award-winning Turkish Airlines has also become one of the official sponsors of the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Starting next season the top European competition will be named "Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball" and the Euroleague Final Four has become the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four. This title partnership will run for five seasons, with the option of extending it to an additional five. Turkey will host the event, in cooperation with the International Basketball Federation, Turkish Basketball Federation and the 2010 Organising Committee.

This year, 24 of the world's best teams will compete to win the championship. Turkey, qualifying automatically as the host country, will join other teams in games held in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Kayseri, between August 28 and September 12, 2010.

Turkish Airlines will launch direct flights to Washington DC on November 7 this year and Los Angeles by March 3, 2011. Hikmet Mesut Turkse-ven, who has been here since April, likes the warmth of the people here. "I like to communicate with people of all walks of life whenever I'm able to do so. The people of Turkey are also full of warmth like the people of Bangladesh," he said.

http://bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1760&CID=1

Well finally, although Akbar1 has been ignoring many requests to reveal himself, I have found out that he is only a shareholder, his details:
Mr Ali Akbar s/o Haji Md. Idris Ali from Biswanath, Sylhet. :baeh3:

So I guess he is only an investor and probably isn't involved in the management.

As a investor, they are suppose to get free flight, depending on level of investment. :ohno: :ohno: I am sure that Akbar mia will have something to say on this.

Turkish Airlines to operate to Dhaka from December


http://bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1760&CID=1

Wonderful... now i can avoid EK from Canada for future BD trips. I am sure that tickets will be also reasonable. AFAIK that only EK, EY, CX and Jet airways has connect from Toronto. :)

Well finally, although Akbar1 has been ignoring many requests to reveal himself, I have found out that he is only a shareholder, his details:
Mr Ali Akbar s/o Haji Md. Idris Ali from Biswanath, Sylhet. :baeh3:

So I guess he is only an investor and probably isn't involved in the management.

I am really touched to see the level of energy BDAV has put into discovering me. I had no idea. got to say, love the freedom of information act!

But one thing for sure, without investments there are NO management!!!:cheers:

Turkish Airlines to operate to Dhaka from December

Transit passengers from Bang-ladesh with valid Shengen, UK and US visas will receive visa on arrival in Istanbul and will be able to go around the city with TourIstanbul's complimentary city tours.



This is awesome news. As they already fly to Chicago, it will be another option for us in the midwest when flying to Dhaka. I have never visited Turkey, so the visa on arrival will be a good opportunity to see Istanbul.

Everyone is eating BG's cake these days :(

This is awesome news. As they already fly to Chicago, it will be another option for us in the midwest when flying to Dhaka. I have never visited Turkey, so the visa on arrival will be a good opportunity to see Istanbul.

Everyone is eating BG's cake these days :(

I didnt read the entire article but this seems an added bonus to travellers for free tour around city. I wonder if they offer complementary hotel room and/or food & beverage when transit is longer than 8 hours.

Wonderful... now i can avoid EK from Canada for future BD trips. I am sure that tickets will be also reasonable. AFAIK that only EK, EY, CX and Jet airways has connect from Toronto. :)

Same:) i hope to fly from Calgary via London or Toronto with Turkish. I have heard their service is good and it will be an amazing oppurtunity to visit the charming city of Istanbul. I think they will start of low in terms of fares in order to compete with Qatar, Kuwait, Gulf who offer low fares. But it will definitely make EK think about their fares because unfortunately EK fares has been sky rocketing for a while. But what is the population of Bengali people in Turkey? (generally speaking)

^^
Fluency in English apparently is a problem with the crew (both cockpit & cabin). Meal quality has been improving steadily over the years. So say most of the people who used Turkish in recent times, according to Skytrax.

Same:) i hope to fly from Calgary via London or Toronto with Turkish. I have heard their service is good and it will be an amazing oppurtunity to visit the charming city of Istanbul. I think they will start of low in terms of fares in order to compete with Qatar, Kuwait, Gulf who offer low fares. But it will definitely make EK think about their fares because unfortunately EK fares has been sky rocketing for a while. But what is the population of Bengali people in Turkey? (generally speaking)

Fares will be very competitive from Dhaka because of european city connection, It will reduce the amount of travel because location of Istanbul is middle of flight path between Europe cities and Bangladesh.

I recently check some fares and its is CAD 1350 Tax included (RT) from Toronto to Delhi.

How much are you paying at this moment from Calgary to BD. Can you compare those rates to airline website rate?

^^
Fluency in English apparently is a problem with the crew (both cockpit & cabin). Meal quality has been improving steadily over the years. So say most of the people who used Turkish in recent times, according to Skytrax.


