Akbar1... do you know when they will finish the new website?

What will happen now to Best Air which has been advertizing for Dhaka-Bangkok flight for last few months?

:nuts: i thought they can use their 737-200 to bangkok since its only been used on few routes within bangladesh.

I think Imran Bhai is right -- this may be a bit too premature for these smaller airlines. They should hire some consultants immediately and grow their management staff as well.

Mr. IASIF can offer his services I'm sure (but do they know of him??). No joke -- I'm serious.

There is a certain threshold for obtaining such license in India. As a result Kingfisher Air, despite having ordered the newest and latest aircrafts, still hasn't received the go-ahead to fly overseas (as far as I know). And I tend to like the rationale behind the Indian govt' policy.

I thought you needed five years of domestic service in India before going International. Kingfisher is going for A340-500 to run the following New international routes (expected -- from wikipedia).

Bangalore- San Francisco (mid 2008) Bangalore- New York (mid 2008) Mumbai- London (mid 2008)

All above-mentioned flights will be operated with the Airbus A350 aircraft

After remaining flight deliveries (by mid-2009)

Bangalore- Los Angeles, Bangalore- Vancouver, Bangalore- London, Bangalore- Singapore, Mumbai- New York, Mumbai- Singapore, Delhi- London, Delhi- New York

International flights in code-share with Air Deccan (mideast labor routes)

Bangalore- Dubai, Bangalore- Muscat, Bangalore- Oman, bangalore- Doha, Kochi- Dubai, Kochi- Muscat, Mumbai- Dubai, Delhi- Dubai.


The first A340-500 is almost in the fleet.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Kingfisher-Airlines/Airbus-A340-541/1324757/M/

A Saudi Arabian Airlines B747 (will confirm the registration soon) caught fire in its No.3 engine after landing at ZIA this afternoon.

The engine is supposedly burnt beyond repair. A primary investigation is underway, and I'll try to post more details as soon as possible.

I think Imran Bhai is right -- this may be a bit too premature for these smaller airlines. They should hire some consultants immediately and grow their management staff as well.

Mr. IASIF can offer his services I'm sure (but do they know of him??). No joke -- I'm serious.

Its not about 'prematurity' really. If an airline can demonstrate the required operational capabilities, they can fly anywhere they want from day 1. But when they fail to live up to the standards, that's when passenger safety is compromised.

In countries like Bangladesh, they can use their deep pockets to get around the mandatory regulations and take to the skies and it will take at least a fatal incident before corrective actions are taken, which is pretty sickening to think of.

A Saudi Arabian Airlines B747 (will confirm the registration soon) caught fire in its No.3 engine after landing at ZIA this afternoon.

The engine is supposedly burnt beyond repair. A primary investigation is underway, and I'll try to post more details as soon as possible.

For the country with all the cash in the world, why does Saudia still operate these old crates? Didn't another 747 of theirs get stuck on ZIA runway (aborted takeoff?) while back?

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/25/content_7857015.htm

DHAKA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A Saudi 747 Boeing passenger plane caught fire immediately after landing at Zia international airport in the capital of Bangladesh Tuesday.

All 307 passengers were safely evacuated, airport officials said. Bu, scores had cuts and bruises while jostling out through the emergency doors.

The plane carrying passengers from Medina and Jeddah landed at Zia international airport at 2:45 pm (8:45 GMT). Immediately after landing, the third engine of the aircraft caught fire on the runway.

Fire brigade personnel rushed to the scene and doused the flame immediately.

Most of the passengers are expatriate Bangladeshi labors working in Saudi Arabia.

Wahiduzzaman, a passenger, said as the plane landed they saw curly smoke emitting from an engine. They started screaming to stop running the plane and open the doors. But the doors were not opened immediately. After hue and cry, the emergency doors were opened allowing them to get down.

Another passenger Shahabuddin said scores of passengers, particularly children and women, were injured during the jostling to get out of plane. Many passengers lost their passports, cell phones and money, he said.

An airport official said the engine was badly damaged but could not say the exact reason of the fire until further investigation. He said as the third engine caught fire, the pilot shut down all the engines and opened the emergency doors avoiding a possible major accident.

Its not about 'prematurity' really. If an airline can demonstrate the required operational capabilities, they can fly anywhere they want from day 1. But when they fail to live up to the standards, that's when passenger safety is compromised.

In countries like Bangladesh, they can use their deep pockets to get around the mandatory regulations and take to the skies and it will take at least a fatal incident before corrective actions are taken, which is pretty sickening to think of.

I'm afraid that is what it is going to take for CAAB/government to shape up.

Imran, perhaps you could take up a writing campaign with concrete suggestions as to what steps these nascent airlines should take and what should CAAB to looking out for, before issuing airworthiness certificates, operating permits, etc.? :)

For the country with all the cash in the world, why does Saudia still operate these old crates? Didn't another 747 of theirs get stuck on ZIA runway (aborted takeoff?) while back?

Having loads of cash doens’t guarantee high quality service or product, per se. The case with Saudia is that it is just like any other not so competent govt. institution. Govt. pays for everything, and no one knows or accounts for its financial ledger. Insider says that it’s a loss making company and all indications point to that direction as well. To make Saudia profitable, they need to hire competent and motivated management and staffs, as well as invest in new equipment. They need to open up this sector for competition as well. All these will not happen anytime soon. So, things don’t look too good for them compared to some of the airlines in their neighboring countries.

For the country with all the cash in the world, why does Saudia still operate these old crates? Didn't another 747 of theirs get stuck on ZIA runway (aborted takeoff?) while back?

Saudia operates the 'old crates' because the single-most important factor which drives others to get newer planes isn't of much concern for the Saudis - fuel! :)

Getting back to the incident, the particular frame involved is TF-ARS, a 747-357 leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic. I'm told that the pilots told the primary investigators that there was no fire alarm initially as the plane touched down and began its roll out when the No.3 engine was already seen smoking. Moments later, towards the completion of the roll-out when thrust reversers were disengaged and the engine was apparently engulfed in fire, the fire alarms came up on the cockpit.

What is of concern to me is Air Atlanta Icelandic's 747s, especially the ones powered by P&W engines bought from Corsair, are reporting frequent issues all associated with the engines. GMG's 747 is also the exact same model with P&W powerplants from the same lessor, and this bird had 2 incidents since February already. The first incident at ZIA during takeoff roll was said to be a birdstrike in one of its engines, and I'm not informed in detail about the second incident which took place at Dubai, but it all seems too coincidental.

I think there's a warning for everyone here: CAAB, GMG, Saudia, and of course the passengers!

This is the ill-fated bird of today's incident:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/1260931.jpg

CN: 22996 LN: 586
YoM: 1983 First Flight: 12/09/1983
Engines: P&W JT9D-7R4G2 SELCAL: GLEH

I'm afraid that is what it is going to take for CAAB/government to shape up.

Imran, perhaps you could take up a writing campaign with concrete suggestions as to what steps these nascent airlines should take and what should CAAB to looking out for, before issuing airworthiness certificates, operating permits, etc.? :)

I think we are all being very passimistic guys! We don't know for sure that these airlines have not meet the safety requirements, do we.:ohno:

CAAB is simply trying to get some forigne currancy back into Bangladesh as oppase to giving it to the likes of Emerats! We need our local carriers to be successfull on the internatioin route because Biman can't do it, it's as simple as that.:bash:

Akbar1... do you know when they will finish the new website?

Word from the Dhaka office is that it should be up and running by the end of April 2008. So, watch this space.:banana:

I think we are all being very pessimistic guys! We don't know for sure that these airlines have not meet the safety requirements, do we.:ohno:


Exactly, we (every Bengali) should try to move on from the inferiority complex. So far GMG, coming from a lower income country like ours, did a fantastic job in operations for the past 10 years. Has good safety records in those times and laudable vision to expand. There is no way to telling that BestAir, United or others won't come close to GMG or even surpass them. We shouldn't readily demoralize our entrepreneurs. :cheers:

Exactly, we (every Bengali) should try to move on from the inferiority complex. So far GMG, coming from a lower income country like ours, did a fantastic job in operations for the past 10 years. Has good safety records in those times and laudable vision to expand. There is no way to telling that BestAir, United or others won't come close to GMG or even surpass them. We shouldn't readily demoralize our entrepreneurs. :cheers:

I'm with you but caution is a good thing. I agree with another forumer who expressed his opinion that you cannot "rent" your way (in) to build a local industry (aviation in this case). The new startups must make an effort to build up local infrastructure, pilots, maintenance engineers, and so on.

I wish all of them a grand success and good luck.

I'm with you but caution is a good thing. I agree with another forumer who expressed his opinion that you cannot "rent" your way (in) to build a local industry (aviation in this case). The new startups must make an effort to build up local infrastructure, pilots, maintenance engineers, and so on.

I wish all of them a grand success and good luck.


The M.D. of United Airways is a very qualifyed pilot, he has obtained licence from the UK, USA and Bangladesh. He also served as a trainner for Air Parabat and as a captain for GMG in the early days.

United already has many ex-Biman personal on their payroll! This includes engineers and ground staffs. United is all ready for expenshion atleast to the moddle east and southeast asia.

so Akbar1 .... whats your role in United... i mean your position or something in United...

I think we are all being very passimistic guys! We don't know for sure that these airlines have not meet the safety requirements, do we.:ohno:

CAAB is simply trying to get some forigne currancy back into Bangladesh as oppase to giving it to the likes of Emerats! We need our local carriers to be successfull on the internatioin route because Biman can't do it, it's as simple as that.:bash:

I'm one of the biggest optimists you'll find on the face of earth, and when I'm negative on something, there ought to be something a bit too wrong!

This isn't the ideal place for me to spill the beans, but like I said yesterday, COSCAP-SA is in town and will be executing operational audits on a number of local airlines and from the information I have in hand none of them are seemingly going to walk off with a clean sheet! The ones who will be proved to have compromised passenger safety, by any means, should get the apt punishment. No ones's money is more important than than the lives of the passengers. It is indeed as simple as that! :)

A little picture break courtesy of Biman publications...
http://image68.webshots.com/168/5/32/85/2162532850102889975fbuLVS_ph.jpg

The M.D. of United Airways is a very qualifyed pilot, he has obtained licence from the UK, USA and Bangladesh. He also served as a trainner for Air Parabat and as a captain for GMG in the early days.

United already has many ex-Biman personal on their payroll! This includes engineers and ground staffs. United is all ready for expenshion atleast to the moddle east and southeast asia.

MD of RBA is also a pilot, ex-air force and GMG instructor. ive read in an earlier post where u said RBA was copying United, and it seems like a trend only because United has copied GMG too! Like GMG United has ex-Biman people incl engineers and ground staff and just like GMG United is also looking to middle-east and south asia.

United and RBA are both run by ex-GMG pilots, both has funding from expat Sylhetis, and both have copied GMG so far, so it isnt at all true that RBA has copied United!

Saudia operates the 'old crates' because the single-most important factor which drives others to get newer planes isn't of much concern for the Saudis - fuel! :)

Getting back to the incident, the particular frame involved is TF-ARS, a 747-357 leased from Air Atlanta Icelandic. I'm told that the pilots told the primary investigators that there was no fire alarm initially as the plane touched down and began its roll out when the No.3 engine was already seen smoking. Moments later, towards the completion of the roll-out when thrust reversers were disengaged and the engine was apparently engulfed in fire, the fire alarms came up on the cockpit.

What is of concern to me is Air Atlanta Icelandic's 747s, especially the ones powered by P&W engines bought from Corsair, are reporting frequent issues all associated with the engines. GMG's 747 is also the exact same model with P&W powerplants from the same lessor, and this bird had 2 incidents since February already. The first incident at ZIA during takeoff roll was said to be a birdstrike in one of its engines, and I'm not informed in detail about the second incident which took place at Dubai, but it all seems too coincidental.

I think there's a warning for everyone here: CAAB, GMG, Saudia, and of course the passengers!

This is the ill-fated bird of today's incident:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/1260931.jpg

CN: 22996 LN: 586
YoM: 1983 First Flight: 12/09/1983
Engines: P&W JT9D-7R4G2 SELCAL: GLEH


Some parts of this is incorrect.

1. Yes, a GMG plane DID suffer a bird strike, but that was the Flyglobespan 737-800. Although once the 747 did suffer a problem with one of the engines, but i am pretty sure it wasn't a bird strike.

2. The 747 is NEARLY the exact model as the Saudi one, but the GMG one is a 747-312, whilist the Saudi one is a 747-357. There are very slight ones, but they still do have differences.

3. The part about the GMG 747 having a problem in Dubai, yeah, it was when some part was malfunctioning off one of the engines, and it was a rare part. The replacement was brought from Malasiya and fitted in.

Some parts of this is incorrect.

1. Yes, a GMG plane DID suffer a bird strike, but that was the Flyglobespan 737-800. Although once the 747 did suffer a problem with one of the engines, but i am pretty sure it wasn't a bird strike.

2. The 747 is NEARLY the exact model as the Saudi one, but the GMG one is a 747-312, whilist the Saudi one is a 747-357. There are very slight ones, but they still do have differences.

3. The part about the GMG 747 having a problem in Dubai, yeah, it was when some part was malfunctioning off one of the engines, and it was a rare part. The replacement was brought from Malasiya and fitted in.

That's just what I'm worried about! The point I'm trying to make is Air Atlanta Icelandic's P&W powered 747s are reporting frequent issues. If GMG's case was a birdstrike, it wouldn't have been an mx problem, but since you're saying it wasn't, and after the second-call at Dubai, it should give reasons for GMG to be very cautious!

The last 2-digits of -312 and -357 are "customer codes" with Boeing when they were delivered to the original customer. This essentially means the unique configuration in which a particular airline typically receives the plane from the manufacturer. For example, TG's customer code with Boeing is 'D7' and hence their aircraft designation by Boeing are 777-2D7ER, 747-4D7, etc. But once the aircraft changes owners, the unique configuration usually gets changed by the new owner, but the old designation still carries on.

In this case, the one GMG uses now was originally delivered to Singapore Airlines in 1983, and the SV aircraft involved in yesterday's incident was delivered to Swissair in the same year. Since then, both birds had been in the hands of new owners and the original seating configuration has changed entirely. You think SQ ever used a 747 with 543 seats? ;)

The other technical attribues of the aircraft - MZFW, MTOW, OEW, and most importantly the engines are exactly the same between these 2 aircraft used by Z5 and SV and if you check it up you'll see Air Atlanta Icelandic's P&W powered 747s have reported way too many engine-related issues recently to be ignored as coincidents!

biman acquiring new aircraft will not help its profitibility, they have established themselves a bad reputation that not only is everyone aware but nobody will fly with them apart from grannys and grandads.

i went to biman office once in sylhet and had to wait several hours at the queue just to get ticket okayed. This was due to the fact that a 70yo was at the computer with typing speed of 10 wpm, therefore a large queue had formed.

biman acquiring new aircraft will not help its profitibility, they have established themselves a bad reputation that not only is everyone aware but nobody will fly with them apart from grannys and grandads.


Don't know about others but I would definitely fly with Biman if they resume their NYC-Dhaka flight again. For that matter, I would even be willing to pay a premium to fly with Biman and other BD airlines. (An no I am not a grandfather ;))

United Airways to fly beyond border soon

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=29447

You will note from the artical, that the reporter does not know the difference between a dash-8 and airbus!!!!

But we will forgive him this time.:cheers::nuts::nuts::lol:

United Airways to fly beyond border soon

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=29447

You will note from the artical, that the reporter does not know the difference between a dash-8 and airbus!!!!

But we will forgive him this time.:cheers::nuts::nuts::lol:

That is the state of journalism in Bangladesh. The newspapers/reporters also do not know the difference between an airline and an airliner! The exact details elude me at this time but I read a news item originally reported by UNB where the reporter called Biman "airliner". I read the exact same news story in three different English newspapers and none of the three either knew the difference between airline and airliner, or are so impervious that they do not feel the need to edit (make correction). :hammer:

United Airways to fly beyond border soon

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=29447

You will note from the artical, that the reporter does not know the difference between a dash-8 and airbus!!!!

But we will forgive him this time.:cheers::nuts::nuts::lol:

“I am hopeful that my company will be able to buy some new Airbuses soon to fly on international routes,” he added.

The airline will at first launch flights from Dhaka to Kolkata and Kathmandu, the chairman of the carrier said.-TheDailystar

akbar1 do you have any idea which Airbus(es) models United will order?

Don't know about others but I would definitely fly with Biman if they resume their NYC-Dhaka flight again. For that matter, I would even be willing to pay a premium to fly with Biman and other BD airlines. (An no I am not a grandfather ;))

Hear hear!

biman acquiring new aircraft will not help its profitibility, they have established themselves a bad reputation that not only is everyone aware but nobody will fly with them apart from grannys and grandads.

i went to biman office once in sylhet and had to wait several hours at the queue just to get ticket okayed. This was due to the fact that a 70yo was at the computer with typing speed of 10 wpm, therefore a large queue had formed.

I completely understand your agony here, yet I'd like to try and give you reasons to be hopeful, for the better!

In the past 3 months or so, what has come in Biman's way hadn't come in the past 35 years! Mr. Mahbub Jamil's takeover of Biman's responsibilities, Biman's exemption from PPR-2003, the reconstitution of the Board of Directors (albeit not perfect but still much better than what used to be), and the long-overdue fleet renewal decision...these are all great proceedings if you ask me!

For the majority of this 35+ years, and till now, Biman had only 'sales' and really no 'marketing' efforts simply because of the political abuse it had to withstand through its lifetime. If this government takes Biman to the path of privatization, it'd help it get around that problem as well...but it'd take a while and we have to give it the time, for one last time!

As for the ticketing problems, once Biman goes 100% on e-ticketing (which is a mandatory IATA objective), much of this confirmation/reconfirmation problem will be solved. Along with that, Biman's subsequent participation with IATA's BSP would take care of the fare and payment issues.

If you ask me, I honestly think however long this all takes, it certainly wouldn't take too long for you to become a 'grandad' until you'd want to fly on Biman again! :)

United Airways have launched a new look website

www.uabdl.com

I got to say, full credit has to be given to them for this, I think it is the best looking site so far from a private airline of Bangladeh.

GMG is still in the stoneage! I mean they still have pictures from 1996!what's that all about?

Best Air is trying, but they need to mke it more cool, bright red is just too in ya face!!

Ryal Bengal is good, lot more information compaired to the others, but again need to me more up to date.

“I am hopeful that my company will be able to buy some new Airbuses soon to fly on international routes,” he added.

The airline will at first launch flights from Dhaka to Kolkata and Kathmandu, the chairman of the carrier said.-TheDailystar

akbar1 do you have any idea which Airbus(es) models United will order?

It has not been finalised yet. However, they are very keen on getting two Dash 8-300 now. As for the jet, they are still considering Boeing and Airbus. A little birdie tells me thought, the Airbus A320 is currently the favour. This is due to the United pilots alreday having trainning with Airbus and a singgapore avation company is very keen on doing business with United Airways (BD) Ltd.

United to hire two aircraft, invest $300m to spread wings to globe

A Z M Anas

United Airways will lease two long-haul aircraft by May and invest US$300 million over the next five years, as it plans to spread wings on the international routes, the airline's chief executive said Tuesday.

The private carrier's chief executive, Tasbirul Ahmed Chowdhury, unveiled the plan after the government Monday allowed United and Best Air to fly to international destinations, including the Gulf aviation hub of Dubai.

United will 'dry' lease one Airbus 310-300 with a capacity of 280 seats and another Boeing 767-300ER having 260 seats to operate international flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Kathmundu, he said.

An airline hires only the aircraft, not its crew, maintenance or insurance, when it 'dry' leases one.