They will improve their service eventually as they expand their network. I am sure 5 years ago Turkish was nothing but standard European airline

Biman Bangladesh Airlines F-28
DAC-CGP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1V0FfnEWm4

nice video... I wish if you have some video of interior.. I just wanted to see how it looks like :) i believe i have never seen a pic of F28 Interior

Cheers

I am really touched to see the level of energy BDAV has put into discovering me. I had no idea. got to say, love the freedom of information act!

But one thing for sure, without investments there are NO management!!!:cheers:

it is not level of energy that was invested, it was more of a curiosity about your involvement in United Airline BD ltd. On other hand you could have just simply replied my and TIslam request.

Thanks

But what is the population of Bengali people in Turkey? (generally speaking)

Unlike the Gulf countries, Jordan and Libya, Bangladeshis probably do not number more than a few hundred to couple of thousand in other Middle Eastern countries. Turkey has an ample labor force and hence there's no enticement for Bangladeshis to go there except to attend some of the best engineering and medical schools in the Middle East. I myself was supposed to attend Bogazici University in Istanbul in 1990, but Saddam put an end to that dream :( A few friends attended medical school there but had to learn Turkish first.

My parents had flown Turkish Airlines once from Kuwait to Chicago and had good things to say about their cabin service. The food is Halal although they serve copious amount of alcohol. The part about not being fluent in English is true but these days fluency is not required to make your request understood.

I just looked up a fare in Sept-October time frame from ORD to DEL and they wanted US$1350 all inclusive. I am sure Dhaka fares are going to be similar if not cheaper.

nice video... I wish if you have some video of interior.. I just wanted to see how it looks like :) i believe i have never seen a pic of F28 Interior

Cheers

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4946612751_6cf08245f5.jpg

Here is one I took some time ago. Hope this suffices.

Best,

Wasim / Planemannyc

Fares will be very competitive from Dhaka because of european city connection, It will reduce the amount of travel because location of Istanbul is middle of flight path between Europe cities and Bangladesh.

I recently check some fares and its is CAD 1350 Tax included (RT) from Toronto to Delhi.

How much are you paying at this moment from Calgary to BD. Can you compare those rates to airline website rate?

well it depands right?
my mom flew last October with Qatar cost her about 1450 inlusive which was pretty cheap but with 3 transits (Toronto, London, Doha) a long flight with long transit at London.This was a good deal considering the other deals we got around the price range. An average 2 transit flight at a off pick season costs about 1700 dollers. It costs slighly cheaper if you have Canadian passport and are able to take transit on USA (JFK, Houston, Dallas, Chicago)

Its pretty expansive flying from here. Ek costs like 2700 doller off pickseason!
some fares,
Qatar: 1400s
Kuwait: 1400s
Gulf: 1500s
CX: 1800s
Jet: 1600s (with 16 hr transit at Brussels no hotel)

all these are off pick season. I am sure people will love to fly Turkish if they can make a 2 transit home (YYC- LHR-Istanbul-DAC, or YYC-YYZ-Istanbul-DAC) within the proce range of 1500-1600

Unlike the Gulf countries, Jordan and Libya, Bangladeshis probably do not number more than a few hundred to couple of thousand in other Middle Eastern countries. Turkey has an ample labor force and hence there's no enticement for Bangladeshis to go there except to attend some of the best engineering and medical schools in the Middle East. I myself was supposed to attend Bogazici University in Istanbul in 1990, but Saddam put an end to that dream :( A few friends attended medical school there but had to learn Turkish first.

My parents had flown Turkish Airlines once from Kuwait to Chicago and had good things to say about their cabin service. The food is Halal although they serve copious amount of alcohol. The part about not being fluent in English is true but these days fluency is not required to make your request understood.

I just looked up a fare in Sept-October time frame from ORD to DEL and they wanted US$1350 all inclusive. I am sure Dhaka fares are going to be similar if not cheaper.

They still should do well with all the European passengers........and hopefully force BA and others to rethink:lol:

it is not level of energy that was invested, it was more of a curiosity about your involvement in United Airline BD ltd. On other hand you could have just simply replied my and TIslam request.

Thanks

Before you all get too excited, may I know from what source BDAV gets his info from???? care to share. or are we slowly turning into an MI5 "kukur" forum.

Before you all get too excited, may I know from what source BDAV gets his info from???? care to share. or are we slowly turning into an MI5 "kukur" forum.