"We've already signed a memorandum of understanding in Singapore for the lease. The delivery will be made in May," he said, adding its two existing Dash-8 aircraft will fly to Kolkata very soon.

"Our plan is to purchase at least 10 long-haul and mid-haul passenger planes in the next five years. It will require an investment of $300 million and our shareholders are ready to make the investment," the airline chief said.

The country's second private carrier, 95 per cent owned by Bangladeshi expatriates, started its operation in July 2007 after purchasing a Dash-8 from its Canadian manufacturer Bombardier.

Presently, the airline flies to Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Jessore from the capital Dhaka. It plans to fly to Barisal by May.

The carrier got a massive boost on Monday when the government in principle allowed it to fly to international destinations including hugely lucrative Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

At a meeting with private operators, the civil aviation ministry has said it would allow United to fly to Dubai, Kolkata and Kathmandu seven days a week and thrice a week flight to Bahrian from the port city of Chittagong.

The company will have to negotiate with the Nepalese, Thai and Dubai authorities to operate flights there.

"We're ready to face competition in the Gulf and need no government protection," he said, adding the Dubai government does not protect its state-owned carrier Emirates.

Chowdhury, who was in the meeting on Monday when the government announced allocation of major slots for the private airliner, said the latest decision would cement their place in the aviation sector.

"It will be a big boost to private airlines. It will help us grow as we have planned. We have also sought flights to London as half a million Bangladeshis now live in England," Chowdhury said.

"We're rapidly expanding. If everything goes according to the plan, by 2010, our carrier will breakeven and we will start making profits by 2011," he added.

It took GMG, the country's first private airlines, some nine years to break even and 10 years to wipe out all its accumulated losses.

Chowdhury, a career pilot, is hopeful that more investments will come to the aviation industry from Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United Kingdom, United States and the middle-eastern countries.

Since the airline started operation in July, its flight occupancy has always been over 75 per cent. It has already carried over 50,000 people.

Chowdhury said the carrier's monthly revenue averages Tk 25 million, but that figure is set to double after it added another short-haul aircraft this month.

"Once we start flying to Kolkata and Kathmandu, our revenues will go up to Tk 60 million a month," he added.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=29117

United to hire two aircraft, invest $300m to spread wings to globe


"Our plan is to purchase at least 10 long-haul and mid-haul passenger planes in the next five years. It will require an investment of $300 million and our shareholders are ready to make the investment," the airline chief said.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=29117

Ten mid and long-haul airplanes for US$ 300 million? Something is wrong here!

:nuts: as per my calculation it comes to 30m for each plane. Used plane maybe such as DC-10-30 or A300 or ... can cost 30m each

Does anyone have cabin pictures of United, Royal Bengal and BestAir? please post

Ten mid and long-haul airplanes for US$ 300 million? Something is wrong here!

Don't know about long-haul airplanes but Embraer 175, 190, and 195 costs about #30 million each. These could definitely do regional routes, thats if it's United Airlines' strategy.

OK i have been around reading the posts for a while now and thought it was time to add my pennies worth. The sukhoi superjet may also be a contender for Uniteds requirments.

OK i have been around reading the posts for a while now and thought it was time to add my pennies worth. The sukhoi superjet may also be a contender for Uniteds requirments.

I was told that the Sukhoi Superjet 100 project wasn't going great lately! The first flight has been delayed 'indefinitely' which doesn't sound good. Reportedly, the rollout was done pretty hastily as well and some photos from the event revealed manufacturing irregularities.

I know all of these problems will eventually be sorted out as the airplane goes through the stress tests and certification by FAA/JAA. The aircraft is mostly 'western' anyways, except for the fact that it will be built in Russia! Whether our airlines will be up for it is questionable though, as they'd be among the launch customers of the aircraft without any in-service reliability record.

That's just what I'm worried about! The point I'm trying to make is Air Atlanta Icelandic's P&W powered 747s are reporting frequent issues. If GMG's case was a birdstrike, it wouldn't have been an mx problem, but since you're saying it wasn't, and after the second-call at Dubai, it should give reasons for GMG to be very cautious!

The last 2-digits of -312 and -357 are "customer codes" with Boeing when they were delivered to the original customer. This essentially means the unique configuration in which a particular airline typically receives the plane from the manufacturer. For example, TG's customer code with Boeing is 'D7' and hence their aircraft designation by Boeing are 777-2D7ER, 747-4D7, etc. But once the aircraft changes owners, the unique configuration usually gets changed by the new owner, but the old designation still carries on.

In this case, the one GMG uses now was originally delivered to Singapore Airlines in 1983, and the SV aircraft involved in yesterday's incident was delivered to Swissair in the same year. Since then, both birds had been in the hands of new owners and the original seating configuration has changed entirely. You think SQ ever used a 747 with 543 seats? ;)

The other technical attribues of the aircraft - MZFW, MTOW, OEW, and most importantly the engines are exactly the same between these 2 aircraft used by Z5 and SV and if you check it up you'll see Air Atlanta Icelandic's P&W powered 747s have reported way too many engine-related issues recently to be ignored as coincidents!


good point. iM sorry i didnt know about the customer digits. sorry for posting without making sure.

good point. iM sorry i didnt know about the customer digits. sorry for posting without making sure.

Hey, its okay mate...you dont have to be sorry! No one knows everything...and to err is human! Chill! :okay:

Don't know about long-haul airplanes but Embraer 175, 190, and 195 costs about #30 million each. These could definitely do regional routes, thats if it's United Airlines' strategy.

Smaller "regional jets" like CRJ, ERJ, Sukhoi, would not fill the needs of these airlines I should think. These aircrafts do not have enough capacity for the high density demands of the middle east routes.

Lacking sufficient details (in information) I can only speculate that the $100 million they talked about is an initial investment. A down payment, if you like.

Smaller "regional jets" like CRJ, ERJ, Sukhoi, would not fill the needs of these airlines I should think. These aircrafts do not have enough capacity for the high density demands of the middle east routes.

Lacking sufficient details (in information) I can only speculate that the $100 million they talked about is an initial investment. A down payment, if you like.

And there are further issues of ambiguity and confusion. It says United will "dry lease" an A310-300 and a B767-300ER, and I wonder how they'll manage the maintenance and crew with that! The crew can probably be hired separately but how the planes will be maintained remains a question left to be answered. I also can't understand mixing an A310 and a B767 together, since they're both designed for the same mission profile!

In this case, I'm personally in favour of the A310 and I hope they're getting the higher MTOW version (157+ tons). The A310's wider fuselage gives it the additional flexibility in terms of belly cargo haul compared to the B767, and it has enough range to take care of the Middle-Eastern routes. Last but not least, with the A310 in the fleet, United perhaps will be able to use Biman's engineering resources to take care of the maintenance (Up to C Checks) of the plane(s) under a contract with Biman!

Why don't they dry lease two A310-300s in that case instead of 1 A310-300 and 1 B767-300ER?

I received this audio clip in one of those forwarded chain mails.. Thought I share the laugh, so compiled this video.

HsySCUJYESw

Photocredits to airliners.net and Imran bhai for the exclusive one.

And there are further issues of ambiguity and confusion. It says United will "dry lease" an A310-300 and a B767-300ER, and I wonder how they'll manage the maintenance and crew with that! The crew can probably be hired separately but how the planes will be maintained remains a question left to be answered. I also can't understand mixing an A310 and a B767 together, since they're both designed for the same mission profile!

In this case, I'm personally in favour of the A310 and I hope they're getting the higher MTOW version (157+ tons). The A310's wider fuselage gives it the additional flexibility in terms of belly cargo haul compared to the B767, and it has enough range to take care of the Middle-Eastern routes. Last but not least, with the A310 in the fleet, United perhaps will be able to use Biman's engineering resources to take care of the maintenance (Up to C Checks) of the plane(s) under a contract with Biman!

I would like to give the benefit of doubt to United Airways because it could very well have been a case of, "lost in translation". Gumption suggests they'd have to go for a pair of either 310s or 767s. I hope this airline is listening to Imran for his excellent ideas of leveraging Biman for their own operations. :)

Asif or anyone knows how Biman will finance its Boeing purchase? Who will be providing loans and under what terms?

Only thing I saw in the news that Biman may use its current fund around 500 cr as down payment.

Asif or anyone knows how Biman will finance its Boeing purchase? Who will be providing loans and under what terms?

Only thing I saw in the news that Biman may use its current fund around 500 cr as down payment.

I'm not at the liberty to disclose the details, but here's what might suffice:

> 85% of the financing will be arranged from the Export Import Bank of the United States, after the ratification of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol by the Government of Bangladesh. Biman will use its cash reserves to put in the initial cash down-payment upon the signing of the firm contract.

> 15% of the financing will be arranged from the local banks.

> Repayment of the financing from ExIm Bank of US will begin from 24 months prior to the delivery of the first new build aircraft from Boeing, and Biman will pay subsequent installments every 6 months from thereon.

Asif, thanks for info and I understand your position.

Hi everyone,

I am meeting the M.D. of United Airways capt,Tasbilul Ahmed Choudary on next Monday. Does anyone have a questions that you might want me to put across to him? If so do let me know?

Best Air, United Airways to start
int’l operations soon

Kazi Azizul Islam
With the government permitting flights on international routes, two new generation private airlines have started their full-swing preparations for landing on lucrative foreign destinations.
A Civil Aviation ministry meeting on March 24 recommended some international route permissions for Best Air and United Airways, officials concerned said.
Syed Mohammed Zobayer, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, confirmed New Age on Sunday that recommendations for international routes for Best Air and United Airways had been forwarded to the civil aviation authority.
Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Shakeb Iqbal Khan Majlish told New Age that they would start work on completing necessary documentations within a day or two.
‘Not only Best Air or United Air, we want all private airlines to fly the international routes if they attain necessary capacities,’ he said, indicating government’s supportive policy for new generation airlines.
He hoped that by the end of April, CAAB would complete all necessary documentations regarding designations of the airlines for international routes.
Best Air and United Airways permissions, in principle, for Bangkok, Dubai, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Chennai, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait and Bahrain. Most of the frequencies are permitted from Dhaka and some from Chittagong.
Kunming, London routes have also been provided, on condition, to the Airlines
Chairman of Best Air M Haider Uzzaman told New Age that they would start flying Dhaka to Bangkok from April 14 as almost every necessary preparation had been completed in advance.
‘After Bangkok, Best Air will be flying to Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata, Chennai and Dubai,’ he said.
Best Air, with its major stakes owned by Kuwait-based Aqiq Aviation, now operates a wide-body Boeing 737, 118-seat aircraft in domestic route and plans to use same aircraft in Bangkok route.
But for flying on the new routes, Best Air has leased another 737 while negotiating at least another, said Haider. ‘Our second aircraft will land in Dhaka in April 15.’
Captain Tasbirul Ahmed Choudhury, chairman and managing director of the United Airways, told New Age that the Airline was almost ready to start operation on the Dhaka-Kolkata route towards the end of May and to Kathmandu immediately after.
United Airways is wholly owned by Bangladeshis and Non-resident Bangladeshis and it is the only private airline having two brand new Dash 8-100 aircraft, each having 37 seats.
Officials of the airline told New Age that they would be able to operate flights in regional routes using their own aircrafts but they started negotiation to lease an 266-seat Airbus 310.
Ahmed said United had plans to invest Tk 2,000 crore in the next five years to spread its wings on international routes.\


http://www.newagebd.com/busi.html#2

Biman set to take on private airlines with 49pc stake sale

Sohel Parvez

http://thedailystar.net/photos/2008-04-01__b01.jpg

The government plans to sell 49 percent of its shareholding in Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd this year through stock markets. The offer, and subsequent listing in the country's stock exchanges, will help the beleaguered state-owned airline improve its cash flows substantially and take on private carriers, a top government functionary said yesterday.

“We will off-load 49 per cent of Biman's shares to raise funds and improve the cash flow. The public offer will also create a remarkable impact on the stock markets,” Mahbub Jamil, special assistant to Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser, in-charge of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, told The Daily Star, on the sidelines of a discussion organised by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Biman has an authorised capital of Tk 15,000 crore.

The stake-sale announcement comes two weeks after Biman Bangladesh Airlines sealed a deal with US-based Boeing to purchase eight new aircraft for $1.265 billion. The airline currently has a fleet of dozen aircraft, including four F 28s and three A 310-300s. With an expanded fleet, it hopes to take off and give domestic private carriers serious competition, besides cutting down its own losses, estimated at $ 100 million during 2006-07.

Jamil, who also chairs Biman board, said the shares will be off-loaded through a direct listing process. “We will try our best to offload the shares within this year,” he said. In fact, he expects the carrier to break-even in the current financial year itself. The government had corporatised Biman in July 2007, which has now enabled the divestment plan. This will be the first such listing of an airline in the country. In the last one year, as many as three new domestic private airlines have commenced operations.

The national carrier, which incurred a loss of Tk 455 crore in the fiscal year 2005-06, has narrowed the loss margin by over half to Tk 272 crore last fiscal.

Analysts, however, were not sure if the minority stake sale will help Biman since it continued to be majority owned by the government. Imran Asif, an aviation industry consultant, said, "This will not help Biman sustain its business in the long run. The management control must go to the private sector if Biman is to be profitable and sustainable,” he said, adding that only a sale of 51 per cent or more will help Biman in the long run.

The national carrier now flies to 18 international destinations, competing with over 20 local and foreign and local airlines, which together dominate the airs. Saudia, Emirates, Singapore, Thai and Gulf airlines are the global players in the Bangladesh aviation market. Domestic firm GMG too is spreading fast with flights to the Middle-East and South-East Asia. The country's total air traffic is estimated to be growing at over 7.5 per cent a year.

Losses and crew shortages had, in several earlier occasions, forced Biman to suspend flights to eight international destinations. The Biman chairman said the national carrier had paid of all its liabilities to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. “We are now buying fuel in cash. We have paid over Tk 580 crore to BPC since April last year,” said MA Momen, chief executive of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The airline will go for an independent valuation of its assets once it pays dues to the tune of Tk 573 crore to civil aviation authority.

Momen said the listing would help the airline improve its accountability and also strengthen its financial health.

Yawer Sayeed, Chief Executive of asset management firm, AIMS, which manages funds of over Tk 100 crore, said the market had the capacity to absorb such a big issue. “Whether the listing will benefit the market and investors will depend on correct valuation and pricing. There must be a transparent and competitive book building process,” he said.

http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=30185

Best Air, United Airways to start
int’l operations soon

http://www.newagebd.com/busi.html#2

Hmm!

1. I wonder what Chairman, CAAB means when he says "Not only Best Air or United Air, we want all private airlines to fly the international routes if they attain necessary capacities"! It takes a lot more than just getting planes into the fleet in order to operate safe flights and expand to new routes, and it is CAAB's job to make sure that the airlines have the knowledge, the technical ability, and apt intentions to adhere to the safety requirements for flight operations...a task CAAB is not doing nearly right at all from what I know!

2. In my opinion, the potentials of the DAC-BKK route is an illusive one for the airlines of Bangladesh. TG is still by and large the leading carrier on the route, beating the other current operators (BG, KB, Z5) by huge margins as far as load factor is concerned. Best Air would have to count heavily on their lucky stars to make bucks on this route!

3. Widebody 737s? Brand-new Dash-8-100s for United?? Really??? Somebody is on preimum-quality weed here! ;)

Dubai: GMG Airlines, Bangladesh's biggest private carrier, will soon start flights to Abu Dhabi and Doha, linking Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh's commercial gateway, before linking them to Muscat and Kuwait by this year, a top official said.

"We also plan to start flights to London and Rome - two European destinations where sizeable non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) live by the end of this year," Abdus Sattar, chairman of GMG Group told Gulf News.

The expansion of GMG Airline's operations to the Gulf will help ease growing passenger demand on Gulf-Bangladesh route.

Bangladesh is a major source of contract labourers for the Gulf states, where economic boom is expected to drive the demand for additional manpower. More than half of the 5 million NRBs live in the Gulf.

GMG will soon place firm orders for six Boeing aircraft, valued at $1 billion.

"These include three Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Both Boeing and GMG are ready to sign the firm orders. But we are waiting for Bangladesh to join the Capetown Treaty that allows the financiers to acquire assets of the defaulting company in that particular country," he said.

"We expect the government to join the treaty, so that we gain excess to fin-ance from major financiers. The moment we sign the firm orders, we have to make 1 per cent of the value of the deal, which will be $10 million in this case."

GMG launched flights to Dubai last month with a leased Boeing 747.

The operation has helped to ease the growing demand for additional traffic on the Dubai-Dhaka route, largely dependent on Emirates, which has benefited from a decline in the operation of Biman, the nearly bankrupt national carrier of Bangladesh.

"We are going to add a second B747 in April which will help us to operate flights to at least two other Gulf destinations."

Open skies

Passenger demand will jump in June and July and is expected to continue till January next year due to summer vacation, Eid holidays and winter vacations - when additional capacities will be required.

Apart from Emirates, Biman and GMG, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways and RAK Airways are also serving the Bangladesh routes from the UAE. The Bangladesh government has opened up its skies for competition that will allow new airlines to operate into the country.

GMG Airlines, which started operations 10 years ago on Bangladesh's domestic routes, was allowed to fly on international routes in 2005.

With 700 employees and seven aircraft in the fleet, the airline last year carried 350,000 passengers including 190,000 on the domestic routes.

Its fleet includes three Bombardier Dash 11s, one Boeing 737-800, two McDonald Douglas MD82s and a Boeing 747.

"With growing international operations, we expect the number of passengers to cross 1 million by the end of this year," Abdus Sattar, a former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, said.

The airline made cumulative losses of 650 million taka over the last 10 years.

"However, we recovered 40 million taka last year. So, yes we are now a profitable carrier," he said.

http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Aviation/10201519.html

Hi everyone,

I am meeting the M.D. of United Airways capt,Tasbilul Ahmed Choudary on next Monday. Does anyone have a questions that you might want me to put across to him? If so do let me know?

-Ask the M.D. if they will partially offload shares of United Airways in the Dhaka Stock Exchange?

-Also whats the status on the Dhaka-London route? And are they planning a Dhaka/NYC route?

Hmm!
3. Widebody 737s? Brand-new Dash-8-100s for United?? Really??? Somebody is on preimum-quality weed here! ;)

:lol:

Some of the comments made by the newcomers really make me think if they are conversant with this industry; or just businessman, eager to make some quick bucks!

Dubai: GMG Airlines, Bangladesh's biggest private carrier, will soon start flights to Abu Dhabi and Doha, linking Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh's commercial gateway, before linking them to Muscat and Kuwait by this year, a top official said.

"We also plan to start flights to London and Rome - two European destinations where sizeable non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) live by the end of this year," Abdus Sattar, chairman of GMG Group told Gulf News.

The airline made cumulative losses of 650 million taka over the last 10 years.

"However, we recovered 40 million taka last year. So, yes we are now a profitable carrier," he said.

http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Aviation/10201519.html

Looks like they are ahead of their schedule to add Europe in the destination list! If I can remember correctly, their plan was to add London in the first quarter of 09.
All these ongoing & proposed expansions with wet leased bodies and still making a profit of 40million!! Way to go GMG . . . :angel:

I am amused by the fact that Best Air would operate its DAC-BKK flight with its B737-200.

I am amused by the fact that Best Air would operate its DAC-BKK flight with its B737-200.

While it may not be cost effective, it certainly is well within the range. IA used to have a DAC-DEL nonstop service using a 737-200. BKK is just a few more miles than DEL.

Hmm!
3. Widebody 737s? Brand-new Dash-8-100s for United?? Really??? Somebody is on preimum-quality weed here! ;)

It would have been a good consolation if s/he/they were on weed, good quality or not! This is what I complained about earlier. The quality of Bangladesh newspapers, in English, is below sub-standard. It appears to me that neither the reporters nor the editors went to any journalism school or had any "real newspaper" on the job training. The concept of fact checking must be alien to them.