Two pointers for you:

1. Unless one is suffering from an acute situation of identity crisis, it is difficult to comprehend his/her unwillingness in disclosing it;

2. Using derogatory language to pointlessly defend one's nonsensical ego hardly impresses anyone.

Everyone chooses what they wish to be like. :)

Before you all get too excited, may I know from what source BDAV gets his info from???? care to share. or are we slowly turning into an MI5 "kukur" forum.
Mr Akbar1, it is your prerogative to keep your identity obscure, and I'm sure all of us respect that. My request to you and BDAV, please let us not take it any further. Thanks.

its a great news to hear Turkish Airlines starting DAC operations soon. But they r gonna stay at DAC for 8 long hours, that sounds bit crazy doesnt it?

I guess that most of the TK pax from and to DAC would be transit pax, just like EK situation. and we shouldnt forget that they are flying via KHI. hmm now we shall see who does well, EK or TK :D

Mr Akbar1, it is your prerogative to keep your identity obscure, and I'm sure all of us respect that. My request to you and BDAV, please let us not take it any further. Thanks.

Towhid bhai as far as I am concerned the matter has already stopped, because there has been many comments since and I revealed Akbar bhai but I did not even bother to reply.

Regarding how I got the info, well I wasn't even looking for it! I just happened to find it on a public domain, it was just before my eyes, and as there were many requests recently, on this forum itself, I just posted that info.

Akbar bhai, you have to be very careful what you post online! Because you yourself have given this personal information without knowing you have! I just happened to find it, khalas.

And if your wondering how I got this information please refer to this YouTube video which was posted by a user called akbar1ntlworldcom, given the little relationship Akbar1 bhai has with United, I think it is safe to presume that it is the same person!

Anyway please check out the scene at 0:06 seconds and you will see that he put his details and pictures with Capt. Tasbirul on this video.

OtHg-kOU1qI

You must indeed be a proud owner of the first private international prestigious airline of Bangladesh, right? That's why you put up this video in the first place?

Towhid bhai as per your request that is the end of it for me, so I will not post anything else relating to it anymore.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4946612751_6cf08245f5.jpg

Here is one I took some time ago. Hope this suffices.

Best,

Wasim / Planemannyc

F28 still has metal food tray holder :S.... isnt that increase the gross weight of plane?

well it depands right?
my mom flew last October with Qatar cost her about 1450 inlusive which was pretty cheap but with 3 transits (Toronto, London, Doha) a long flight with long transit at London.This was a good deal considering the other deals we got around the price range. An average 2 transit flight at a off pick season costs about 1700 dollers. It costs slighly cheaper if you have Canadian passport and are able to take transit on USA (JFK, Houston, Dallas, Chicago)

Its pretty expansive flying from here. Ek costs like 2700 doller off pickseason!
some fares,
Qatar: 1400s
Kuwait: 1400s
Gulf: 1500s
CX: 1800s
Jet: 1600s (with 16 hr transit at Brussels no hotel)

all these are off pick season. I am sure people will love to fly Turkish if they can make a 2 transit home (YYC- LHR-Istanbul-DAC, or YYC-YYZ-Istanbul-DAC) within the proce range of 1500-1600

I am not sure why there is such a level of price difference.... i used Ek during off peak season from Toronto and its cost me 1400 including tax. I am sure there was cheaper option out of LAX and JFK. So i am pretty much ended up paying what your mom paid for her trip from YYC.

its a great news to hear Turkish Airlines starting DAC operations soon. But they r gonna stay at DAC for 8 long hours, that sounds bit crazy doesnt it?

I guess that most of the TK pax from and to DAC would be transit pax, just like EK situation. and we shouldnt forget that they are flying via KHI. hmm now we shall see who does well, EK or TK :D

I am sure it will eventually switch to direct as the load factor increases.

^^

I am not quite sure if the load factor would increase for TK

^^

I am not quite sure if the load factor would increase for TK
Why not? I know that a lot many wish to make a stopover in DXB for which EK is so successful for network routes (outbound DXB to Europe/NA), but what about other middle eastern carriers like QR, GF, KU? How come their load factors are so good ex DAC? I believe if TK can provide as good a service as EK or SQ do, their load factor would be good.

Why not? I know that a lot many wish to make a stopover in DXB for which EK is so successful for network routes (outbound DXB to Europe/NA), but what about other middle eastern carriers like QR, GF, KU? How come their load factors are so good ex DAC? I believe if TK can provide as good a service as EK or SQ do, their load factor would be good.

GF and KU are the bottom feeders on this route as their fares are typically a few hundred bucks cheaper than EK or EY. The only negative with the TK route that I can think of is the stop in Karachi. Hopefully they will offer enticing fares to shore up their load factor and also consider having a direct flight to Dhaka.

GF and KU are the bottom feeders on this route as their fares are typically a few hundred bucks cheaper than EK or EY. The only negative with the TK route that I can think of is the stop in Karachi. Hopefully they will offer enticing fares to shore up their load factor and also consider having a direct flight to Dhaka.

Many carriers begin a new route as an extension to an existing route, to test the waters, I would think. BA for years had no direct flight to/from DAC, neither did TG, nor SQ. Currently, KA does not a direct flight outbound from DAC. They added KTM recently, probably to gauge load factor from KTM. KA is very popular from Bangladesh for US destinations (KA is up to HKG, then it is CX).

Akbar1,
Bhai, not that its conclusive, but many will have drawn their own conclusions and be satisfied by it from making the connections(however 'loose' they may be) about your identity.

Now that the cat may be out of the bag, may I suggest you (or the person you who put the video up) revisit the youtube video and edit the response to the guy who posted the first comment. In particular the bit that alludes to your/ his familiarity (through experience or otherwise) with the functionality (inherited or otherwise) of the guys nether regions.

There are probably a few spectators in this forum from the investor or even management division of United who may want to object and distance themselves from PR faux pas like that(if the uploader is indeed affiliated to them)

I am not sure why there is such a level of price difference.... i used Ek during off peak season from Toronto and its cost me 1400 including tax. I am sure there was cheaper option out of LAX and JFK. So i am pretty much ended up paying what your mom paid for her trip from YYC.

The reason being, we have only 1 flight a day to Heathrow by AC where most connections takes place. We have BA operating but they only offer connection with EK which is out of most people's reach these days. The only international carriers (Excluding US ones) that come here are Lufthansa, KLM, Thomas Cook/ Condor and BA. Lufthansa doesn't offer connection to Dhaka but the Indian people uses them quite well along with KLM. For us Bengali people, we are the one in trouble and have very limited choice. Thats why the fare is so high. EK has ben wanting to operate direct to Dubai since the economic boom here (2007) but the Canadian airspace people wont let them.

Many carriers begin a new route as an extension to an existing route, to test the waters, I would think. BA for years had no direct flight to/from DAC, neither did TG, nor SQ. Currently, KA does not a direct flight outbound from DAC. They added KTM recently, probably to gauge load factor from KTM. KA is very popular from Bangladesh for US destinations (KA is up to HKG, then it is CX).

KA/ CX used to be popular for Canada as well. But their long transit at HKG (9+ hours) and high fares and turned people around. Almost everyone now flies with Qatar from here, either through Houston or London. No wonder Qatar is increasing their flight to DAC from winter this year!

No wonder Qatar is increasing their flight to DAC from winter this year!

Qatar got more pax from BD as their price is low and service is good. They got some who who used Ek/Gulf for Europe or USA. Their price is good. Thing is that when it will get more and more pax they will try to hike the price.

Qatar got more pax from BD as their price is low and service is good. They got some who who used Ek/Gulf for Europe or USA. Their price is good. Thing is that when it will get more and more pax they will try to hike the price.
and then someone else will come and fill in the shoes!

i think gulf air is the cheapest, last dec i got a one way ticket from from toronto to dhaka at 1030 including tax and i bought it 3 days prior to the flight!

it was connected via ba thou and had two transits

@ rinathq bhai: QR is increasing from 11x weekly flight to how many weekly flights to DAC in winter? any idea? ...... also, I saw in wikipedia page for ZIA airport that QR serves Kualalumpur from Dhaka, anyone knows anything about that???

Plus, I really hope TK does well in DAC route, then perhaps, we can see more European carriers (especially Lufthansa and KLM) coming in to DAC.

...... also, I saw in wikipedia page for ZIA airport that QR serves Kualalumpur from Dhaka, anyone knows anything about that???
....
Seems like they are mimicking EK's old route. EK used to operate to KUL via DAC. QR is probably doing it to minimize cost, if the load factor from KUL isn't sufficient to warrant a point to point service.

Bimans deal with Egypt Air is done they will soon get delivery of the 777-200er. I will put up the c/n and picture of the aircraft soon.

It won't be as good as CS-TFM

^^
actually i am not sure why is it there on wiki page, i checked QR's site and they mention nothing about QR flights going go KUL via DAC

^^
actually i am not sure why is it there on wiki page, i checked QR's site and they mention nothing about QR flights going go KUL via DAC
Outdated information perhaps?

and then someone else will come and fill in the shoes!

i think gulf air is the cheapest, last dec i got a one way ticket from from toronto to dhaka at 1030 including tax and i bought it 3 days prior to the flight!

it was connected via ba thou and had two transits

Ya, Gulf is more cheap. But their stop is more than Qatar. And Code share with AA for USA trip via LHR.

On the other hand Qatar use their new 777-200LR for USA trip.