While we can easily discern the inaccuracies in respect to aviation news reporting, imagine what kind of trash they must be feeding us in other subjects that some of us (or most of us) are less conversant in?

-Ask the M.D. if they will partially offload shares of United Airways in the Dhaka Stock Exchange?

-Also whats the status on the Dhaka-London route? And are they planning a Dhaka/NYC route?

Will do. Any other questions guys???

Will do. Any other questions guys???

Would they open new routes to the ignored/neglected northern region of Bangladesh?

Hmm!

2. In my opinion, the potentials of the DAC-BKK route is an illusive one for the airlines of Bangladesh. TG is still by and large the leading carrier on the route, beating the other current operators (BG, KB, Z5) by huge margins as far as load factor is concerned. Best Air would have to count heavily on their lucky stars to make bucks on this route!


If the demand for seats per day exceeds the capacity of TG's once daily flight, why can't other carriers make a buck on the same route?

If the demand for seats per day exceeds the capacity of TG's once daily flight, why can't other carriers make a buck on the same route?

1. If the seat demand surges, TG can add capacity too even without adding frequency (something BG, KB, and Z5 can't do easily and nor will Best Air). They're now doing the route with their A300s, and they can deploy their high-density A330-300 or the B777 (non ERs they use for regional sectors) and can actually have lower seat-mile costs and thus may cut fares too! Thai's A300s are configured for 249-260 pax, A330-300 for 263 pax, B777-200 for 309 pax and the B777-300 for 388 pax, so they definitely have the equipment headroom to offer more capacity.

2. From what I can see from the load factor data that I have for the route BG, KB, and Z5 are essentially splitting a certain number of passengers among themselves, and haven't really taken away much capacity off TG. As a result, the data shows that the number of daily pax on BG, KB, and Z5 combined is still short (on the average) of the number of pax carried by TG daily on the route!

TG is already operating A330-200 in DAC-BKK route sometimes.......i think A-300s are used in some specific days in a week, and in the rest of the days A330-200 s are used.......

However, I think the passenger number in DAC-BKK route is increasing in such a manner that another 2/3 airlines can still commence flights........

Will do. Any other questions guys???

Akbar can you please ask how United recruit pilots? Do they/ will they take pilots with UK frozen ATPL without type rating on Dash-8's or much commercial flying experience?

If so will United type rate by paying for it in return for a fixed long term employment contract?

I say this because I am currently looking for a job and with not much experience it is very hard! Also I don't have much money for the type rating, this would easily set me back at least £14,000!

It says in the prospectus that investors will get priority over jobs, if I make an investment of the min 5 lacs will it make any difference at all?

Thanks.

So Best Air said they were planning to start DAC-BKK from 14th April...and it doesn't seem quite likely anymore! For what has developed in the past 24 hours (can't elaborate, at least at the moment), either Best Air will have to work extremely hard to fix eight issues pertinent to operational safety or CAAB will have to overlook the major safety issues for them to meet that date to commence services!

Akbar can you please ask how United recruit pilots? Do they/ will they take pilots with UK frozen ATPL without type rating on Dash-8's or much commercial flying experience?

If so will United type rate by paying for it in return for a fixed long term employment contract?

I say this because I am currently looking for a job and with not much experience it is very hard! Also I don't have much money for the type rating, this would easily set me back at least £14,000!

It says in the prospectus that investors will get priority over jobs, if I make an investment of the min 5 lacs will it make any difference at all?

Thanks.

OK

I remember when I was a kid, as my family was living in Lybia, we had to take Lybian Airlines to come to Dhaka for vacation. I remember the aircrafts of Lybian Airlines had their stairs at the rear of the fuselage, just under the tail. Can anybody tell me what aircraft model these could have been? i searched in the web but could not succeed to find out....

I remember when I was a kid, as my family was living in Lybia, we had to take Lybian Airlines to come to Dhaka for vacation. I remember the aircrafts of Lybian Airlines had their stairs at the rear of the fuselage, just under the tail. Can anybody tell me what aircraft model these could have been? i searched in the web but could not succeed to find out....

If I'm not mistaken - the Boeing 727.

If I'm not mistaken - the Boeing 727.

Sure was B727!

http://www.airplane-pictures.net/image12091.html

So Best Air said they were planning to start DAC-BKK from 14th April...and it doesn't seem quite likely anymore! For what has developed in the past 24 hours (can't elaborate, at least at the moment), either Best Air will have to work extremely hard to fix eight issues pertinent to operational safety or CAAB will have to overlook the major safety issues for them to meet that date to commence services!

But you'd be doing a public a great disservice if you don't reveal the callous disregard of safety by BestAir, Imran! Do tell :shifty:

Here's a shot of the 727's rear stairs arrangement. Towheed Bhai you beat me to it :)

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP-468/p430.jpg

The 727-200 could carry about 180+ passengers 6-abreast about 3000+ miles. I'm sure the Libyan Airlines 727 had a stopover in the middle-east somewhere (probably in UAE).

But you'd be doing a public a great disservice if you don't reveal the callous disregard of safety by BestAir, Imran! Do tell :shifty:

Through my sources at CAAB, I've been able to access the interim report ICAO's COSCAP-SA has submitted on Best Aviation Limited the day before yesterday. I can't disclose the details of the report here yet, but CAAB has been advised to make sure that Best Air takes corrective measures in as many as eight different areas pertinent to operational safety before they are allowed to fly international.

As a matter of fact, if Best Air fails to accommodate the corrections in due time and if CAAB acts strict, Best Air may even be grounded altogether!

Having said that, let me also tell you that none of the private operators are likely to get a clean sheet as far as operational safety is concerned! Back in December 2007, COSCAP-SA's report on United had revealed numerous irregularities, and GMG is also being subjected to a number of issues as I speak. RBA is not facing the heat yet being the newest operator but I'm sure they'll be up at it soon as well.

Guess who is largely responsible for all the irregularities that has taken place? CAAB!

If I'm not mistaken - the Boeing 727.

Thanks Asif and Tislam and manbil777......thanks a lot....

Here's a shot of the 727's rear stairs arrangement. Towheed Bhai you beat me to it :)

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP-468/p430.jpg

The 727-200 could carry about 180+ passengers 6-abreast about 3000+ miles. I'm sure the Libyan Airlines 727 had a stopover in the middle-east somewhere (probably in UAE).

we used to avail lybian airlines upto damascus......then from there, we used to take PIA upto dhaka, with a transit in Karachi.

Does anybody here know about the status of the 5th private airlines (Albab-Anmole Airlines, sorry if i spell it wrong)? Are they really coming into the scene soon?

Does anybody here know about the status of the 5th private airlines (Albab-Anmole Airlines, sorry if i spell it wrong)? Are they really coming into the scene soon?

Not nearly as soon as they would've thought, if at all! The days of cutting corners to regulations are about to be over. :)

Not nearly as soon as they would've thought, if at all! The days of cutting corners to regulations are about to be over. :)

Well it's (more than) about time I'd say! Let's hope (and pray) that CAAB does not lapse back into old habits after political government returns.

Well it's (more than) about time I'd say! Let's hope (and pray) that CAAB does not lapse back into old habits after political government returns.

What would happen once the elected/political regime gets back is something that worries me as well. CAAB is in a terrible state now, and every move is being made to empower and enrich it with more knowledge and make the organization credible.

If it remains as it is now, or is brought back to this state during the elected/politicial regime, the lives of the thousands of passengers will be at dire risk!

Like I always say, let the good hopes prevail! Amen. :)

What would happen once the elected/political regime gets back is something that worries me as well. CAAB is in a terrible state now, and every move is being made to empower and enrich it with more knowledge and make the organization credible.

If it remains as it is now, or is brought back to this state during the elected/politicial regime, the lives of the thousands of passengers will be at dire risk!

Like I always say, let the good hopes prevail! Amen. :)

I would say the current govt need to inject intelligent and progressive military personals in BD's civil institutions up to 33% of the total workforce.

I would say the current govt need to inject intelligent and progressive military personals in BD's civil institutions up to 33% of the total workforce.

Unless we get a relatively "clean" government, a 33% honest CAAB employees wouldn't make much of a difference.

^^
Just found out from CNN that two FAA "whistle blower" safety inspectors are going to testify in Congress tomorrow as to how cozy FAA has been with the airline industry over the years and more confrontational towards NTSB. Because of their actions Continental, Delta and United has grounded large number of aircrafts for inspection. Earlier Southwest grounded 48 of their aircrafts for inspection.

Now I don't feel so bad about CAAB!

Biman had purchased and leased aircraft before and I don’t recall it required aircraft specific permission from India. Specially when this and another 747 aircraft will be flying to middle- eastern and other destinations. This requirement is obviously in addition to over flight permission. Unless I am missing something I have not heard any airline have to seek permission for each aircraft from another country in flight path.

Does India require same from all other airlines which pass through its airspace?

Asif, what is your take on this? Being in the center I assume you already know about what’s going on.

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=75140&sec=5

^^
Just found out from CNN that two FAA "whistle blower" safety inspectors are going to testify in Congress tomorrow as to how cozy FAA has been with the airline industry over the years and more confrontational towards NTSB. Because of their actions Continental, Delta and United has grounded large number of aircrafts for inspection. Earlier Southwest grounded 48 of their aircrafts for inspection.

Now I don't feel so bad about CAAB!

Nothing new really! :) The FAA and NTSB have never been in harmony, and the TSA is equally funny...but it is actually this lack of harmony among them that effectively upholds safety at the end of they day! In the US, it always took a major incident before safety standards were improved, and there are countless examples of that - the Air Canada DC-9 at CIN, Alaska MD-82 and AeroMexico DC-9/Piper collision at LAX, and I could go on.

What is of concern though, is how the airlines are reacting to safety issues they find out themselves before the regulatory authorities. United, Delta, Continental gronded their aircraft to carry out inspections on suspected issues, whereas Southwest actually continued to fly even after finding out the problems in their airplanes. I have a tremendous degree of admiration for this airline, but am very disappointed with the way they handled the issue.

The problems with CAAB are unique. They think they 'own' Biman, and on the other hand get walked over by the private airlines. Their level of incompetency and ignorance is simply sickening! I recently had an interaction with the Deputy Director of Flight Safety and the Member-Operations there and I was disgusted, to say the least.

Biman had purchased and leased aircraft before and I don’t recall it required aircraft specific permission from India. Specially when this and another 747 aircraft will be flying to middle- eastern and other destinations. This requirement is obviously in addition to over flight permission. Unless I am missing something I have not heard any airline have to seek permission for each aircraft from another country in flight path.

Does India require same from all other airlines which pass through its airspace?

Asif, what is your take on this? Being in the center I assume you already know about what’s going on.

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=75140&sec=5

You're right, it wasn't a regular procedure. But every Civil Aviation Authority of every country reserves the right to raise specific objections if they feel any particular aircraft using their airspace isn't safe and may endanger the safety of the airspace as a whole. This is exactly that scenario here, and has been done before. The Saudi 747 and Kazakhstan IL-76 collision incident over Delhi led all airlines flying into and out of India to mandatorily have their aircraft equipped with TCAS, for example.

In my previous posts just after the Saudi 747 incident at Dhaka last week, I mentioned about the frequent engine-related issues reported by the P&W powered 747s belonging to Air Atlanta Icelandic. Statistically speaking, the probability of these incidents being coincidental is very slim, and is ought to be taken seriously by the operators (including Z5).

The reason why Biman's 747 was subjected to the clearance by India was probably because of 2 reasons: (i) the lessor being Kabo Air from Nigeria who are not among the most reputable of global lessors, and (ii) that B747-200 is also powered by the same P&W powerplants which have recently reported issues with different operators worldwide.

That's my 2-cents! :2cents:

You're right, it wasn't a regular procedure. But every Civil Aviation Authority of every country reserves the right to raise specific objections if they feel any particular aircraft using their airspace isn't safe and may endanger the safety of the airspace as a whole. This is exactly that scenario here, and has been done before. The Saudi 747 and Kazakhstan IL-76 collision incident over Delhi led all airlines flying into and out of India to mandatorily have their aircraft equipped with TCAS, for example.

In my previous posts just after the Saudi 747 incident at Dhaka last week, I mentioned about the frequent engine-related issues reported by the P&W powered 747s belonging to Air Atlanta Icelandic. Statistically speaking, the probability of these incidents being coincidental is very slim, and is ought to be taken seriously by the operators (including Z5).

The reason why Biman's 747 was subjected to the clearance by India was probably because of 2 reasons: (i) the lessor being Kabo Air from Nigeria who are not among the most reputable of global lessors, and (ii) that B747-200 is also powered by the same P&W powerplants which have recently reported issues with different operators worldwide.

That's my 2-cents! :2cents:

Does india has same series of 747 and/or using P&W powerplant?

Also, can india do the same for Saudi Arab? Political level that will not go well with Saudi.

In such case and in line with general indian attitude towards Bangladesh, it seems this permission is not purely on safety ground. Someway related to BD airlines are standing up and that did not go well...
This is a warning shot to Biman and BD airlines that from now on aircraft and flights could be at mercy of indian whim

Does india has same series of 747 and/or using P&W powerplant?

Also, can india do the same for Saudi Arab? Political level that will not go well with Saudi.

In such case and in line with general indian attitude towards Bangladesh, it seems this permission is not purely on safety ground. Someway related to BD airlines are standing up and that did not go well...

India took care of their interests very well with the recent amendment of the ASA with Bangladesh. I'm quite sure they'll not abuse their regulatory entitlements to trouble Bangladeshi airlines.

There is another aspect of concern for the Indian authorities regarding Biman's 747 - shortly before it was delivered to Biman, the courts at Nigeria ordered a seizure of assets to realize a sum of fine from them for an aggrieved party who lodged a case against Kabo. Now, if the aircraft leased to Biman gets involved in any significant incident within the Indian airspace, they'd be concerned about who will pay for the resulting insurance or other financial claims considering Kabo's financial status. I think Biman would have to take a part of the responsibility as far as the Indian authorites are concerned, and will have to deal with its own claim with Kabo as defined under the ACMI lease provisions.

If I'm not mistaken, India not only uses Pratt & Whitney engines, but also designs components for them within the country. This would lead me to understand that we have a full-fledged service centre somewhere in the country (I've also read about this somewhere), with fully trained staff, thus making sure that India's aeroplanes fly safely, and are upto speed with the latest safety norms. As far as Air India's (the only operator of 747s in India) planes are concerned, most of the older generation 747s are being converted into freighters, or being scrapped. I'm not sure about Saudi Arabia. The concern here, as someone pointed out earlier is most probably the country (Nigeria) that the aircraft was leased from. They do have a dubious reputation as far as aircraft safety is concerned. I would be concerned, wouldn't you?

If I'm not mistaken, India not only uses Pratt & Whitney engines, but also designs components for them within the country. This would lead me to understand that we have a full-fledged service centre somewhere in the country (I've also read about this somewhere), with fully trained staff, thus making sure that India's aeroplanes fly safely, and are upto speed with the latest safety norms. As far as the Air India's (the only operator of 747s in India) planes are concerned, most of the older generation 747s are being converted into freighters, or being scrapped. I'm not sure about Saudi Arabia. The concern here, as someone pointed out earlier is most probably the country (Nigeria) that the aircraft was leased from. They do have a dubious reputation as far as aircraft safety is concerned. I would be concerned, wouldn't you?

Besides South African and Kenyan Airlines other Airlines from Africa doesn't have much of a reputation. On the side note, Didn't know that India started to design Aircraft Engines, good going.

If I'm not mistaken, India not only uses Pratt & Whitney engines, but also designs components for them within the country. This would lead me to understand that we have a full-fledged service centre somewhere in the country (I've also read about this somewhere), with fully trained staff, thus making sure that India's aeroplanes fly safely, and are upto speed with the latest safety norms. As far as the Air India's (the only operator of 747s in India) planes are concerned, most of the older generation 747s are being converted into freighters, or being scrapped. I'm not sure about Saudi Arabia. The concern here, as someone pointed out earlier is most probably the country (Nigeria) that the aircraft was leased from. They do have a dubious reputation as far as aircraft safety is concerned. I would be concerned, wouldn't you?

The engines of concern here are the P&W JT9D-7R4G2 powering the 'Classic' 747s (-200/-300), and not the PW4062 used on the B747-400s.

India currently has capabilities on the PW4000 series engines powering the A310s and the B747-400s.

Besides South African and Kenyan Airlines other Airlines from Africa doesn't have much of a reputation. On the side note, Didn't know that India started to design Aircraft Engines, good going.

India will only be making components for powerplant sub system worth about $50 million/yr. Engine design is in different league and huge undertaking.

AI is supposed to operate DEL-DAC-CCU-LHR with 777/747. Then why does their website show that they operate DEL-DAC with A319?

AI is supposed to operate DEL-DAC-CCU-LHR with 777/747. Then why does their website show that they operate DEL-DAC with A319?

AI used their ex-United 777s for a while on the route, then the 747 and the leased 767s until they suspended the route for a while, and are now back on using the A319s perhaps.

They're basically deploying their 'heavies' on either adding capacity to some existing routes or adding new ones due to capacity shortage, which will continue to be there until most of their new Boeings are delivered.

Nothing new really! :) The FAA and NTSB have never been in harmony, and the TSA is equally funny...but it is actually this lack of harmony among them that effectively upholds safety at the end of they day! In the US, it always took a major incident before safety standards were improved, and there are countless examples of that - the Air Canada DC-9 at CIN, Alaska MD-82 and AeroMexico DC-9/Piper collision at LAX, and I could go on.

What is of concern though, is how the airlines are reacting to safety issues they find out themselves before the regulatory authorities. United, Delta, Continental gronded their aircraft to carry out inspections on suspected issues, whereas Southwest actually continued to fly even after finding out the problems in their airplanes. I have a tremendous degree of admiration for this airline, but am very disappointed with the way they handled the issue.

The problems with CAAB are unique. They think they 'own' Biman, and on the other hand get walked over by the private airlines. Their level of incompetency and ignorance is simply sickening! I recently had an interaction with the Deputy Director of Flight Safety and the Member-Operations there and I was disgusted, to say the least.

Well then, Bangladesh needs an NTSB! :)

As for CAAB and its incompetence, its par for the course because that is how the government conducts itself. BTTB, PDB and organizations like these employ scores of engineers where the only engineering work these engineers do is perhaps use a calculator or a computer!

The problems with CAAB are unique. They think they 'own' Biman, and on the other hand get walked over by the private airlines. Their level of incompetency and ignorance is simply sickening! I recently had an interaction with the Deputy Director of Flight Safety and the Member-Operations there and I was disgusted, to say the least.

i am amazed at your posts! how do you have access to so much information which are very confidential and then make your criticisms to bluntly without fearing any retaliation from these ppl at govt organizations? that too when we all know this is a military-backed govt?

what is ur secret?

Akbar can you please ask how United recruit pilots? Do they/ will they take pilots with UK frozen ATPL without type rating on Dash-8's or much commercial flying experience?

If so will United type rate by paying for it in return for a fixed long term employment contract?

I say this because I am currently looking for a job and with not much experience it is very hard! Also I don't have much money for the type rating, this would easily set me back at least £14,000!

It says in the prospectus that investors will get priority over jobs, if I make an investment of the min 5 lacs will it make any difference at all?

Thanks.

Dear Brit-Bang,

United Airways (BD) Ltd is looking for the following post to be covered:

Applications are invited for the following post(s):



Captains Ref # UAB/01
Type of A/C: A-310-300/ MD-83/ DHC-8

ATPL/IR
Total Time : 5000 hrs (min) (for DHC-8 –total time 3000)
On type : 500 hrs (min)
PIC : 500 hrs (min)

Preference will be given to candidates having flying experience on type & wide bodied aircraft.