Bimans deal with Egypt Air is done they will soon get delivery of the 777-200er. I will put up the c/n and picture of the aircraft soon.

It won't be as good as CS-TFM

Not bad in case of engine but may be it is due to entertainment system. :)

Bimans deal with Egypt Air is done they will soon get delivery of the 777-200er. I will put up the c/n and picture of the aircraft soon.

It won't be as good as CS-TFM

That's great news, how reliable is your source?
Asif bhai this news correct?

And is EA providing this a/c?

@ rinathq bhai: QR is increasing from 11x weekly flight to how many weekly flights to DAC in winter? any idea? ...... also, I saw in wikipedia page for ZIA airport that QR serves Kualalumpur from Dhaka, anyone knows anything about that???

Plus, I really hope TK does well in DAC route, then perhaps, we can see more European carriers (especially Lufthansa and KLM) coming in to DAC.

Manazir: QR is increasing to 13 times a week from the winter. basically in a year we might see QR with as many flights as EK! Not impossible.
As for TK, price will be the main factor. I am sure Bengali people won't mind an hour stopover to Karachi if the price is low.

Bimans deal with Egypt Air is done they will soon get delivery of the 777-200er. I will put up the c/n and picture of the aircraft soon.

It won't be as good as CS-TFM

Great news. Dunt worry everything is better than DC-10s! What routes are they planning to start or i should say restart?

Biman agrees staff pay rise

Thu, Sep 2nd, 2010 5:53 pm BdST

Dial 2000 from your GP mobile for latest news
Dhaka, Sept 2 (bdnews24.com)–Under intense pressure, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has agreed to hike the pay of the its demonstrating staff and conceded to their other demands.

A meeting of the directors of the national carrier at its headquarters, Balaka Bhaban, under the protection from the Rapid Action Battalion, on Thursday, acceded to five-point charter of demands, Abul Kashem Ahmed, a member of the board, told reporters.

Muhammad Zakiul Islam, managing director of Biman, informed leaders of the employees of the board decision, sparking jubilation. The leaders in turn called off the protests.

M Moshiqur Rahman, convener of the agitation committee and president of pro-government Biman Workers' League, told reporters: "The authorities have accepted all our demands."

Biman employees went for the agitation to press cancellation of the proposed pay scale approved on Aug 29, formulation of a new one with their salaries that will match those of the civil servants, and keeping provision for their pension. The other demands are provision for special allowance in the pay scale and removal of company secretary Abdur Rashid.

"They've cancelled the proposed pay scale and approved the one we had proposed," Moshiqur said.

The board of directors met under RAB guard as hundreds of employees were demonstrating at the Biman headquarters since morning. The employees were chanting slogans demanding resignation of Biman chairman Jamal Uddin Ahmed, who was presiding over the meeting.

Earlier on Tuesday, the employees threatened to ground the airlines unless their demands were met by Thursday. They submitted a memorandum to the authorities proposing a new pay scale.

The employees also confined the Biman managing director to his office, vandalised his private secretary's office and assaulted Rashid.

On Tuesday, M Aktaruzzaman, Biman's Society of Engineers, told journalists: "In the pay scale proposed by the (Biman) board, salaries were increased at rates far below than the government pay scale."

He said the pay scale proposed rise in their salaries by 25 to 30 percent whereas government employees' pay has been doubled.

Moshiqur said the proposed pay scale did not keep any pension provision. "We have to leave Biman with only gratuity," he said.

In the new pay scale agreed on Thursday, the highest basic salary of permanent employees has been increased to Tk 39,500 from Tk 23,000 and the lowest to Tk 5,720 from Tk 2,500.


http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=172310&hb=1

Bimans deal with Egypt Air is done they will soon get delivery of the 777-200er. I will put up the c/n and picture of the aircraft soon.

It won't be as good as CS-TFM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4951336745_464f051b83_o.gif

Source: http://seatexpert.com/seatmap/400/EgyptAir_Boeing_777-200/

Kind of an odd layout, as mentioned here before. Is Biman going to keep the first and business Cclass seats or change the layout to make it all business? I was reading some complaints about the business class seats:

BKK-CAI-DUS return. BKK-CAI on very old and run down B777-200. Business class seats the ultimate nightmare. No legroom and seat hardly reclines. The seats in Y class looked more comfortable. No menu, only fish or chicken or beef, poor quality of food. Blankets were out of stock. I was unable to view the IFE since the tiny screens could not be brought into position while the person in front of me declined his seat. There was simply not enough space.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/egypt.htm

That's great news, how reliable is your source?
Asif bhai this news correct?

And is EA providing this a/c?