First Officer
Ref # UAB/02
Type of A/C: A-310-300/MD-83/DHC-8

CPL / IR
Total Time : 1000 hrs. For A-310 & MD-83 (for DHC-8 with type rating )
On type :500 hrs. For A-310 & MD-83

Preference will be given to candidates having flying experience on type & wide bodied aircraft.


Cadet Pilot Ref # UAB/03
CPL / IR (with valid license).

So why don't you apply yourself. Good luck:)

Applications should be made to Manager HR, along with CV only (no Certificates/Testimonials) and a recent passport size photograph to the following address:

United Airways Head Office
Uttara Tower (5th Floor)
1 Jasimuddin Avenue
Sector # 3, Uttara Model Town
Dhaka-1230

So UAB is leasing MD-83's. For which routes? Do MD-82 & -83 have same ratings?

i am amazed at your posts! how do you have access to so much information which are very confidential and then make your criticisms to bluntly without fearing any retaliation from these ppl at govt organizations? that too when we all know this is a military-backed govt?

what is ur secret?

I prefer to call a spade a spade, come what may. :)

No secrets there, really!

So UAB is leasing MD-83's. For which routes? Do MD-82 & -83 have same ratings?

The entire MD-80 series and even the MD-90 has the same type-rating with minor differences.

I prefer to call a spade a spade, come what may. :)

No secrets there, really!



The entire MD-80 series and even the MD-90 has the same type-rating with minor differences.

Good on you iasif, I always like a person who is to the point. Please continue to share your inside knowledge of Bangladesh avaition with us.:banana:

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume its flights to New York in October after a break of about two years, said a special assistant to the Chief Adviser Friday. For the new arrangement, Biman is trying to take a Boeing-777 on lease from the Boeing Company. 'If Biman fails to resume its New York flights by Oct 25, the Federal Aviation Authority will cancel the route permit for the national carrier,' Mahbub Jamil, the CA's special assistant in charge of the civil aviation ministry, said. bdnews24.com

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=29857

sylhet airport
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2206951126_b60a83a7e2.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/2206950658_60b33990c8.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2206160647_5764d941d2.jpg?v=0

sylhet airport


How recent are these pictures? What is that under construction building supposed to be?

these r bout 6 month old pic n its newly constructed terminal building which is connected old terminal

these r bout 6 month old pic n its newly constructed terminal building which is connected old terminal

They are taking far too long with this, I saw roughly this back in 2004

They are taking far too long with this, I saw roughly this back in 2004

Why are they building a new terminal? Expansion? Modernization?

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume its flights to New York in October after a break of about two years, said a special assistant to the Chief Adviser Friday. For the new arrangement, Biman is trying to take a Boeing-777 on lease from the Boeing Company. 'If Biman fails to resume its New York flights by Oct 25, the Federal Aviation Authority will cancel the route permit for the national carrier,' Mahbub Jamil, the CA's special assistant in charge of the civil aviation ministry, said. bdnews24.com

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=29857

If Biman finds a 777 to to operate to JFK from October, it should use it to gain as much experience and knowledge of ETOPS flights as possible. Till date, Biman has no ETOPS experience, and with the new 777s and 787s it will be a whole new dimension for Biman to get accustomed with. If Biman's engineering capabilities are not improved to match ETOPS requirements, Biman will not be able to make best use of these new airplanes. The pilots, also, will have to be appropriately trained for such flights.

Good on you iasif, I always like a person who is to the point. Please continue to share your inside knowledge of Bangladesh avaition with us.:banana:

With pleasure I will. But I also hope that those of you here have connections with the local airlines use some of these information I provide for improvement of your services. Due to the very weak regulatory infrastructure at CAAB, the airlines of Bangladesh (Biman included) have often knowingly compromised safety issues, which certainly isn't the way to go.

As I speak, GMG is working to come around some hiccups regarding airworthiness, and Best Air is apparently in a mess. Last December, COSCAP-SA had also found some irregularities at United and advised them to fix the issues accordingly. I'm only yet to find out about RBA because they haven't been subjected to any inspection/audit yet, but will soon be and I can bet my worth that they'll not come out squeaky clean either!

The airlines have to make sure they have appropriately accredited and professionally competent people filling up the positions of Operations, Training, Flight Safety, and other important departments directly involved with flight operations and safety. If you have a pilot involved in a scandalous incident to be the Chief of Training at your airline, you wouldn't expect to be in the best of positions, would you? ;)

With pleasure I will. But I also hope that those of you here have connections with the local airlines use some of these information I provide for improvement of your services. Due to the very weak regulatory infrastructure at CAAB, the airlines of Bangladesh (Biman included) have often knowingly compromised safety issues, which certainly isn't the way to go.

As I speak, GMG is working to come around some hiccups regarding airworthiness, and Best Air is apparently in a mess. Last December, COSCAP-SA had also found some irregularities at United and advised them to fix the issues accordingly. I'm only yet to find out about RBA because they haven't been subjected to any inspection/audit yet, but will soon be and I can bet my worth that they'll not come out squeaky clean either!

The airlines have to make sure they have appropriately accredited and professionally competent people filling up the positions of Operations, Training, Flight Safety, and other important departments directly involved with flight operations and safety. If you have a pilot involved in a scandalous incident to be the Chief of Training at your airline, you wouldn't expect to be in the best of positions, would you? ;)

very true.:ohno::ohno:

very true.:ohno::ohno:

With the last sentence of my previous post, I didn't mean United by the way! Catch my drift? ;)

Dragonair to add frequency to Dhaka from July

Dragonair will increase the number of flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from four times a week to five from July 7, to cope with the increasing market demand.

“Dhaka has always been an important market for both passenger and cargo services, and we are seeing month-by-month growth in the market. By adding one more flight every week, both business and leisure travellers will benefit from the increased frequency,” said CEO Kenny Tang.

“The demand from business travellers in Dhaka for services to Hong Kong and beyond has always been high. We have also seen an increasing demand from the growing population of expatriates from Asia and the Mainland in Dhaka,” said Mr Tang. “The extra frequency will also help meet the huge demand for cargo services in the Dhaka market, which has been increasing, and we anticipate the strong growth to continue.”

http://indiaaviation.aero/news/airline/8526/59/Dragonair-to-add-frequency-to-Dhaka-from-July

Dragonair to add frequency to Dhaka from July

http://indiaaviation.aero/news/airline/8526/59/Dragonair-to-add-frequency-to-Dhaka-from-July

No surprises there! Cargo is the main money-making area for KA on this route...and the volume is growing. I say its a matter of time now before CX extends their cargo flight from Dhaka towards the Middle-East and/or Europe.

Can DAC provide enough space for all the wide-bodies BG & Z5 are acquiring? And foreign carriers are also starting ops/increasing frequency at DAC. So what is Govt. planning to do about this? Is it possible to build a multi-storied plane parking at DAC for small & medium planes?

Can DAC provide enough space for all the wide-bodies BG & Z5 are acquiring? And foreign carriers are also starting ops/increasing frequency at DAC. So what is Govt. planning to do about this? Is it possible to build a multi-storied plane parking at DAC for small & medium planes?

Development of infrastructure within the current perimeter and a semi-redesign of the airport may increase its capacity by threefold. I don't know of "multi-storied" parking area for planes anywhere in the world...you seriously think it'll work in a country where foot-overbridges collapse over roads?

As far as I know, the current government will try and improve the overall security of the airport and the handling services associated with flight operations (airplane, passenger, cargo). Airport development to increase capacity significantly would be a rather big undertaking for this government considering the time in hand before the elections, and isn't on the task cards.

these r bout 6 month old pic n its newly constructed terminal building which is connected old terminal

I've got some very recent pics of ZYL (i.e. from a couple of days back - although they don't look much different :)) but can't upload them until I get back to UK. Currently, stuck in Dhaka after
Biman decided not to put me on the flight I had a confirmed ticket for :bash:

Enjoying the local hospitality :lol:

If Biman finds a 777 to to operate to JFK from October, it should use it to gain as much experience and knowledge of ETOPS flights as possible. Till date, Biman has no ETOPS experience, and with the new 777s and 787s it will be a whole new dimension for Biman to get accustomed with. If Biman's engineering capabilities are not improved to match ETOPS requirements, Biman will not be able to make best use of these new airplanes. The pilots, also, will have to be appropriately trained for such flights.

It would be possible if they take a wet lease instead of dry, wouldn't it? If they're thinking dry then, yes, it wouldn't be wise to operate the super long distance routes of Biman without much experience with ETOPS. If read somewhere that PIA had some teething problems for sometime with their new 777s.

They are taking far too long with this, I saw roughly this back in 2004

That is bad and sad. Why government owned development projects stall in Bangladesh, I never understood. If they have a perennial cost overrun issues one would expect that the planners would learn in time. If the delay is the fault of the contractors, haven't they heard of penalty clause? :ohno:

can you please ask him to change the name "United Airways" for his own sake, otherwise United Airlines will kick ass once he goes mainstream and starts flying int'l routes.

Also the logo looks like it was designed by kids from kindergarten school.

can you please ask him to change the name "United Airways" for his own sake, otherwise United Airlines will kick ass once he goes mainstream and starts flying int'l routes.

Also the logo looks like it was designed by kids from kindergarten school.

Unless United Airlines has "Airways" registered (copyrighted etc.), I don't see any legal problem.

It would be possible if they take a wet lease instead of dry, wouldn't it? If they're thinking dry then, yes, it wouldn't be wise to operate the super long distance routes of Biman without much experience with ETOPS. If read somewhere that PIA had some teething problems for sometime with their new 777s.

It'll definitely be a wet lease, but Biman should learn how to plan routes for ETOPS operations and from the actual flight operation experiences thereafter to prepare itself for the time from when it'll be doing everything on its own with the new birds. Achieving and maintaining high ETOPS standards is a tedious task for any airline and demands a lot of effort...just ask Air France about it!

Also the logo looks like it was designed by kids from kindergarten school.

:yes:

Unless United Airlines has "Airways" registered (copyrighted etc.), I don't see any legal problem.

The word 'United' alone would be a problem for the local folks, and I'm sure UA would be having some sort of rights reserved for the usage of the word 'United' for international commercial airline business.

can you please ask him to change the name "United Airways" for his own sake, otherwise United Airlines will kick ass once he goes mainstream and starts flying int'l routes.

Also the logo looks like it was designed by kids from kindergarten school.


I would imagine that it wouldn't be a big problem if "United Airways BANGLADESH" is used instead of say "United" or "United Airways".

About rights... mmm.. this is a very tricky and uneven ground.

A good example is that "Jet Airways" of India were delayed route cleanace to the US because of trademark/ patent/ copyright infringement of an American registered company called "Jet Airways, Inc.".
But as we can see today, it made no effect and they are freely flying into the US!

I think in the future their logo can be "improved", I heard the 7 hands in their logo represents the 7 directors.

Akbar1, can you please comment on this?
Are you a director or a company insider?

The word 'United' alone would be a problem for the local folks, and I'm sure UA would be having some sort of rights reserved for the usage of the word 'United' for international commercial airline business.

I think ICAO should be the place where such issues should be resolved. They ought not to register any airline that may face name conflicts in the future.

UNB, DHAKA
Some take air journey for comfort while some for speed. But one will hardly enjoy the journey when he or she takes flight in local airlines like GMG for its frequent flight cancellations.
"These days we cannot depend on GMG Airlines for its frequent flight cancellations, no matter whether it is domestic or international ones, let alone the theft of luggage," an aggrieved passenger told the news agency.
According to sources at Zia International Airport (ZIA), GMG flights to Dubai from Dhaka were cancelled for five times in March alone while once in February last, causing sufferings to its passengers.
The GMG Airlines, the country's first private airliner, started operating its flights on Dhaka-Dubai route on February 1 this year.
The passengers, mostly workers, face serious difficulties due to the cancellation of its flights to Dubai because they have to reach their destinations in time to join their jobs.
"We hardly make mistakes in confirming and reconfirming our journey so that we can join our jobs in time. But GMG cannot maintain its flight schedules, putting us into trouble. In Bangladesh we can convince our local employers for any unintentional delay, but it's very difficult to do that abroad," said another aggrieved GMG passenger of Noakhali.
He also said he had confirmed his journey in GMG Airlines so he can reach his destination in time. "I thought a private airliner cannot act like Biman Bangladesh Airlines does. But GMG frustrated me...Thank God I had two days in hand to join my job, or else, I would have lost it," he said.
The GMG Airlines, which has one flight to Dubai a day, cancelled its flights on March 1, 22, 26, 29 and 31, showing technical problems, according to the sources.
"Even though GMG claimed technical problems forced it to cancel its flight five times last month, the private airline did it for lack of passengers," said an airport official wishing anonymity.
Cancellation of GMG's domestic flights is also rampant. Its services on Dhaka-Chittagong, Dhaka-Sylhet, Dhaka-Jessore, Dhaka-Cox's Bazar and Chittagong-Cox's Bazar are not up to the mark.
The most interesting thing happened when the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority tried to book a seat in a GMG flight on a domestic route. As his personal secretary (PS) contacted a GMG booking counter for the booking on April 9, he was informed that the flight on that particular date was not confirmed yet.
GMG managing director Shahab Sattar could not be reached over phone for comments despite repeated attempts by the UNB correspondent.
When contacted, GMG PRO Faiyaz said, "It's quite normal for an airliner to cancel its flight on technical grounds."
Asked if a particular flight is cancelled frequently that means it runs risks, he said he would come up with his official comments after sometimes, but he did not reply.
Meanwhile, GMG has taken a Boeing 747-300 aircraft on lease from a Nigerian company for its Dhaka-Dubai route.
After the fire incident of a Saudi Airlines Boeing 747-300 aircraft at ZIA, Indian Civil Aviation Authority asked Biman Bangladesh and GMG Airlines to submit by March 30 their safety certificates of their Boeing 747 aircraft taken on lease from Nigerian companies before flying those over India. Biman has already taken clearance from the Indian Civil Aviation Authority up to October 25.
Beside, there are allegations of luggage missing (theft) in GMG.
Gianandra Gupta, a British citizen, lost his valuables during his Dhaka-Sylhet journey in a GMG flight. Some unscrupulous persons took away his valuables worth Tk 16,000 from his luggage.
He lodged a formal complaint to the GMG authorities in its Sylhet office, but the authorities bothered little to reply him. Even the GMG's Sylhet office did not give him the receipt copy of his complaint letter.
When asked about this particular case, the GMG PRO said the luggage handling is done by the Civil Aviation staff. "The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for this kind of theft," he said.
Marrie Callie, South Asian Correspondent of French La Figaro, also a victim of flight cancellation during her journey to Jessore from Dhaka for covering Sidr cyclone on November 30, said the image of a good airliner depends on maintenance of its flight schedules. "If you ask me whether I'll fly in GMG Airlines during my next trip to Dhaka, my answer will be, no," she said.

http://www.theindependent-bd.com/details.php?nid=78451

Even if half of what has been reported is true, it does not bode well for GMG. Is this why other startups are doing relatively well?

can you please ask him to change the name "United Airways" for his own sake, otherwise United Airlines will kick ass once he goes mainstream and starts flying int'l routes.

Also the logo looks like it was designed by kids from kindergarten school.

ha,ha very funny comments,:lol:

anyway, United's full registered name is: UNITED AIRWAYS (BD) PLC
so there will be no problem with the American United Airlines co-operation. United Airways is simply the trading name.

As for the logo; the concept came from being an United vision of many, to form one world class airline from Bangladesh. The founder's come from many business and professional backgrounds, hence the different colours and as for the hands, well....you are all aware of the famous saying in Bangla "Hat se hat milaw" get my drift!:)

I would imagine that it wouldn't be a big problem if "United Airways BANGLADESH" is used instead of say "United" or "United Airways".

About rights... mmm.. this is a very tricky and uneven ground.

A good example is that "Jet Airways" of India were delayed route cleanace to the US because of trademark/ patent/ copyright infringement of an American registered company called "Jet Airways, Inc.".
But as we can see today, it made no effect and they are freely flying into the US!

I think in the future their logo can be "improved", I heard the 7 hands in their logo represents the 7 directors.

Akbar1, can you please comment on this?
Are you a director or a company insider?

Hi Brit-bang,

Did you post your cv?

Best Air is all set to fly beyond border
April 1, 2008
A Monitor Report

Dhaka : Best Air, one of the three new private airlines in Bangladesh, is all set to fly beyond the border of the country from middle of this (April) month. The airline which always had the ambition, has now the aircraft and routes. In the inter-ministerial meeting held on the March 24, in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism headed by the Secretary, gave nod to Best Air to fly the following international routes.

Dhaka-Bangkok - 7 flights a week; Dhaka-Kolkata - 7 flights a week; Dhaka-Chennai - 7 flights a week; Dhaka / Chittagong-Dubai - 7 flights a week; Dhaka-Kuala Lampur - 4 flights a week; Dhaka/Chittagong-Kuwait - 2 flights a week and Chitta-gong-Bahrain - 3 flights a week.

Subject to the approval of multiple designation to China, Best Air has also received approval to operate 7 flights a week to Kunming.
Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor, Chairman of the airline M. Haider Uzzaman said that operation on Dhaka-Bangkok route is set to start on April 14 using the existing Boeing B737-200 in the fleet.

The operation on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur route will start towards the end of the month (April) as another leased Boeing B737-200 is scheduled the join the fleet on April 16, Haider disclosed.

In May, Haider Uzzaman said, his airline is planning to expand its routes to two destinations in India-Kolkata and Chennai-and to Dubai. For its operation to Dubai Best Air is now negotiating to lease an Airbus A-310 aircraft.
With operation to Bangkok, Best Air will be the second private and third domestic carrier to fly any international route after Biman Bangladesh Airlines and GMG Airlines.

Best Air began operation in 1999 through air cargo. This private airline launched its passenger services in mid-January with a 118-seater Boeing B737-200 on the domestic route. It is now operating on Dhaka-Chittagong route only.

bangladeshmonitor (http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/aviation_story.php?recordID=1383)

What's happening, after GMG now it's Biman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flight Cancellation
Passengers go berserk at Biman office in Sylhet
Staff Correspondent, Sylhet


A group of agitated passengers of Biman flights vandalised computers and windowpanes at the Biman office in Sylhet city yesterday morning as the flight schedule was cancelled several times in the last five days.

As both the flights on Sylhet-Dhaka route had also been cancelled yesterday, the Biman authorities sent about 250 passengers bound for overseas destinations to Zia International Airport in Dhaka by buses in the evening.

Sources said some 100 London-bound passengers reported at the ticket counter of Biman city office in the early morning for their flight scheduled to take off at 8:00am.

But they became agitated when they came to know that the flight has been cancelled, as they were not informed of such decision beforehand.

They exchanged heated words with the staffs and then vandalised two computers and windowpanes. Later, some officials brought the situation under control.

Sources said the passengers were scheduled to fly on April 1. But the flight was finally scheduled for Saturday midnight.

In the last four days, some passengers were also flown to Dhaka by GMG Airlines, arranged by the Biman.

An official in the Sylhet office of Biman said last night that there is no possibility of the flight schedule becoming normal before April 10 since all the four F-28s remained grounded.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=31026

A group of agitated passengers of Biman flights vandalised computers and windowpanes at the Biman office in Sylhet city yesterday morning as the flight schedule was cancelled several times in the last five days.

Very Classy :ohno:

RAK Airways announces flights to Chittagong in Bangladesh

RAK Airways today announced that it will start operating three flights a week from Ras Al Khaimah to Chittagong, its second destination in Bangladesh, from March 15 onwards.