It's on the money 100%. I'm sure asif would agree. From the info I have it will be from EA

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4951336745_464f051b83_o.gif

Source: http://seatexpert.com/seatmap/400/EgyptAir_Boeing_777-200/

Kind of an odd layout, as mentioned here before. Is Biman going to keep the first and business Cclass seats or change the layout to make it all business? I was reading some complaints about the business class seats:


http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/egypt.htm


There will be some sort of change to the interior config. How much I don't know but asif should be able to shed some light in this matter

There will be some sort of change to the interior config. How much I don't know but asif should be able to shed some light in this matter

Well, I can't spill any beans about it...but I can say this much that it will be delivered, if and when that may occur, meeting the expectations Biman may have.

The reason being, we have only 1 flight a day to Heathrow by AC where most connections takes place. We have BA operating but they only offer connection with EK which is out of most people's reach these days. The only international carriers (Excluding US ones) that come here are Lufthansa, KLM, Thomas Cook/ Condor and BA. Lufthansa doesn't offer connection to Dhaka but the Indian people uses them quite well along with KLM. For us Bengali people, we are the one in trouble and have very limited choice. Thats why the fare is so high. EK has ben wanting to operate direct to Dubai since the economic boom here (2007) but the Canadian airspace people wont let them.

Calgary will expand.. next five years you will see many changes in there.

S2-AHA/AHB on their way,should be here by tomorrow(AFAIK) ETA 1920hrs-1940hrs,maybe Iasif can confirm?

Well, I can't spill any beans about it...but I can say this much that it will be delivered, if and when that may occur, meeting the expectations Biman may have.

Without spilling any beans. The can of beans do have a use by date of December 2010 ;);););););)

Without spilling any beans. The can of beans do have a use by date of December 2010 ;);););););)
Meaning what? Are you saying that EA's lease with BG ends by December? I didn't think so. Or are you referring to BG's plan to resume JFK route by December?

S2-AHA/AHB on their way,should be here by tomorrow(AFAIK) ETA 1920hrs-1940hrs,maybe Iasif can confirm?

Looking forward for these Regent birds. Will they have the full livery on them as well?

Meaning what? Are you saying that EA's lease with BG ends by December? I didn't think so. Or are you referring to BG's plan to resume JFK route by December?


I was only hinting the date of delivery.

Meaning what? Are you saying that EA's lease with BG ends by December? I didn't think so. Or are you referring to BG's plan to resume JFK route by December?

I donot think there is anyway biman can operate flights to new york in dec, i reckon it could be at latest by march...given caab gets out ssc.

S2-AHA/AHB on their way,should be here by tomorrow(AFAIK) ETA 1920hrs-1940hrs,maybe Iasif can confirm?


so, now there is going to be 7 dash-8 parked at the dac airport? hmmm...c

so, now there is going to be 7 dash-8 parked at the dac airport? hmmm...c

ya, like I said earlier in one of my post, they should rename them to Bangla-Dash8

I donot think there is anyway biman can operate flights to new york in dec, i reckon it could be at latest by march...given caab gets out ssc.

The "significant safety concern" would not impact on resumption of JFK service since a) they will NOT operate DC-10 but the 773, and b) point of origin is NOT going to be DAC but MAN (or BRU).

Being an government body, I do not expect CAAB to overcome the deficiencies/rectify the problems to be removed from the "ssc", by March.

If BG cannot resume their JFK flight by year end, I believe it will have to do with problems within, i.e. within Biman, and not some external issues like CAAB.

S2-AHA/AHB on their way,should be here by tomorrow(AFAIK) ETA 1920hrs-1940hrs,maybe Iasif can confirm?

When is the Regent aircraft going to get its full livery? its in dhaka already.

S2-AHA/AHB on their way,should be here by tomorrow(AFAIK) ETA 1920hrs-1940hrs,maybe Iasif can confirm?

Looking forward for these Regent birds. Will they have the full livery on them as well?

When is the Regent aircraft going to get its full livery? its in dhaka already.

A delightful bunch of curious guys you are! But you'll have to wait and watch it all bloom...!

However, I do confirm that contrary to the propaganda "generously" promoted by several quarters, Regent has its first pair of wings delivered at Dhaka! :D

^^

I wonder what will Regent be within 5 years from now :)

A delightful bunch of curious guys you are! But you'll have to wait and watch it all bloom...!

However, I do confirm that contrary to the propaganda "generously" promoted by several quarters, Regent has its first pair of wings delivered at Dhaka! :D

I am glad that Regent bought Q300 series. Recently i have flown older 300series from Air Cananda and wasnt impress... it was very noisy and bumpy ride. :horse:

I am glad that Regent bought Q300 series. Recently i have flown older 300series from Air Cananda and wasnt impress... it was very noisy and bumpy ride. :horse:
All prop jobs have mostly bumpy ride unless they can climb out of the weather.

UPS cargo plane crashes in Dubai

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11183476

I don't see it happening. Even though AL desperately wants a new airport in the name of SMR, it will not materialize under any PPP, for the simple fact that there won't be any takers in the private sector. The government itself cannot fund the project because it would be a political suicide to undertake such a frivolous project.

I'm sure this has been discussed many times in this forum but I wanted to get some opinions about whether folks think Dhaka/Bangladesh actually NEEDS another airport ...

I have seen many US domestic airports that are busier than ZIA and yet seem more functional. It's gotten to the extent that I actively try to avoid Dhaka altogether - NOT because of the airport but because of the traffic jam, lack of electricity etc., I'd rather spend my three day weekends in a less disorganized city.

Has anyone on this forum had first hand experience traveling on a Bangladeshi machine readable passport through ZIA? Six months ago, one of the immigration officers was whining at me that their computer system is lousy, that they have a huge workload because everything has to be entered manually. I hope in time, his task will get easier ... and miseries of the travelers reduced.

Personally, I think it would be more beneficial to spend money on house-keeping of the existing airport than trying to build a new airport.

Anyway, please share any insights or thoughts.

http://www.airliners.net/FC_nowm.file?u=THwxNzcyNjUzfGQ5ZzhoN2o2cXdlcnR5

http://www.airliners.net/photo/GMG-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1772653/L/&sid=f64cafc7f3dd99214cf51a407dbce605

Simply stunning. That livery will make heads turn.

I like the new livery on the Dash-8 more so than on GMG's 767.

Without sounding patronizing or condescending, I have to say well done. GMG.

Best,

Wasim / Planemannyc

I'm sure this has been discussed many times in this forum but I wanted to get some opinions about whether folks think Dhaka/Bangladesh actually NEEDS another airport ...

Has anyone on this forum had first hand experience traveling on a Bangladeshi machine readable passport through ZIA? Six months ago, one of the immigration officers was whining at me that their computer system is lousy, that they have a huge workload because everything has to be entered manually. I hope in time, his task will get easier ... and miseries of the travelers reduced.

Personally, I think it would be more beneficial to spend money on house-keeping of the existing airport than trying to build a new airport.

Anyway, please share any insights or thoughts.

I agree with you we don't need a new airport. All they need to do is upgrade some of the other airports like CGP-ZYL and most airlines would reduce there flights to Dhaka and operate some flights to those airports which would sort out all the problems

http://www.airliners.net/FC_nowm.file?u=THwxNzcyNjUzfGQ5ZzhoN2o2cXdlcnR5

http://www.airliners.net/photo/GMG-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1772653/L/&sid=f64cafc7f3dd99214cf51a407dbce605



Wow. A head turner it definitely is. Loving the design on the engines.

http://www.airliners.net/FC_nowm.file?u=THwxNzcyNjUzfGQ5ZzhoN2o2cXdlcnR5

http://www.airliners.net/photo/GMG-Airlines/De-Havilland-Canada/1772653/L/&sid=f64cafc7f3dd99214cf51a407dbce605

Simply stunning. That livery will make heads turn.

I like the new livery on the Dash-8 more so than on GMG's 767.

Without sounding patronizing or condescending, I have to say well done. GMG.

Best,

Wasim / Planemannyc

THIS is awesome!!!! Simply amazing......way to go GMG

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/5/6/1772653.jpg

Nice livery GMG!

Anyone got any pictures of the Regent bird's arrival in Dhaka?

I'm sure this has been discussed many times in this forum but I wanted to get some opinions about whether folks think Dhaka/Bangladesh actually NEEDS another airport ...

I have seen many US domestic airports that are busier than ZIA and yet seem more functional. It's gotten to the extent that I actively try to avoid Dhaka altogether - NOT because of the airport but because of the traffic jam, lack of electricity etc., I'd rather spend my three day weekends in a less disorganized city.

Has anyone on this forum had first hand experience traveling on a Bangladeshi machine readable passport through ZIA? Six months ago, one of the immigration officers was whining at me that their computer system is lousy, that they have a huge workload because everything has to be entered manually. I hope in time, his task will get easier ... and miseries of the travelers reduced.

Personally, I think it would be more beneficial to spend money on house-keeping of the existing airport than trying to build a new airport.

Anyway, please share any insights or thoughts.