RAK Airways already has a strong network to Bangladesh with thrice-a- week frequency to Dhaka.

Speaking at a function held here to announce the new destination, K Ravindran, Chief Operating Officer of RAK Airways, said, “We are extremely proud to announce our second destination to Bangladesh and believe in providing world class services at affordable prices and hence assuring a luxurious flying experience”.

RAK Airways, which started flying in November 2007, currently offers non- stop flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Dhaka, Colombo and now to Chittagong.
Ravindran said that RAK Airways is all set to start operating flights to Kozhikode in Kerala, India, hopefully by April 2008. “We have received the traffic rights to operate daily flights to Kozhikode and is awaiting final clearance from the Indian Civil Aviation authorities. We hope to start flying to Kozhikode by April 15, 2008, subject to the completion of all necessary formalities,” he added. The airline would be operating Boeing 757 aircraft, having a capacity of 190 seats, in the sector.

He said that the response to the new airline was remarkable with the Dhaka route flying at around 95 % capacity and added that new flight to Chittagong will contribute to enhancing the trade and business relations between UAE and Banladesh. He said that the airline hopes to commence flights to Katmandu in Nepal and add some destinations in the Gulf sector soon.

The airline has adopted a hub and spoke network strategy by attracting passengers from other countries to Ras Al Khaimah and then flying them to other destinations. Ravindran said that the airline is offering transportation facilities for passengers from other emirates in UAE to reach the airport.
H.E. Nazimullah Chowdary, Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE, said, “The enhanced air connectivity from Ras Al Khaimah to Bangladesh would be of great benefit to the large number of Bangladeshi expatriates in the UAE, 55 percent of whom are residing in the Northern Emirates and mainly hailing from Chittagong”.

RAK Airways had last month signed an AED 1.65 billion deal with Boeing for the purchase of four new-generation 737-800NG aircraft.

Mohammed Abdul Hye, Consul General of Bangladesh, senior RAK Airways officials and travel agency representatives were present at the function.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/223706

Very Classy :ohno:

Easy to make such comments unless one has experienced the treatment given out by Biman and CAA staff to said passengers (aka customers).

On 4th April passengers arrived at ZYL from 12pm onwards (having left their homes for a 1-4 hour journey) to catch a 1405 flight to DAC. Having arrived at the airport they were informed that the 3 flights were cancelled and the only flight would be departing at 1735. They weren't allowed into the terminal building until 1400 for check-in and had to wait in their vehicles in the car park as there are no waiting facilities until after immigration clearance.

Check-in began at 2pm and people passed through immigration into the departure "lounge". It then became apparent that the flight had been further delayed and would not be departing until 8pm. No announcements were made by Biman to the waiting passengers. The odd Biman official would come by and inform the people who gathered round him. There are no catering facilities inside the departure lounge apart from one "shop" stocked to the brim with alcohol!!! Passengers weren't allowed to go out either to get food/drinks and Biman ignored the pleas of parents of babies/children who needed hot water to make up milk/food for their children.

It required people to cause an uproar with Biman officials for them to take any action and they finally went out and obtained small cartons stuffed with plain rice and a boiled egg plus a dry piece of chicken meat. This was dinner for people who had not ate anything since morning!! If passengers had not raised their voices even this would not have been forthcoming. The flight finally departed ZYL at 2145/2200 and transit passengers were put up in hotels. Upon arriving at the hotel they were informed that dinner would not be served (as they were expecting) and were forced to either pay out of their own pockets (where the hotel could arrange for meals) or go without food where the hotel did not have 24x7 catering facilities.

To add salt to the wound, the next morning they were informed by hotel staff that their flight to LHR was cancelled (which was a lie since flight BG017 to LHR did depart be it an hour or so later than scheduled) but were given no further information on when to expect to fly.

There was no contact by Biman to the passengers stuck in the hotels and calling up Biman met with being passed from pillar to post with no one knowing anything or being able to give any proper/useful information. Hotel staff who had access to the relevant Biman personnel were apparently instructed not to allow passengers to contact them and therefore after two days, people still don't know when they will fly although there are rumours that it'll be at 1am on 7th April.

It is a shame that Biman have still failed to learn from their mistakes and are continuing to spiral downwards into a large hole which they are constantly digging for themselves. It doesn't take too much effort to keep people informed and to treat them like human beings. The one or two staff who seemed to have gone on customer management courses appeared to fair well in calming agitated passengers but the rest couldn't give a shit - particularly CAA staff at ZYL who seemed to make up rules as they went along. They forced people to turn off camcorders as apparently there is a rule that says no photography or filming is allowed inside the perimeter of the airport (and we're not talking about airside) including inside the terminal building and departure lounge. They would not give out their names when asked and hid their ID cards so people would not be able to identify and lodge complaints against them.

This'll certainly be the last time many people fly Biman!

Easy to make such comments unless one has experienced the treatment given out by Biman and CAA staff to said passengers (aka customers).

On 4th April passengers arrived at ZYL from 12pm onwards (having left their homes for a 1-4 hour journey) to catch a 1405 flight to DAC. Having arrived at the airport they were informed that the 3 flights were cancelled and the only flight would be departing at 1735. They weren't allowed into the terminal building until 1400 for check-in and had to wait in their vehicles in the car park as there are no waiting facilities until after immigration clearance.

Check-in began at 2pm and people passed through immigration into the departure "lounge". It then became apparent that the flight had been further delayed and would not be departing until 8pm. No announcements were made by Biman to the waiting passengers. The odd Biman official would come by and inform the people who gathered round him. There are no catering facilities inside the departure lounge apart from one "shop" stocked to the brim with alcohol!!! Passengers weren't allowed to go out either to get food/drinks and Biman ignored the pleas of parents of babies/children who needed hot water to make up milk/food for their children.

It required people to cause an uproar with Biman officials for them to take any action and they finally went out and obtained small cartons stuffed with plain rice and a boiled egg plus a dry piece of chicken meat. This was dinner for people who had not ate anything since morning!! If passengers had not raised their voices even this would not have been forthcoming. The flight finally departed ZYL at 2145/2200 and transit passengers were put up in hotels. Upon arriving at the hotel they were informed that dinner would not be served (as they were expecting) and were forced to either pay out of their own pockets (where the hotel could arrange for meals) or go without food where the hotel did not have 24x7 catering facilities.

To add salt to the wound, the next morning they were informed by hotel staff that their flight to LHR was cancelled (which was a lie since flight BG017 to LHR did depart be it an hour or so later than scheduled) but were given no further information on when to expect to fly.

There was no contact by Biman to the passengers stuck in the hotels and calling up Biman met with being passed from pillar to post with no one knowing anything or being able to give any proper/useful information. Hotel staff who had access to the relevant Biman personnel were apparently instructed not to allow passengers to contact them and therefore after two days, people still don't know when they will fly although there are rumours that it'll be at 1am on 7th April.

It is a shame that Biman have still failed to learn from their mistakes and are continuing to spiral downwards into a large hole which they are constantly digging for themselves. It doesn't take too much effort to keep people informed and to treat them like human beings. The one or two staff who seemed to have gone on customer management courses appeared to fair well in calming agitated passengers but the rest couldn't give a shit - particularly CAA staff at ZYL who seemed to make up rules as they went along. They forced people to turn off camcorders as apparently there is a rule that says no photography or filming is allowed inside the perimeter of the airport (and we're not talking about airside) including inside the terminal building and departure lounge. They would not give out their names when asked and hid their ID cards so people would not be able to identify and lodge complaints against them.

This'll certainly be the last time many people fly Biman!

This is a disgrase to BIMAN or "Baymhan" as my father used to call the4m back in the days!

This airline should not be flying and certinly not using the Bangladesh national flag. I hope this goveremnt realise this and shut it down completly, once and for all, for the best of the nation.

ZYL has at least 70% of UK passengers flying to and from there. Biman needs to show some respect for it's customers. It's time Biman get's shup up, and the goverment needs to provide more support and faclities to the other private airlines of Bangladesh. Thsi is the only way air travel in bangladesh will improve.:bash::bash::bash:

About GMG...

1. Operating old aircraft never helps dispatch reliability.

2. I've said this over a dozen times eariler: Air Atlanta Icelandic's P&W powered 747s are reporting issues way too frequently to be ignored as coincidents. Something is just not right!

3. If I were at the helm of the airline, I would've fired this PRO guy the very next minute after he commented that the luggage theft issue was to be blamed on CAAB alone. It is true that baggage handling at all BD airports is done by Biman/CAAB, but every airline concerned has its own responsibility to make additional effort to make sure that the job gets done right because at the end of the day the passengers have the right to kick the airlines' asses. This PRO junky should get his candy-ass kicked to begin with!

4. From the overall operational point of view, GMG has a lot of straightening up to do, or else it'll soon find itself in a thick soup. They've already had enough close calls to learn from!


About Best Air...

No international operations anytime soon, definitely not in April....unless they can pull up some magic to fix 8 critical issues...or dare to 'pay' their way around the regulations!


About Biman...

Very sorry state of affairs. I suspect this is happening because of the extra flights/equipment changes they are doing to the Middle-East, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Today's Singapore flight this afternoon is upgraded to a DC-10 to meet the extra demand, for example...which might lead to an inevitable cancellation/delay of other inbound flights.

"Even though GMG claimed technical problems forced it to cancel its flight five times last month, the private airline did it for lack of passengers," said an airport official wishing anonymity.



I have one word for this...

BULLSHIT!!!

Yes GMG did cancel some flights, But most of them were technical, all of them werent "Lack of Passengers"! GMG Airlines to dubai actually did get lots of passengers, and had full flights for lots of times. Yes Iasif, I agree that they have got some straigthening up to do, but these Bangla newspapers never get anything right, like for instance Meanwhile, "GMG has taken a Boeing 747-300 aircraft on lease from a Nigerian company for its Dhaka-Dubai route."

what the hell is wrong with these people? are they mental? ICELAND, NIGERIA, there is a tremendous difference!

sorry, just this wrong info on newspapers gets me really pissed off.

The MD was telling me about the UNB people trying to call him.

I hate these newspapers who can't get anything right!

I hate these newspapers who can't get anything right!

Yep, I also have really low expectation about some of BD Newspaper/Media. So it would be better if you don't get too much upset by them. :cheers:

I hate these newspapers who can't get anything right!

Don't get too upset with newspaper reports. When it comes to aviation, even some of the world's best newspaper/electronic media gets it messed up! :)

Just make sure that the regulatory issues are taken care of better than they are now, and fire people who doesn't get the job right or has the habit of trying to get around the rules. I'm sure you'd catch my drift here!

PS: Another little advice: tell the PR department not to avoid the press/media, whatever the situation is. By avoiding them, they'd be given the luxury of making up their own stories, to spoil an otherwise fine day for you! ;)

I guess public relations is still a new thing for Bangladeshi companies. They should realise that they have to employ professionals as PRO's. It seems to me that those who are useless in any admin job are currently employed as PRO's.

Don't get too upset with newspaper reports. When it comes to aviation, even some of the world's best newspaper/electronic media gets it messed up! :)

Just make sure that the regulatory issues are taken care of better than they are now, and fire people who doesn't get the job right or has the habit of trying to get around the rules. I'm sure you'd catch my drift here!

PS: Another little advice: tell the PR department not to avoid the press/media, whatever the situation is. By avoiding them, they'd be given the luxury of making up their own stories, to spoil an otherwise fine day for you! ;)

Agree 100%.

While Biman may come up with the old line that it is government owned thus sometimes their ingrained culture is difficult to overcome, etc., etc., I'll leave Biman alone (since Biman may not even exist in the future). But for the private carriers, I have a few things to say:

PUT UP OR SHUT UP: Each of the private airlines announced with much fanfare their arrival in the marketplace and promised the moon to the consumer. Well, it is time to deliver and when there's a problem admit fault, apologise, remedy the problem, promise better next time and go an extra mile to make it up for the complaints.

PERFORM OR PERISH: News flash to all these new wannabes, if you cannot deliver, the consumer will look elsewhere, find alternatives and the Bangladeshi airlines be the loser and out of business. The days of government protection is gone and with increasing choice of foreign airlines, the flying public will shun the Rodney Dangerfield of Bangladeshi airlines.

They may have a come back, "easier said than done"! Indeed, but it must be done and others have done it. Copy Jet Airways, copy Singapore, copy Emirates. Hire people who worked at these airlines and institute the policies and programmes these airlines follow. I heard from folks who have flown recently that while Air India's service and quality are irratic and steadily going down, Jet Airways continues to deliver a good quality product (service) on a consistent basis.

Agree 100%.

While Biman may come up with the old line that it is government owned thus sometimes their ingrained culture is difficult to overcome, etc., etc., I'll leave Biman alone (since Biman may not even exist in the future). But for the private carriers, I have a few things to say:

PUT UP OR SHUT UP: Each of the private airlines announced with much fanfare their arrival in the marketplace and promised the moon to the consumer. Well, it is time to deliver and when there's a problem admit fault, apologise, remedy the problem, promise better next time and go an extra mile to make it up for the complaints.

PERFORM OR PERISH: News flash to all these new wannabes, if you cannot deliver, the consumer will look elsewhere, find alternatives and the Bangladeshi airlines be the loser and out of business. The days of government protection is gone and with increasing choice of foreign airlines, the flying public will shun the Rodney Dangerfield of Bangladeshi airlines.

They may have a come back, "easier said than done"! Indeed, but it must be done and others have done it. Copy Jet Airways, copy Singapore, copy Emirates. Hire people who worked at these airlines and institute the policies and programmes these airlines follow. I heard from folks who have flown recently that while Air India's service and quality are irratic and steadily going down, Jet Airways continues to deliver a good quality product (service) on a consistent basis.

BUT CAAB/Goverment is always supporting Biman, financialy and through other means. It's is very easy for Biman to get away with things simply because they carry the tag "national airline". But they don't realise that the core problem with Biman is their management.

The only way to improve is to let the private carriers more flexablity and oportunity,because weare here to do business. Cmpetition is good, it keeps us on our tow! CAAB needs to refrain from creating unnessary obsicals for the private carriers and just let them grow. This is the only way quality air service can be offered by Bangladeshi origin airlines and give the likes of Emirates a run for their money. I am not saying it will happen overnight, but at least it's the right direction. agree or disagree?

They may have a come back, "easier said than done"! Indeed, but it must be done and others have done it. Copy Jet Airways, copy Singapore, copy Emirates. Hire people who worked at these airlines and institute the policies and programmes these airlines follow. I heard from folks who have flown recently that while Air India's service and quality are irratic and steadily going down, Jet Airways continues to deliver a good quality product (service) on a consistent basis.

Off the topic, its interesting that you mentioned these 3 carriers together - 9W, EK and SQ! As a matter of fact, EK during its earlier days have been literally following SQ when it came to their fleet decisions. EK had actually stated that its decision to opt for the B777s had greatly been influenced by SQ's commitment to the plane in its early days.

9W is also working hard to emulate SQ's standards in terms of in-flight service. Their Economy Class on the B777-300ERs is pretty much the same as SQ's on their same planes with a 3-3-3 config and 10.6" in-seat PTV. On the Business and First Class 9W is very, very good too, though taking a backseat from SQ's standards which is quite understandable. After all, who has ever beaten SQ when it came to redefining cabin experience?!?

Double post...sorry!

BUT CAAB/Goverment is always supporting Biman, financialy and through other means. It's is very easy for Biman to get away with things simply because they carry the tag "national airline". But they don't realise that the core problem with Biman is their management.

The only way to improve is to let the private carriers more flexablity and oportunity,because weare here to do business. Cmpetition is good, it keeps us on our tow! CAAB needs to refrain from creating unnessary obsicals for the private carriers and just let them grow. This is the only way quality air service can be offered by Bangladeshi origin airlines and give the likes of Emirates a run for their money. I am not saying it will happen overnight, but at least it's the right direction. agree or disagree?

1. GoB as the sole owner/shareholder of Biman ought to give it the financial support it needs till the end of time...or till they finally let its shares be owned by the private sector.

2. The reason why Biman gets the 'privileges' of CAAB is simply because both Biman and CAAB belong under the same Ministry of the GoB. Again, if Biman gets privatized, its scope to these additional privileges will be gone and there'll be a level playing ground for everyone.

3. Biman's management problem has been deliberately instilled by the political governments so they could use it as their cash-cow at their will. I'm quite hopeful that now That Mr. Mahbub Jamil is in charge, certain things will change for the better as far as Biman's management is concerned.

4. While CAAB should take off some unnecessary and practically obsolete regulations to make everyone's lives easier, it should also strictly exercise all regulations pertinent to flight safety which it hasn't been doing so far and all private operators have taken advantage of it fully conscientiously, effectively endangering passengers' lives, which in my opinion is a shameless display of moral cavities!

1. GoB as the sole owner/shareholder of Biman ought to give it the financial support it needs till the end of time...or till they finally let its shares be owned by the private sector.

2. The reason why Biman gets the 'privileges' of CAAB is simply because both Biman and CAAB belong under the same Ministry of the GoB. Again, if Biman gets privatized, its scope to these additional privileges will be gone and there'll be a level playing ground for everyone.

3. Biman's management problem has been deliberately instilled by the political governments so they could use it as their cash-cow at their will. I'm quite hopeful that now That Mr. Mahbub Jamil is in charge, certain things will change for the better as far as Biman's management is concerned.

4. While CAAB should take off some unnecessary and practically obsolete regulations to make everyone's lives easier, it should also strictly exercise all regulations pertinent to flight safety which it hasn't been doing so far and all private operators have taken advantage of it fully conscientiously, effectively endangering passengers' lives, which in my opinion is a shameless display of moral cavities!

I agree up to your point number 4!

I am yet to see any hard concreat evidence of this.

I agree up to your point number 4!

I am yet to see any hard concreat evidence of this.

As I am not an expert nor have an inside track of any private airlines, I do not know what are the issues the private carriers consider to be a handicap for them but one thing is for sure, CAAB MUST make sure they fly SAFE! Otherwise, if one of these carriers have a major accident, it will be hell to pay from a public standpoint and the private airlines will feel the impact in their financial pockets for years to come.

As for Biman to change for the better, one of the following or any combination thereof, need to happen:


Float shares in the stock market
Privatise management
Initiate performance appraisal for employees tied to salary/promotion

Don't get too upset with newspaper reports. When it comes to aviation, even some of the world's best newspaper/electronic media gets it messed up! :)

Bangladesh newspapers aren't newspapers, they are tabloids!


PS: Another little advice: tell the PR department not to avoid the press/media, whatever the situation is. By avoiding them, they'd be given the luxury of making up their own stories, to spoil an otherwise fine day for you! ;)

I wonder how many of these airlines have a PR department, that too with trained and experienced PR people? If they are, they wouldn't be ducking, dodging or avoiding!

Md Ashraf Hossain

THE FE reported, sourcing its news item to a top aide to the Chief Advisor in its issue on April 1, 2008, that the state-owned Biman Bangladesh planned to go for directing listing on the stock market by this year, for offloading 49 per cent of its shares to public. As a citizen of the country, I would like the authorities concerned to reconsider the matter, in the light of the recent experiences about such off-loading of shares by some of the erstwhile state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

In the recent past, the government offloaded 10 percent shares of two state-owned oil-marketing companies through direct listing. It worked like gambling. It was disclosed in black and white that one company had an asset of worth Tk 30.00 against each share having the face value of Tk 10.00 and another company had such an asset of Tk 28.00 against each share of Tk 10.00 as face value. But in the stock exchanges, the shares were traded each between Tk 300.00 and Tk 950.00 as because the general investors in Bangladesh still do not know how to asses the factors that work out the probable price of a share of a company. They tend to make assessments of about the price of a share on a speculation basis. It is seen the share, which was purchased at between Tk 300.00 and Tk 950.00 declared Tk. 1.50 dividend for the last year's performance. Thereafter, the market price of the share was plummeting and had gone to below Tk 300.00 within a month. It is feared that in the long run the investors concerned will lose heavily.