I agree with you we don't need a new airport. All they need to do is upgrade some of the other airports like CGP-ZYL and most airlines would reduce there flights to Dhaka and operate some flights to those airports which would sort out all the problems

We all know for a fact that Bangladesh runs on chapabazi and golar joor of the politicians and those in power/who have power. For ZIA/VGZR is nowhere near being congested and bursting at the seams for lack of capacity. The intermittent congestion that is perceived is because the airport is simply poorly managed. For example, if most international flights appear to operate within a cluster of hours that are close to each other, aircraft and gate handling needs to be optimized. Ditto for baggage handling and immigration. Does queuing theory mean anything to people who operate ZIA? Furthermore, they could declare certain time slots as "premium" and charge the airlines more for them. Even without any improvement (upgrade) it can be run smoothly if the functions and operation is managed by a professional organization or appropriately trained staff.

All the recent propaganda for a new BSMR international airport is a ploy for some people being desperate to see his name on it and to make a whole lot of money in the process.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/5/6/1772653.jpg

Nice livery GMG!


indeed a nice livery, very different from the ones we see in bangladesh... but as a saying goes 'if u put a tuxedo on a goat, it is still a goat'

indeed a nice livery, very different from the ones we see in bangladesh... but as a saying goes 'if u put a tuxedo on a goat, it is still a goat'

Goat on tuxedo looks better than none ;)

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/5/6/1772653.jpg

Nice livery GMG!

:banana: Beautiful work GMG. I wanna see this colors on mad dogs now :D

indeed a nice livery, very different from the ones we see in bangladesh... but as a saying goes 'if u put a tuxedo on a goat, it is still a goat'

'if u put a tuxedo on a goat, it is still a goat' -- meaning exactly what? Goat being the aircraft? The particular type of aircraft? What's wrong with a Dash 8/Q300? We like them, thank you.

the new gmg dash8 looks amazing!
anyways how is everyone? been following the forum while i was away. iasif when are you going to get the 757's? also read somewhere that osmani getting upgraded? also we need photos of regents dash 8's

My last fear is that GMG would come and announce that these dash8 aircrafts are new like they did for 767. Hahahah

Anyone got any pictures of the Regent bird's arrival in Dhaka?

Got it on video,they were over 2hrs late(weather),will post link asap :) and were in basic blue primers(!!!)

My last fear is that GMG would come and announce that these dash8 aircrafts are new like they did for 767. Hahahah

The 'new' in the 767 announcement meant a new aircraft induction into GMG's fleet and, yes you will see the word 'new' again with these retrofitted Dash a/cs as well. :)

:banana: Beautiful work GMG. I wanna see this colors on mad dogs now :D

S2-ADP had its makeover already and is in action. I will try to post some pics soon.

The 'new' in the 767 announcement meant a new aircraft induction into GMG's fleet and, yes you will see the word 'new' again with these retrofitted Dash a/cs as well. :)

Jesus...misleading information....

Ok for the sake of argument, 767 was fine but how on earth these Dash8 get to labeled as "New"... simply doesn't make sense, no matter how much you change the interior/seats.

but who cares in Bangladesh. They would be like wowwww...they bought new planes..

http://www.planepictures.net/a/97/47/1283279989.jpg

Thanks to Mehmet M. CELIK
http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=974718
:)

S2-ADP had its makeover already and is in action. I will try to post some pics soon.

So the interior also changes? can you also post some pictures of interior if you dont mind. Thanks :)

S2-ADP had its makeover already and is in action. I will try to post some pics soon.
Where were the MDs painted, in Istanbul?

Brazen forgery at Biman
Signatures of 300 officials forged to gobble up Tk 3.24cr
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=153776

Brazen forgery at Biman
Signatures of 300 officials forged to gobble up Tk 3.24cr
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=153776

Lowest of the low and scum of the earth comes to mind on reading these type of corruption news. I wonder what kind of life's lessons these "luichchas" are imparting to their kids. The proper punishment would be to have these type of people shunned by the whole society and as an exemplary punishment every single asset they ever acquired after joining Biman be confiscated.

Looks like 9V-SQA of SIA will be going to RBA on long term dry lease after seating in vcv desert for about 10 months.

I still don't get why EA was unable to get a second 777 fron SIA. maybe asif can fill us inn. Or probably he will choose to avoid the question.

9v-sqa was in the desert for so long and EA and SIA couldn't work out a deal ha

Lowest of the low and scum of the earth comes to mind on reading these type of corruption news. I wonder what kind of life's lessons these "luichchas" are imparting to their kids. The proper punishment would be to have these type of people shunned by the whole society and as an exemplary punishment every single asset they ever acquired after joining Biman be confiscated.

"I wonder what kind of life's lessons these "luichchas" are imparting to their kids"? The kids are probably far removed studying abroad.