We can conclude from this experience that directing-listing method of offloading shares is not suitable in the Bangladesh market now. If this way is followed, sustained confidence of the general investors in the share of a company will be affected negatively. This will jeopardise the objective of mobilising capital by the public companies.

Biman Bangladesh should offload its shares to public subscribers through initial public offering (IPO) way. This will rather increase the confidence of the general investors in the shares of public limited companies in the long run, thus bringing about a momentum in business activities in the country and creating new employment opportunities.

To bring about dynamism in the performance of Biman Bangladesh, a 10-member Board of Directors may be constituted in the following manner: the total share of the company may be divided in to three categories, viz: Category A - 30 per cent shares; Category B - 30 per cent shares; and Category C - 40 per cent shares.

The A-category share-holders will nominate three directors including a Chairman; the B category share-holders will nominate three directors including a Managing Director (Chief Executive Officer); and the C category share-holders will elect four directors amongst themselves. In the case of nomination and election of directors of any category, the related shareholders of another category must not have any role or influence. The Board of Directors will administer the performance of the company.

Initially, Biman Bangladesh should offload 'C' category shares to general public through an IPO and the government should hold the ownership of 60 per cent of the shares of both A and B categories. At a later stage, the government has to find out any reputed foreign party involved in civil aviation business and sell all 'B' category shares to it at a competitive price.

In the long run, these three categories of shareholders will constitute a dynamic Board of Directors for Biman Bangladesh. This will help operate the company to bring about positive results of its overall operational activities. It will also ensure proper roles for all concerned -- the government of Bangladesh, general investors, and foreign experts -- as business partners of Biman Bangladesh Ltd.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=29998

Good idea? I think so.

I agree up to your point number 4!

I am yet to see any hard concreat evidence of this.

I have 'concrete evidences' of what I'm speaking about, but this isn't the place for me to let loose (at least not yet)!

However, just to give you an idea:

- some airline(s) don't have any Check Pilot Programme (therefore not being able to periodically assess pilots' competencies) and Flight Attandants Training Programme (therefore not capable of conducting a fully safe flight operation or a proper evacuation during emergency). Both these are mandatory requirements to be included in the Operations Manual as per ICAO.

- some airline(s) very recently operated their aircraft on scheduled flights with expired airworthiness certificates!

- some airline(s) operated aircraft for months without having them included in the Air Operators Certificate (AOC)!

- some airline(s) do not fulfill mandatory insurance requirements for their aircraft , which in case of an accident wouldn't allow the airlilne to make any claim from the insurer for themselves and/or on behalf of the passengers.

- some airline(s) are far from maintaining proper maintenance standards and practices (examples include having checks done by non-certified engineers, deliberately pushing usage of important components beyond serviceable lifetime, and deliberate avoidance of reporting problems at out-stations).

For any of the issues mentioned above, the CAAB has the right to immediately cancel the ATOL of the operators permanently, which it should do if the operators fail to comply with the regulations within a period of time and on a continued basis.

The reason why I'm not spelling out the names of the operators here yet, or copying down extracts from the reports done on them is because my objective here is not to condemn these operators, but rather to give them a caution signal so as to allow them to fix the issues they know they ought to fix for their own and their passengers' sake!

Why do some airline(s) violate regulations? If accidents happen many people will die plus their aircraft will be destroyed or go beyond repair. That will be a huge loss considering that all airlines except BG & Z5 have 1 or 2 aircrafts in their fleet.

Hey people, I heard the PRO guy who talked about the luggage theft and etc. on the article on PG. 82 was replaced!

Sorry if I am a bit off topic.

Another note, speaking of rule violations and aircraft saftey, I heard a rumor about Best Air cutting corners in aircraft maintainnence. (sorry if I spelt that wrong) I just wanted to confirm about that. I Dont think BG, Z5, or United violate the regulations, but I am not so sure about Best.

Not that I have anything againts Best Air, its just about rumors that have been floating around, and I wanted to see if any of you guys knew what is true and what is not.

Hey people, I heard the PRO guy who talked about the luggage theft and etc. on the article on PG. 82 was replaced!

Good riddance! :)

Another note, speaking of rule violations and aircraft saftey, I heard a rumor about Best Air cutting corners in aircraft maintainnence. (sorry if I spelt that wrong) I just wanted to confirm about that. I Dont think BG, Z5, or United violate the regulations, but I am not so sure about Best.

Not that I have anything againts Best Air, its just about rumors that have been floating around, and I wanted to see if any of you guys knew what is true and what is not.

If you want the facts, I'll give them to you...but not about Best Air alone! I posted here earlier that Best Air will have to immediately fix 8 issues, among which I haven't seen anything related to aircraft maintenance but rather much more serious issues!

I can lay out the facts about Best Air's irregularities, but believe you me, GMG has also been far from being 'perfect' and have had equally serious irregularities in the very recent past which overtly compromised passenger safety! If I'm to furnish facts, I'll do that for everyone...and not for one without the other! :)

Just thought would let everyone know...

...I just met 'bromora' - one of our fellow buddies here on this forum , yesterday on my way back home as he was in transit at Dhaka for his flight back to London!

He's a very nice, gentle, and seemingly timid sort of a person and I had a great chat with him over coffee! :)

From what I can see, most of the participants in this thread are residing abroad, which makes me say that whenever any of you are in town, please do let me know so we can meet up...there's always time for at least a cup of coffee with friends! :)

How did you recognise him? Isn't he the one who got dumped by BG despite having a reconfirmed ticket?

How did you recognise him? Isn't he the one who got dumped by BG despite having a reconfirmed ticket?

Sorry to hear that bromora, hope your vacation in BD wasn't ruined due to Biman's incident.

CTG AIRPORT MANAGEMENT HANDOVER
Govt plans to appoint ADB consultant for study

Staff Correspondent

The government has planned to appoint an aviation consultant from Asian Development Bank to conduct a study for outsourcing the management and operation of Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong to a private operator.

The civil aviation and trouism ministry has already written to the multilateral lending agency, seeking the assistance following the recommendations put forward by a six-member committee.

The ministry in October last year formed the committee, headed by its joint secretary, and asked it to put forward suggestions on how the airport’s management could be outsourced protecting the national interests as a similar deal with the Thai Airways was cancelled in June.

Civil aviation and tourism secretary Sayed Mohammad Zobair in a letter on March 20 requested Hua Du, county director of ADB in Dhaka, to field an independent consultant from ADB for carrying out an in-depth study within two months aiming to improve the ground handling facilities of the airport under a public-private partnership.

Ministry officials said the assistance was sought as they lacked the required expertise in conducting such a comprehensive study. In reply to the letter on March 25, Hua Du welcomed the move and requested the ministry to come up with more specific proposals such as terms of reference of the study, said the officials.

‘We will send a detailed proposal to ADB in this regard by this month,’ said an official of the tourism ministry on Monday. In June, Thai Airways breached the deal signed with the government in December 2005 because of the government’s repeated delay in completing the process of handing over the airport to the Thai carrier.

As per the deal, Thai Airways was supposed to take over the management and operation of the airport in February 2006 for next 10 years and to handle passenger, ground equipment, cargo and catering services.

It would also operate and maintain the airport terminal building and be responsible for ramp and cargo handling, security, and preventive and routine maintenance.

The handover of the airport was stalled for disagreements and objections raised by both parties. Following an objection from national carrier Biman, the government amended the deal in June 2006 to allow Biman to do ground handling of its own aircraft only.

To help Thai Airways make up for the loss for not handling the Biman’s airliners, the government adopted an ‘open sky policy’ for Shah Amanat in October with opening up the airport to airlines from any country.

Thai airline, however, insisted on insertion of two new conditions — creation of a revolving fund for payment of lease money and compensation for any loss on refusal of any airline to operate from the airport — into the agreement. But the government rejected the proposals terming them unacceptable.

NewAge (http://www.newagebd.com/2008/apr/08/met.html)

CTG AIRPORT MANAGEMENT HANDOVER
Govt plans to appoint ADB consultant for study


NewAge (http://www.newagebd.com/2008/apr/08/met.html)

Expected something more productive from the current gov!

Why do we need ADB for a study on a small infrastructure like CGP? Didn't they already compiled a report before deciding to hand it over to Thai? IMHO, Imran bhai along with a couple of other knowledgeable locals is more than enough for a study!

Expected something more productive from the current gov!

Why do we need ADB for a study on a small infrastructure like CGP? Didn't they already compiled a report before deciding to hand it over to Thai? IMHO, Imran bhai along with a couple of other knowledgeable locals is more than enough for a study!

Let me see if I can answer your question:

Nobody wants to take responsiblity and they need a blessing from the so-called experts as in ADB, WB, IMF. Call me delusional but I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't some active collusion between the civil service of all the third world countries and these multilateral lending organizations, as in "one hand washes the other". At the same time, I'll give them the benefit of doubt. Perhaps they figure that this approach is the path of least resistance since CGP management by Thai faced such resistance from so many quarters.

Life would have been too easy and simple, if folks like Imran got recognized for their expertise in Bangladesh. If he worked for ADB, WB,UN, they would take his words as gospel.

^^
Why all the focus on CGP? As if CAAB et.al. are doing such a bang up job, managing ZIA!

CTG AIRPORT MANAGEMENT HANDOVER
Govt plans to appoint ADB consultant for study

Civil aviation and tourism secretary Sayed Mohammad Zobair in a letter on March 20 requested Hua Du, county director of ADB in Dhaka, to field an independent consultant from ADB for carrying out an in-depth study within two months aiming to improve the ground handling facilities of the airport under a public-private partnership.

NewAge (http://www.newagebd.com/2008/apr/08/met.html)

Well, to figure out how they should be doing it, GoB don't need an ADB consultant...and they don't even need me! All they need is to 'learn to learn'!

If they take a look at how its done in India, and why, they should figure how the fundamentals should be. India realised they needed over Rs. 40,000 crore to adequaltely develop the airport infrastructure of the country to accommodate the growth potential, but the Airports Authority of India (AAI) just didn't have that kind of money, nor the efficient expertise, to put behind the required development work. So they planned just what our Ministry has mentioned to ADB - a public-private partnership model! The basis of the model is that the government would provide the necessary infrastructural & logistic support and the private stakeholders would put in the money and the development resources to execute the agreed plan.

Our folks should just be checking out this:
http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/
and
http://www.bialairport.com/
to see how amazing these 2 projects are, and then check
http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/airport/partnership.html
and
http://www.bialairport.com/about_bial_shareholders.htm?cid=topmenu&ses=bial
to learn from the partnership model. BIAL even has the Master Plan of the project on the site here:
http://www.bialairport.com/project_master_plan_project_phases.htm?cid=topmenu&ses=bial

I'm not saying that we should be following the Indian models precisely the way they did it, but I'm rather saying that there's enough to learn from them and the way they did things. The projects at Bangalore and Hyderabad involved the development of the whole new airports and commisioning them whereas Shah Amanat at CGP is already there and operational...all that is needed is to constitute the stakeholders for it who would take up its financial liability (the Japanese aid) as investments and operate it optimally to generate adequate revenues.

Now only if we could 'learn to learn'...and learn to believe in ourselves! :)

Why don't they dry lease two A310-300s in that case instead of 1 A310-300 and 1 B767-300ER?

That is because, United will soon be traveling to Dubai, so the fuel range will be covered by the Airbus A310-300. Also the A.C.M.I cost is less to operate the Airbus A310-300. With the investment is ACMI and the current reservation it is more financially visbal for United to use the Airbus A310-300.

Ofcourse, once they get the long range, than Boeing 767-300 will be dry leased.

However, the Airbus A310-300 will be leased cum purchased.

-Ask the M.D. if they will partially offload shares of United Airways in the Dhaka Stock Exchange?

-Also whats the status on the Dhaka-London route? And are they planning a Dhaka/NYC route?

The shares will be offloaded on the DSE once the company has reached it's full authorised capital.

Dhaka-London route is very much on the card. United is waiting for the arrival of it's Airbus A310-300 first.

Flights to Dubai and Bharain will be by the end of 2008 or sooner and than Europe will be started, hopfully in the beggining of 2009.

United also wants to fly from Sylhet to London, however due to the current air service agreement it is not possible. But the Bangladesh Goverment as given it's full assurance that they are in the process of updating the agreement and once that has been approved, United should be able to fly atleast three flights from ZYL - LON:)

Would they open new routes to the ignored/neglected northern region of Bangladesh?

Only if there is a demand. With it's current infrestructure United has the capacity to fly up to 32 flights a day in the domestic sector.

So if the service volume is there, it will be looked at.:)

can you please ask him to change the name "United Airways" for his own sake, otherwise United Airlines will kick ass once he goes mainstream and starts flying int'l routes.

Also the logo looks like it was designed by kids from kindergarten school.

Not possible. Because:

United's full name is: UNITED AIRWAYS BANGLADESH LTD
Our code is: 4H
There code is: UN

Our RD Call sign is: "United Bangladesh" followed by the flight number ie;005
There is: just the word "United"

so no conflict, don't worry, everything is well.:lol:

Just thought would let everyone know...

...I just met 'bromora' - one of our fellow buddies here on this forum , yesterday on my way back home as he was in transit at Dhaka for his flight back to London!

He's a very nice, gentle, and seemingly timid sort of a person and I had a great chat with him over coffee! :)

From what I can see, most of the participants in this thread are residing abroad, which makes me say that whenever any of you are in town, please do let me know so we can meet up...there's always time for at least a cup of coffee with friends! :)

great to hear that. Don't be surprised if I take you up on that offer next time I am in BD.

great to hear that. Don't be surprised if I take you up on that offer next time I am in BD.

Most welcome dude! :)

Just thought would let everyone know...

...I just met 'bromora' - one of our fellow buddies here on this forum , yesterday on my way back home as he was in transit at Dhaka for his flight back to London!

He's a very nice, gentle, and seemingly timid sort of a person and I had a great chat with him over coffee! :)

From what I can see, most of the participants in this thread are residing abroad, which makes me say that whenever any of you are in town, please do let me know so we can meet up...there's always time for at least a cup of coffee with friends! :)

I'd also just like to add that Imran bhai is a wonderful guy and as hospitable as his posts portray him :) I'm honoured to have met him and would have to reluctantly thank Biman for giving me the opportunity :lol:

:banana:

How did you recognise him? Isn't he the one who got dumped by BG despite having a reconfirmed ticket?

Yeah - that was me. I guess it's easy to recognise folks who've been dumped by Biman :lol:

I'd also just like to add that Imran bhai is a wonderful guy and as hospitable as his posts portray him :) I'm honoured to have met him and would have to reluctantly thank Biman for giving me the opportunity :lol:

1. I'm not considered 'wonderful' or 'hospitable' by everyone...for many I'm a pain in the arse that came up from nowhere! ;)

2. Hey, I think that fits me too...gotta call up the folks at Biman for having created the mess at ZYL...no...I'd better go up and thank them upfront and watch them fall off their chairs! :lol:

The shares will be offloaded on the DSE once the company has reached it's full authorised capital.

Dhaka-London route is very much on the card. United is waiting for the arrival of it's Airbus A310-300 first.

Flights to Dubai and Bharain will be by the end of 2008 or sooner and than Europe will be started, hopfully in the beggining of 2009.

United also wants to fly from Sylhet to London, however due to the current air service agreement it is not possible. But the Bangladesh Goverment as given it's full assurance that they are in the process of updating the agreement and once that has been approved, United should be able to fly atleast three flights from ZYL - LON:)


Glad to hear. Thanks akbar1.

An MD-82 belonging to GMG Airlines made an emergency landing at the Don Muang Intl Airport at Bangkok this afternoon. Reportedly, a passenger was being unruly and aggressive with a knife while the aircraft was in-flight and the crews made the landing at VTBD suspecting a potential hijack attempt.

I have no further details available at this point, but will keep you posted as soon as I find out more about this.

A Chengdu F-7MB (reconnaissance version of the F-7) belonging to BAF crashed at Savar while returning to Dhaka from a training session at the firing range at Tangail.

The sole pilot of the aircraft Squadron Leader Morshed survived through an ejection prior to the crash, but at least one person died on the ground as the plane was pinned 20-feet deep into the ground.

Here's what the press had to say about the "hijacking":

1. The Indian News (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/biman-bangladesh-hijacked-plane-lands-at-don-muang-airport_10035613.html)
Biman Bangladesh hijacked plane lands at Don Muang Airport
A hijacker forced a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Malaysia to land at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, media reports said.

2. News.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23506165-401,00.html)
Hijacked plane forced to land 'after fight'
A HIJACKER forced a passenger plane en route from Malaysia to Bangladesh to land in Bangkok today.

3. New Straits Times Online (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/NewsBreak/20080408165426/Article/index_html)
Biman plane not hijacked, says Thai airport authorities
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines plane which made an emergency landing at the Don Muang Airport here was not hijacked, Airport Authority of Thailand president, Chana Yusathaporn said Tuesday.

Instead, he said, the captain of Flight GMG 042 which was heading to Dhaka from Kuala Lumpur, took precautionary measures when a 25-year-old Bangladeshi passenger was seen holding a fruit knife.

4. News24.com (http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_2301972,00.html)
Knife sparks emergency landing
A low-cost Bangladesh airline was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok on Tuesday after one of the passengers sparked suspicions by using his own fruit knife at breakfast, airport authorities said.

But it wasn't Biman and GMG is certainly no "low-cost" carrier and it looks like it wasn't a hijacking. Where do the press get their info from!?

GMG plane makes emergency landing in Bangkok

Tue, Apr 8th, 2008 2:37 pm BdST
Dhaka, Apr 8 (bdnews24.com)—A GMG Airline plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok Tuesday after a man with a knife caused a panic among passengers, a GMG official said.

GMG Airlines spokesperson Shahadat Rahman told bdnews24.com
the flight Z5042, from Kuala Lumpur to Dhaka, asked for the emergency landing at 9:30 am, after an unruly passenger misbehaved with a member of the cabin crew.

Aviation authorities directed the plane to land at Bangkok's domestic Don Mueang airport, Rahman said, adding that the man was detained at the airport for questioning.

The GMG spokesperson said the flight was expected to land in Dhaka at 2pm.

German news agency DPA reported the passenger sparked suspicions by using his own fruit knife at breakfast.



BDNews24 (http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=48446&cid=2&us=2ed669228fdf0851ebeb20a03a1efef8)

It was a fruit knife, the Indian and Australian news sources blew it way out of proportion. :bash: Seriously journalist who doesn't research and confirm news sources be fired from their job.

[QUOTE=iasif;19513619]An MD-82 belonging to GMG Airlines made an emergency landing at the Don Muang Intl Airport at Bangkok this afternoon. QUOTE]

It wasn't the MD-82, it was the Flyglobespan 737-800. The hijacker didn't really do much, just revealed the knife, probaly to one of the cabin crew, who told the pilot, who wanted to land the plane because he might become a threat.

[QUOTE=iasif;19513619]An MD-82 belonging to GMG Airlines made an emergency landing at the Don Muang Intl Airport at Bangkok this afternoon. QUOTE]

It wasn't the MD-82, it was the Flyglobespan 737-800. The hijacker didn't really do much, just revealed the knife, probaly to one of the cabin crew, who told the pilot, who wanted to land the plane because he might become a threat.

I'm sorry...my mistake...it was indeed the B737-800! Nevertheless, it was a good thing that they landed. The thumb rule is if any pax acts in a manner they're not supposed to, the pilots should land and have them off the plane...which goes for people falling sick enough inflight to need medicare as well!

On another note, I recall an US airline landing at Miami to get a couple off the plane who were determined to join the mile-high club with a 'come what may' attitude and were promptly put off the plane...I'd guess though, that they eventually made out at the jail! ;)

The sole pilot of the aircraft Squadron Leader Morshed survived through an ejection prior to the crash.

Unfortunately, the pilot had sustained severe injuries as he landed with the chutes, and succumbed to death at the Combined Military Hospital at Dhaka.

RIP.

That is because, United will soon be traveling to Dubai, so the fuel range will be covered by the Airbus A310-300. Also the A.C.M.I cost is less to operate the Airbus A310-300. With the investment is ACMI and the current reservation it is more financially visbal for United to use the Airbus A310-300.

Ofcourse, once they get the long range, than Boeing 767-300 will be dry leased.

However, the Airbus A310-300 will be leased cum purchased.

I don't get it. Why exactly is the B767-300 considered here? The B767-300ER has about 700nm of extra range (5,975 nm) over the HGW version of the A310-300 (5,200 nm). The great circle distance between DAC-LHR is 4,335 nm so if you add another 400 nm for the actual flight route it'd be at about 4,735 nm. The only situation where the A130-300 might not make DAC-LHR non-stop but the B767-300ER could is if the headwind factor is significant enough, which is something I've to find out.

My opinion is, even if the A310 can't do DAC-LHR non-stop while the B767-300ER might, the better equipment for United would still be the A310-300 for its cargo capabilities, and you should take note of the following very carefully: the fuselage width of the B767 can't accommodate 2x LD3 units side-by-side, while the A310's can take it easily. Now, if the typical cargo you expect to carry is 'weight-intensive' then the B767 would still be okay, but if your cargo is generally 'volume-intensive' (which is the likely case) then you'd be far better off with the A310 to use the space of more LD3s.

This advantage of carrying more volume-intensive cargo with the A310 should well offset the cost of a tech-stop for refueling on your way to and from LHR/STN, where the ideal point to stop would probably be Tashkent.

Besides, its always better to have more of a type of aircraft to operate multiple routes than to have one of each type of aircraft to operate each different route. :)

Besides, its always better to have more of a type of aircraft to operate multiple routes than to have one of each type of aircraft to operate each different route. :)

Makes perfect sense to me.

I don't know whether Akbar is affiliated with United in any manner but Akbar, if I were you (United), I'd adopt all the free advice Imran has rendered thus far.

Imran, should you find that United has over time, taken your expert suggestions to heart, you should hit them up with a proposal that they reserve a seat for you on every flight, just like BestAir supposedly does for Dr. Yunus. :lol:

Only if there is a demand.

And how would they know whether there's demand (or not)? Do they or any other private airline conduct any kind of market survey or otherwise use various marketing tools to obtain such data?

Just thought would let everyone know...

...I just met 'bromora' - one of our fellow buddies here on this forum , yesterday on my way back home as he was in transit at Dhaka for his flight back to London!

How did you know him? Did you just happen to bump into him? At ZIA?

I'm planning a to Dhaka sometime in December, so if both us are alive to then, perhaps we'll meet, Inshallah? :)

My opinion is, even if the A310 can't do DAC-LHR non-stop while the B767-300ER might, the better equipment for United would still be the A310-300 for its cargo capabilities, and you should take note of the following very carefully: the fuselage width of the B767 can't accommodate 2x LD3 units side-by-side, while the A310's can take it easily. Now, if the typical cargo you expect to carry is 'weight-intensive' then the B767 would still be okay, but if your cargo is generally 'volume-intensive' (which is the likely case) then you'd be far better off with the A310 to use the space of more LD3s.

This advantage of carrying more volume-intensive cargo with the A310 should well offset the cost of a tech-stop for refueling on your way to and from LHR/STN, where the ideal point to stop would probably be Tashkent.

Besides, its always better to have more of a type of aircraft to operate multiple routes than to have one of each type of aircraft to operate each different route. :)

jeez...you spelled all that out for free?!? that 1 analytical recommendation should be easily worth quite a few grand $$$ for any airline!!!

How did you know him? Did you just happen to bump into him? At ZIA?

I'm planning a to Dhaka sometime in December, so if both us are alive to then, perhaps we'll meet, Inshallah? :)

While he was here stuck at the hotel, he managed to drop in a private message here with his mobile number...and the rest is history! My email is: imran.asif@gmail.com, and all of you are free to write to me whenever you want about anything!

I'm looking forward to meeting you this December! :)

jeez...you spelled all that out for free?!? that 1 analytical recommendation should be easily worth quite a few grand $$$ for any airline!!!

Well, I want the operators to manage to be sustainable first...its only then that they'll be in a position to pay anyone for consultancies! :)

Does anybody know abt the meeting of Airbus with Biman? Has it happened already? Is Biman planning to buy something?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/08/AR2008040800513.html
The GMG story in Washington Post....

The Flyglobespan plane is still using its own livery......

This is the AFP report. It contains a photo of Mr. Harun Or Rashid Hasan Ali, the gentleman bearing the fruit knife onboard.:lol:
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gWLSpEXfw9CTyXf0aBk7oIwZstHA

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2181865.0.Emergency_as_man_produces_knife_on_board_Scottish_plane.php

This is quite interesting to read.....

as it appears, the "overcautious" British crew had been overpanicked before the GMG flight was diverted to Dong Muang Airport.

I feel bad for Mr. Hasan Ali, who might not have understood the implication of carrying the knife and of using it for cutting apples.:bash:

This is the AFP report. It contains a photo of Mr. Harun Or Rashid Hasan Ali, the gentleman bearing the fruit knife onboard.:lol:
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gWLSpEXfw9CTyXf0aBk7oIwZstHA


He looks the part for a trouble maker, doesn't he:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Does anybody know abt the meeting of Airbus with Biman? Has it happened already? Is Biman planning to buy something?

Not quite from Airbus, as far as I know. However, do expect an official announcement to come from Biman in under 15 days from now stating that they have chosen to buy the B737NG (possibly a mix of -800 and -900ER) on the narrowbody end! :)

This is the AFP report. It contains a photo of Mr. Harun Or Rashid Hasan Ali, the gentleman bearing the fruit knife onboard.:lol:
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gWLSpEXfw9CTyXf0aBk7oIwZstHA

The AFP report ended by saying "Aviation officials could not explain how Hasan Ali had gotten onto the plane with a knife", a thought that I had been stuck with since I heard it yesterday. I'd suppose the international airport at KUL, being a major one in the region, had enough security tools in place to prevent any pax taking any sort of a knife on board!

Which reminds me, the TSA clowns of the US had recently prevented a woman from getting on board a domestic flight because she had nip-rings and had suggested that she'd have to get on board the plane only after taking them off! Now that's what I call obnoxious security! :mad:

Which reminds me, the TSA clowns of the US had recently prevented a woman from getting on board a domestic flight because she had nip-rings and had suggested that she'd have to get on board the plane only after taking them off! Now that's what I call obnoxious security! :mad:

Yeah, I saw that news clip somewhere and got a chuckle. How dangerous could a such type of jewelry become on board an aircraft, I wondered. Also wondered what about all those who have pierced tongues? :ohno:

Not quite from Airbus, as far as I know. However, do expect an official announcement to come from Biman in under 15 days from now stating that they have chosen to buy the B737NG (possibly a mix of -800 and -900ER) on the narrowbody end! :)

I hope they do get them and utilise them well like Southwest!

Which reminds me, the TSA clowns of the US had recently prevented a woman from getting on board a domestic flight because she had nip-rings and had suggested that she'd have to get on board the plane only after taking them off! Now that's what I call obnoxious security! :mad:

Dear Imran Asif, I laughed for 10/15 seconds after reading this post of urs. "Clown" is the most perfect adjective for the TSA guys, thanks for the input....:lol:

Not quite from Airbus, as far as I know. However, do expect an official announcement to come from Biman in under 15 days from now stating that they have chosen to buy the B737NG (possibly a mix of -800 and -900ER) on the narrowbody end! :)

Great news........they should take an early decision........

One more thing, do u think Biman should separately opt for some sort of regional jet for its domestic and regional flights? The F-28 s will become scrap within few years. Or they will use those 737NG s in domestic and regional routes? If u think they will go for few regional planes, what should in your view the best option in terms of aircraft model?

:lol:Just a funny information.....lol....the two fighter jets which escorted the GMG plane in its way to land in Don Muang, were F-16s......:lol:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Youngone/Cessna-208B-Grand/1087720

Does anybody know anything about this private plane in Bangladesh? Is it still operating?

Great news........they should take an early decision........

One more thing, do u think Biman should separately opt for some sort of regional jet for its domestic and regional flights? The F-28 s will become scrap within few years. Or they will use those 737NG s in domestic and regional routes? If u think they will go for few regional planes, what should in your view the best option in terms of aircraft model?

In my opinion, RJ's won't work for Biman. What they can do is have a low-cost subsidiary (something like 'Biman Express'!) to operate a fleet of 2-3 small, dependable turboprops to operate on thin domestic routes (Rajshahi, Barisal, Jessore, et al) except CGP and ZYL which would be taken care of by the B737NG's.

:lol:Just a funny information.....lol....the two fighter jets which escorted the GMG plane in its way to land in Don Muang, were F-16s......:lol:

Had it been in the US, you would've had an assortment of 200 fighters including the F-15/16/18s scrambling to this plane, Dubya would've been vanishing in thin air on-board the AF1, CNN would've been broadcasting news that an Iranian passenger was hijacking the plane, and of course thousands of flights would've been cancelled and diverted, tall buildings evacuated...I could go on...and that's what I call one funny circus! :)

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Youngone/Cessna-208B-Grand/1087720

Does anybody know anything about this private plane in Bangladesh? Is it still operating?

It is parked at the hangar of The Flying Club and rarely seen in the air. It belongs to Youngone Group who apparently couldn't care less to have this one parked as they mostly use their newer plane - a Pilatus PC-12.

It is parked at the hangar of The Flying Club and rarely seen in the air. It belongs to Youngone Group who apparently couldn't care less to have this one parked as they mostly use their newer plane - a Pilatus PC-12.

You mean Bangladeshi company finally started to utilize corporate aircrafts?

You mean Bangladeshi company finally started to utilize corporate aircrafts?

Youngone Corporation isn't Bangladeshi. It is a pretty big South Korean company (http://www.youngone.co.kr/) and their largest establishment in Bangladesh, Youngone Hi-Tech Sportswear Ind. Ltd. is a licensed manufacturer of 'Nike' products.

What made "Scarebus" back away from offering A320 to Biman?

What made "Scarebus" back away from offering A320 to Biman?

Cmon dude, Airbus makes fine aircraft too! :) The A320 is a great aircraft, but its just that with Biman having gone Boeing's way for the widebodies, the B737NG has the logical advantages over the A320 which Airbus would find difficult to offset from an economic point of view.

Airbus has made an offer, but like I said, the A320 would have to come really, really cheap to beat the operational figures the B737NG can deliver with a fleet of B787s and B777s.

Youngone Hi-Tech Sportswear Ind. Ltd. is a licensed manufacturer of 'Nike' products

Mainly nylon shell windbreakers and jacket-type outerwear from what I've seen for this specific company within the group -- so far all made for NIKE. Of course the group has other companies that makes a bunch of other stuff -- including athletic shoes.

American carriers are cancelling flights operated by MD-80 series. What's GMG thinking about their's?

American carriers are cancelling flights operated by MD-80 series. What's GMG thinking about their's?

I am not sure what u r meaning by cancelling flights operated by MD 80.....it's true that big MD-80 oparators like American Airlines are gradually replacing their MD-80 fleet by B737NGs, but this is mainly due to the fact that MD-80s are not not produced any more.....

Regarding GMG's choice of the MD-80s for its south and south east asian destinations, I believe this is a great decision. MD-80 aircrafts are very much suitable for these routes.....though a bit less fuel efficient than B737NGs and A320 series aircrafts

American carriers are cancelling flights operated by MD-80 series. What's GMG thinking about their's?

AA has grounded their MD-82s in 2 separate batches to ensure precise compliance to the FAA directives related to the bundling of wires in the aircraft's wheel wells. Now, the worldwide operators of the MD-80 series aircraft (-81, -82, -83, -87, -88) does not have to mandatorily meet FAA directives. What all operator of the aircraft (GMG included), must adhere and conform to are the Airworthiness Directives (AD) and Service Bulletins (SB) issued by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for the aircraft. Additionally, every operator must also conform to the mandatory directives (if any) issued by their respective Civil Aviation Authorities for the specific aircraft type.

AA and AS are having their MD-80s inspected for suspected non-conformity, which is perfectly alright. It is only right to have a few hundred flights cancelled than to put millions of lives at risk! DL, on the other hand, are confident of their fleet and hasn't followed AA/AS in grounding their Mad Dogs.

I am not sure what u r meaning by cancelling flights operated by MD 80.....it's true that big MD-80 oparators like American Airlines are gradually replacing their MD-80 fleet by B737NGs, but this is mainly due to the fact that MD-80s are not not produced any more.....

Regarding GMG's choice of the MD-80s for its south and south east asian destinations, I believe this is a great decision. MD-80 aircrafts are very much suitable for these routes.....though a bit less fuel efficient than B737NGs and A320 series aircrafts

- AA is only replacing a part of their massive MD-80 fleet. If they wanted to replace the whole MD-80 fleet with the 737NG, it'd take over 10 years at the rate of 2-3 aircraft every month!

- The MD-80 series aircraft are fantastic planes to fly on, but from the fuel-efficiency point of view, it isn't really a bit less efficient than the 737NG/A320, but rather very inefficient by comparison! Here's a dash of numbers you can count on: The MD-82 carrying about 165 pax burns approximately 4,200 litres of fuel per airborne hour, whereas the B737-900ER carrying about 215 pax burns approximately 3,000 litres of fuel per airborne hour. That's about 30% more capacity requiring about 30% less fuel, which is a HUGE difference, and is the sole reason why Lion Air is replacing their MD-82s with the B737-900ER! As a matter of fact, GMG's first two MD-82s came from Lion Air who are the launch customer for the B737-900ER. :)

I've got some very recent pics of ZYL (i.e. from a couple of days back -

bromora we wating for ur new pics:)

I just might be taking my first ride on United tomorrow, on board their flight 4H-523 to CGP and will be back on BG's Diesel-10 in the evening. Quite a trip it should be...out on the wings of a sparrow, and back in on the wings of an old and strong eagle!

Will be posting some pics for sure! :)

bromora we wating for ur new pics:)

Yeah - they should be up by next week. Need to upload them to photobucket. But here's one to wet your appetite showing the new apron and first floor extension with holes where the jet bridges will be installed (one on either side).

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll62/bromora/Osmani%20International%20Airport/IMG_0686.jpg

Five companies ready to provide Biman new aircraft [on wet lease] (http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/200804104233/country/5-cos-ready-to-provide-biman-new-aircraft.html)

Five international companies are ready to provide aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited on ACMI lease as the national flag carrier is planning to increase flights to its Middle East destinations, reports UNB.

"Five (international) com-panies have submitted their tender papers to Biman. Our evolution committee is evaluating the papers," Biman managing director and CEO MA Momen told UNB.

He said the evaluation committee, headed by Biman director (Planning) Nafiz Imtiaz, will submit its evaluation report after holding a meeting. "We''re very much hopeful of reaching a deal with one of the companies by April 15," said the Biman MD. Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited, now spreading its wings in a turnaround, is likely to have another Boeing in its fleet in May to increase flights to its Middle East and gulf destinations.

The latest procurement is part of its ongoing renovation process to make the national flag carrier a world-class airliner. Then Boeing 747 will be incorporated under the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) lease process for one year. This latest aircraft will be used to operate flights to the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries.

"We''re looking for re-furnishing and strengthening our activities in the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. The process of taking the next Boeing 747 on lease is a bid towards that destination," Biman MD Momen said.

A tender was floated in this connection on March 10 where it was stated that the Boeing 747 has to be of 200 or 300 or 400 series and the manufacturing year of the aircraft must not be earlier than 1980.

The tender mentioned that the lease would be applicable for a year commencing from May 2008 and it is extendable subject to a mutual agreement. Biman wanted to have the guarantee that the leased aircraft has at least 3,000 block hours (every flying hour from takeoff to landing) for the one-year period. Aircraft manufacturers, airlines, owners, operators and leasing companies having aircraft of their own can participate in tender.

Biman restricted any agent or broker from participating in the tender as it said that the organization would not deal with any agent or broker during the process of evaluation and finalisation of contract.

The last date for submission of tender was April 2. Recently, Biman has taken a 542-seat Boeing 747-200 on lease from a Nigeria-based airline, Kabo Air, in a bid to minimise the disruptions in its flight schedules.

The national flag carrier has long been facing serious troubles in maintaining flight schedules due to acute shortage of aircraft. It was also taken under the ACMI lease process for six months.

But its lease might be extended after that following a negotiation between the two sides. Under the lease conditions, Biman will have to pay $5,300 to Kabo Air Ltd for per block hour. Biman currently owns three types of aircraft-four DC10s -30s, four F28s, and three A310-300s.

Of those, only four or five can fly everyday while the rest are grounded due to technical glitches. Biman is going to purchase eight Boeing aircraft at a cost of $ 1.265 billion and signed a MoU with Boeing representatives here on March 15.

Of the eight, the first consignment of four aircraft will be arriving here in 2013 while the second consignment in 2017. The first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will cost US$ 182.17 million while the other three US$ 182.51 million, US$ 183.20 million and US$ 184.01 million. The initial selling price of this kind of aircraft is US$ 272 million.

The first Boeing 787 aircraft will cost US$ 132.83 million, while the other three will cost US$ 133.08 million, US$ 133.53 million and US$ 133.81 million. The initial selling price of these planes are US$ 167 million.

Biman, which turned into a moribund state-run national flag carrier due to wanton corruption and mismanagement, was transformed into a public limited company in July last year to give it a new lease of life.

Five companies ready to provide Biman new aircraft [on wet lease] (http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/200804104233/country/5-cos-ready-to-provide-biman-new-aircraft.html)

Five international companies are ready to provide aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited on ACMI lease as the national flag carrier is planning to increase flights to its Middle East destinations, reports UNB.

"Five (international) com-panies have submitted their tender papers to Biman. Our evolution committee is evaluating the papers," Biman managing director and CEO MA Momen told UNB.

He said the evaluation committee, headed by Biman director (Planning) Nafiz Imtiaz, will submit its evaluation report after holding a meeting. "We''re very much hopeful of reaching a deal with one of the companies by April 15," said the Biman MD. Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited, now spreading its wings in a turnaround, is likely to have another Boeing in its fleet in May to increase flights to its Middle East and gulf destinations.

The latest procurement is part of its ongoing renovation process to make the national flag carrier a world-class airliner. Then Boeing 747 will be incorporated under the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) lease process for one year. This latest aircraft will be used to operate flights to the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries.

"We''re looking for re-furnishing and strengthening our activities in the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. The process of taking the next Boeing 747 on lease is a bid towards that destination," Biman MD Momen said.

A tender was floated in this connection on March 10 where it was stated that the Boeing 747 has to be of 200 or 300 or 400 series and the manufacturing year of the aircraft must not be earlier than 1980.

The tender mentioned that the lease would be applicable for a year commencing from May 2008 and it is extendable subject to a mutual agreement. Biman wanted to have the guarantee that the leased aircraft has at least 3,000 block hours (every flying hour from takeoff to landing) for the one-year period. Aircraft manufacturers, airlines, owners, operators and leasing companies having aircraft of their own can participate in tender.

Biman restricted any agent or broker from participating in the tender as it said that the organization would not deal with any agent or broker during the process of evaluation and finalisation of contract.

The last date for submission of tender was April 2. Recently, Biman has taken a 542-seat Boeing 747-200 on lease from a Nigeria-based airline, Kabo Air, in a bid to minimise the disruptions in its flight schedules.

The national flag carrier has long been facing serious troubles in maintaining flight schedules due to acute shortage of aircraft. It was also taken under the ACMI lease process for six months.

But its lease might be extended after that following a negotiation between the two sides. Under the lease conditions, Biman will have to pay $5,300 to Kabo Air Ltd for per block hour. Biman currently owns three types of aircraft-four DC10s -30s, four F28s, and three A310-300s.

Of those, only four or five can fly everyday while the rest are grounded due to technical glitches. Biman is going to purchase eight Boeing aircraft at a cost of $ 1.265 billion and signed a MoU with Boeing representatives here on March 15.

Of the eight, the first consignment of four aircraft will be arriving here in 2013 while the second consignment in 2017. The first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will cost US$ 182.17 million while the other three US$ 182.51 million, US$ 183.20 million and US$ 184.01 million. The initial selling price of this kind of aircraft is US$ 272 million.

The first Boeing 787 aircraft will cost US$ 132.83 million, while the other three will cost US$ 133.08 million, US$ 133.53 million and US$ 133.81 million. The initial selling price of these planes are US$ 167 million.

Biman, which turned into a moribund state-run national flag carrier due to wanton corruption and mismanagement, was transformed into a public limited company in July last year to give it a new lease of life.

I pray+hope+wish that they use a better livery on the 2nd 747. Otherwise people at airliners.net will find another aircraft to laugh at.

Yeah - they should be up by next week. Need to upload them to photobucket. But here's one to wet your appetite showing the new apron and first floor extension with holes where the jet bridges will be installed (one on either side).


How come there's no activity? Shouldn't it be surrounded by people and equipment 24x7? Is the project stalled?

I just might be taking my first ride on United tomorrow, on board their flight 4H-523 to CGP and will be back on BG's Diesel-10 in the evening. Quite a trip it should be...out on the wings of a sparrow, and back in on the wings of an old and strong eagle!

Will be posting some pics for sure! :)

Cool. Please be sure to take pictures inside the cabin, and airside of CGP terminal (if so possibel). Thanks.

Are you splitting up your trip by choice or is it due to non availability? I think all airlines should have an early AM and late PM flight to CGP and ZYL.

American carriers are cancelling flights operated by MD-80 series. What's GMG thinking about their's?

Much later on, around when the GMG Airlines' MD-82's lease expires, (about 5 yrs) they will replace the MD-82s with some 737 NGs. But then again, that is much later.


Today I just flew on GMG Airlines S2-ADM, fending my vacation to bangkok, and flying BKK-DAC. The flight was delayed nearly one hour, but was a great flight.

I just might be taking my first ride on United tomorrow, on board their flight 4H-523 to CGP and will be back on BG's Diesel-10 in the evening. Quite a trip it should be...out on the wings of a sparrow, and back in on the wings of an old and strong eagle!

Will be posting some pics for sure! :)

Dear Imran Asif, I have a very silly question may be, and it may expose my outright ignorance. Why the DC-10s are sometimes called Diesel-10?

How come there's no activity? Shouldn't it be surrounded by people and equipment 24x7? Is the project stalled?

According to the original schedule, the terminal should have been completed by June 07. Judging by the working remaining, we'll be lucky to see it done by June 09!

My flight out was a Friday so presumably all the workers were away for the weekend but I wouldn't be surprised if this is the state of affairs for most days of the week :)

I've also got some video footage of GMG's MD-82 landing at ZYL (which I don't think is a regular occurrence since the Dash-8's normally serve this route).

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has floeted a tender (as shown in its webpage) for an ACMI lease of a short-haul aircraft of 100-150 seats.......the closing date of the tender is 16 April......

seems that all 3 remaining F-28s are grounded now........I think this is the time for Biman to get rid of these old equipments permanently.

Much later on, around when the GMG Airlines' MD-82's lease expires, (about 5 yrs) they will replace the MD-82s with some 737 NGs. But then again, that is much later.


Today I just flew on GMG Airlines S2-ADM, fending my vacation to bangkok, and flying BKK-DAC. The flight was delayed nearly one hour, but was a great flight.

Dear Akbar, is it possible for u to provide us with the comparative fare figures of Biman, Thai, GMG and Druk in dac-bkk sector?

seems that all 3 remaining F-28s are grounded now........I think this is the time for Biman to get rid of these old equipments permanently.

Well...it had been forced to abandon them and had resorted to using.....(drumroll.....) COACHES for ferrying passengers to DAC from ZYL!!! :nuts:

Fortunately, I was able to get on the only flight of the day when I flew out from ZYL but the next day, people were sent by coach!

Fortunately, I was able to get on the only flight of the day when I flew out from ZYL but the next day, people were sent by coach!

Was your flight from ZYL to DAC by A310 or by F28?

Well...it had been forced to abandon them and had resorted to using.....(drumroll.....) COACHES for ferrying passengers to DAC from ZYL!!! :nuts:

Fortunately, I was able to get on the only flight of the day when I flew out from ZYL but the next day, people were sent by coach!

An airline resorting to surface transport as an alternative is a poor reflection on them. But then Biman probably, couldn't care less and is happy to save money. Better and less time consuming alternative would have been to book their passengers on GMG, Royal Bengal, United. They could also probably, charter from some of these local carriers.

An airline resorting to surface transport as an alternative is a poor reflection on them. But then Biman probably, couldn't care less and is happy to save money. Better and less time consuming alternative would have been to book their passengers on GMG, Royal Bengal, United. They could also probably, charter from some of these local carriers.

They in fact booked some of the stranded passengers on GMG flights, as the newspaper reports say......

Cool. Please be sure to take pictures inside the cabin, and airside of CGP terminal (if so possibel). Thanks.

Are you splitting up your trip by choice or is it due to non availability? I think all airlines should have an early AM and late PM flight to CGP and ZYL.

I thought this time I'd give United a try, having flown on GMG numerous times in the past but seems it isn't going to be so! I called the United office at about 9:45pm to inquire about seat availability (not reservation) on the flight I had chosen and/or possible places I could buy a ticket from but the phone remained unanswered in all 5 of my attempts. I called the guy at my travel agency who said United closes down everything at 8pm and hence there wouldn't be anyone to take any call! In one word, I find that stupid. In my opinion, every airline operating scheduled passenger service should have someone to take the calls 24x7, whether or not they can always provide the useful information to the caller. Just being able to answer customer calls is important, for any darn airline anywhere in the world!

I then drove out to the domestic terminal of the airport to find the offices of United and RBA closed, and the ones of Best Air and GMG open. I didn't stop by though and have decided to head for the airport around noon tomorrow and get on board whichever flight is available around that time (I guess it'll be between GMG and United).

For anyone in this forum who can get my words through to United, please tell them to learn to go that extra-mile, and learn fast! This business ain't no cheesecake!!

For sure though, I'm getting back on BG038. That's because its been a long while I've been on a DC-10 and Biman is anyone's last luck! Besides, despite having bought a revenue ticket, I'd be jumpseating on that flight gate-to-gate...howzzzat for a reason? :)

Dear Imran Asif, I have a very silly question may be, and it may expose my outright ignorance. Why the DC-10s are sometimes called Diesel-10?

Call me Imran. :) There's no special reason why the DC-10 is often referred to as 'Diesel-10' except for the fact that its a gas-guzzler (and diesel-run vehicles are often perceived to be guzzlers as well) and the pronunciation of the letters DC (deecee) has a proximity to the way the word 'diesel' is pronounced! This and a bit of aviation-enthusiasm inspired creativity = Diesel-10! :)

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has floeted a tender (as shown in its webpage) for an ACMI lease of a short-haul aircraft of 100-150 seats.......the closing date of the tender is 16 April......

seems that all 3 remaining F-28s are grounded now........I think this is the time for Biman to get rid of these old equipments permanently.

That's an utterly ridiculous tender they have floated.

1. They want an aircraft of 100-150 seats
2. Short-term
3. ACMI
and last but not least
4. On "as and when required" basis

Point # 4 effectively means the aircraft will have to come from a local operator based at DAC since no other airline from any other country would be crazy enough to fly-in to meet Biman's "on-demand" requirement!

Point # 3 means the offering party must have in-house C, M and I of the ACMI which only Z5 can provide to an extent on the Dash-8s but that type does not qualify for this tender and nor does Z5 have any additional frame to spare for BG.

Point # 2 means the offering party must have the aircraft 'idle' most of the time at DAC, which is only true in the case of Best Air's B737-200.

Point # 1 means only Z5's MD-82s and Best Air's B737-200 is eligible. Again, Z5 can't afford to spare an MD-82 to BG since they have their own schedules which demands the planes to be in the air up to the maximum usable limit per day (8-10 hours).

Now, all that only leaves Best Air's 737-200 which Biman must not take since Best Air does not have:
- sufficient crew infrastructure to offer the aircraft under ACMI basis
- any in-house maintenance infrastructure on the type to offer under ACMI basis
- adequate and proper insurance on the aircraft itself (one of the 8 issues they have to fix for their own operations).

The bottomline: a totally useless tender procedure that has and probably still is wasting important working hours at Biman that could otherwise be used on things more practical and sensible!

That's an utterly ridiculous tender they have floated.

Now, all that only leaves Best Air's 737-200 which Biman must not take since Best Air does not have:
- sufficient crew infrastructure to offer the aircraft under ACMI basis
- any in-house maintenance infrastructure on the type to offer under ACMI basis
- adequate and proper insurance on the aircraft itself (one of the 8 issues they have to fix for their own operations).

The bottomline: a totally useless tender procedure that has and probably still is wasting important working hours at Biman that could otherwise be used on things more practical and sensible!

Best Air is also planning to fly to BKK/KUL with its existing B737-200. In that case, even if Biman decides to take their plane in lease despite the shortfalls mentioned, they may not provide that.

Was your flight from ZYL to DAC by A310 or by F28?

It was A310 - all F28 flights were cancelled hence the backlog.

An airline resorting to surface transport as an alternative is a poor reflection on them. But then Biman probably, couldn't care less and is happy to save money. Better and less time consuming alternative would have been to book their passengers on GMG, Royal Bengal, United. They could also probably, charter from some of these local carriers.
They in fact booked some of the stranded passengers on GMG flights, as the newspaper reports say......

Indeed, that's where the MD-82 came into play. All Dubai and Jeddah bound pax were transferred to the GMG flight on the day of my flight which departed around 8:30pm

However, with GMG running a tight schedule also, they couldn't bail out Biman fully I guess so the only immediate alternative was surface transport.

Best Air is also planning to fly to BKK/KUL with its existing B737-200.

Not anytime soon! Definitely not in April as they had stated officially about a couple of weeks ago. They have major issues to fix to keep their license valid at the first place, let alone launching of new routes!

However, with GMG running a tight schedule also, they couldn't bail out Biman fully I guess so the only immediate alternative was surface transport.

I only hope that Biman sorts out a sensible solution (not short-term, on-demand ACMI lease!) for its domestic services, especially to/from ZYL and CGP feeding its international flights soon enough. Or else, they will soon give up the coach as well and ask the pax to walk their ways to ZYL and CGP...and cite the spirit of the upcoming Olympics! ;)

In my opinion, every airline operating scheduled passenger service should have someone to take the calls 24x7, whether or not they can always provide the useful information to the caller. Just being able to answer customer calls is important, for any darn airline anywhere in the world!
...........................

For anyone in this forum who can get my words through to United, please tell them to learn to go that extra-mile, and learn fast! This business ain't no cheesecake!!

While such things are a given (taken for granted) in the west, the notion of 24x7 customer service must be foreign, to most enterprises in Bangladesh! Do foreign airlines operating from ZIA have 24 hour telephone access in Bangladesh?

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


Call me Imran. :) There's no special reason why the DC-10 is often referred to as 'Diesel-10' except for the fact that its a gas-guzzler (and diesel-run vehicles are often perceived to be guzzlers as well) and the pronunciation of the letters DC (deecee) has a proximity to the way the word 'diesel' is pronounced! This and a bit of aviation-enthusiasm inspired creativity = Diesel-10! :)

If I'm not mistaken, the DC-9 (MD80) is also known as diesel nine. People just like to come up with nicknames for planes, e.g., "connie" for Lockheed's Superconstellation, isn't it?

I only hope that Biman sorts out a sensible solution (not short-term, on-demand ACMI lease!) for its domestic services, especially to/from ZYL and CGP feeding its international flights soon enough. Or else, they will soon give up the coach as well and ask the pax to walk their ways to ZYL and CGP...and cite the spirit of the upcoming Olympics! ;)

lol! I think there's a great opportunity at the moment for a "courier" operator at DAC to organise and facilitate onward coach journeys to ZYL/CGP for arriving pax on these luxury Green Line coaches. Great business opportunity I reckon. Might be a stepping stone to launching an airline :lol:

btw, you should get some sleep Imran bhai :)

For sure though, I'm getting back on BG038. That's because its been a long while I've been on a DC-10 and Biman is anyone's last luck! Besides, despite having bought a revenue ticket, I'd be jumpseating on that flight gate-to-gate...howzzzat for a reason? :)
:)

Jumpseat eh? While I envy you, I had the privilege of flying DAC-DXB in the jump seat which I did not vacate until taxi time to gate, but it was a Biman 707, long long time ago. Even though I was a kid (literally) in a candy store, I shall never forget the experience.

Perhaps you'll be able post some pictures of/from the flight deck? Enjoy your ride. :)

While such things are a given (taken for granted) in the west, the notion of 24x7 customer service must be foreign, to most enterprises in Bangladesh! Do foreign airlines operating from ZIA have 24 hour telephone access in Bangladesh?
...................
If I'm not mistaken, the DC-9 (MD80) is also known as diesel nine. People just like to come up with nicknames for planes, e.g., "connie" for Lockheed's Superconstellation, isn't it?

- Nope...most foreign airlines operating into and out of Bangladesh does not offer telephone access to a BD number, but they can still afford not to do that because of their presence on the GDS networks and travel agents who works really hard. But new local start-ups like United and RBA must realize that they're in a very competitive and regulated market, and being able to offer that extra-bit over others is what it'll take to survive and sustain.

- The MD-80s are nicknamed as 'Mad Dogs, partly because of the letters MD and partly because its a screamer of an aircraft that can climb insanely. I once had a go-around on an AA MD-82, and boy where we pinned to the back of our seats or what!

While such things are a given (taken for granted) in the west, the notion of 24x7 customer service must be foreign, to most enterprises in Bangladesh! Do foreign airlines operating from ZIA have 24 hour telephone access in Bangladesh?
...................
If I'm not mistaken, the DC-9 (MD80) is also known as diesel nine. People just like to come up with nicknames for planes, e.g., "connie" for Lockheed's Superconstellation, isn't it?

- Nope...most foreign airlines operating into and out of Bangladesh does not offer telephone access to a BD number, but they can still afford not to do that because of their presence on the GDS networks and travel agents who works really hard. But new local start-ups like United and RBA must realize that they're in a very competitive and regulated market, and being able to offer that extra-bit over others is what it'll take to survive and sustain.

- The MD-80s are nicknamed as 'Mad Dogs', partly because of the letters MD and partly because its a screamer of an aircraft that can climb insanely. I once had a go-around on an AA MD-82, and boy where we pinned to the back of our seats or what!

btw, you should get some sleep Imran bhai :)

I'm not particularly fond of the idea of wasting one-third of my life sleeping...that too when I know that not too many pleasant dreams will be coming my way! :)

Sorry for being off-topic here...maybe I should get some sleep after all! :lol:

That's an utterly ridiculous tender they have floated.


If Biman is going to commit to Boeing for 737NG, why not try to swing a deal with Boeing, where Boeing shall lease/arrange for lease for some 737 while awaiting delivery for the ordered ones?

Jumpseat eh? While I envy you, I had the privilege of flying DAC-DXB in the jump seat which I did not vacate until taxi time to gate, but it was a Biman 707, long long time ago. Even though I was a kid (literally) in a candy store, I shall never forget the experience.

Perhaps you'll be able post some pictures of/from the flight deck? Enjoy your ride. :)

Thanks to a prompt from a very kind individual, I had the priviledge of spending some time with the captain on the flight deck on my return flight (A310, S2-ADH). Would've liked to have stayed there till touchdown but was not able to. Just happened to have my trusty camcorder with me though, so expect some footage in the near future. :)

Thanks to a prompt from a very kind individual, I had the priviledge of spending some time with the captain on the flight deck on my return flight (A310, S2-ADH). Would've liked to have stayed there till touchdown but was not able to. Just happened to have my trusty camcorder with me though, so expect some footage in the near future. :)

They didn't let you stay, eh? Sorry to hear that. Perhaps you should've told them that you are going to put up trip report on BG's A310. May be next time? In the meanwhile, here's a trip report on BG's DC10 you might enjoy:

http://www.samchuiphotos.com/Biman06/Biman_Bangladesh_DC10_Trip_Report.html

:)

Guys, I'm running an airlines in Airline Mogul called "VLR [Bangladesh]". It's operating out of London Stansted & rapidly expanding. I need a logo for it. The logo must be JPEG, PNG or GIF. It cannot be wider than 300px, or taller than 90px. It must be under 500kb in size. They must also be horizontal in appearance, portrait logos will be rejected. Please help me find an excellent logo.

Best Air starts negotiations with Boeing to procure six aircraft

In an effort to stay in the market as a strong player, the private airliner Best Air has started negotiations with US plane maker Boeing to procure six aircraft at a cost of about US$ 1 billion, reports UNB.

'We've expressed our interest to procure four mid-haul and two long-haul aircraft from Boeing to operate our flights to regional and international destinations,' M Haider Uzzaman, chairman of Best Air, told the news agency after a meeting with a visiting team of Boeing in the city Saturday.

He said his organisation has just got a technical proposal from Boeing and asked them to submit their (Boeing) financial proposal.

Of the six aircraft, Haidar said, four will be Boeing 747-300s while the rest two Boeing 767s.

About their recent move to procure six aircraft from European plane maker Airbus, he said negotiations are on and they will submit their proposal within two weeks. Best Air has also sought a proposal from Airbus to have four Airbus 320 and two Airbus 330 aircraft.

'We've a little bit more interest in Boeing, as we're the first operator of Boeing planes in the country on domestic routes. But that doesn't mean that we must go for Boeing. We'll do whatever possible for us to make our airliner competitive,' he said.

About the money they need to procure Boeing aircraft, the Best Aviation chairman said, 'Boeing representatives have told us that they would help us take loan from US Exim Bank. It's a huge amount of money and without loan it's not possible for us to procure six new-generation aircraft,' Haider said.

He said Best Air plans to expand our routes to the Middle East, Far East and Europe in the coming days and it's also a part of their efforts to offer premium services to the passengers.

Best Aviation started its modest journey in 1999 as a helicopter operator and then started its operation as a Freighter Airline in 2000.

Best Air obtained License in 2006 from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate Passenger Service on the international and domestic routes. The company launched its passenger fleet with Boeing 737, which was the first in Bangladesh.

Best Air started its operation on the country's busiest Dhaka-Chittagong route on January 14 this year with a single Boeing 737-200.

GMG Airlines, the first private airliner in Bangladesh, has recently decided to buy six new-generation aircraft from the US aircraft producer Boeing at $900 million (Tk 6,200 crore) in a bid to expand its routes and grab a share of the growing market.

Thefinancialexpress (http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=30700)

Of the six aircraft, Haidar said, four will be Boeing 747-300s while the rest two Boeing 767s

It's a huge amount of money and without loan it's not possible for us to procure six new-generation aircraft,' Haider said.


How is Boeing 747-300s a new-generation aircraft?

http://newagebd.com/busi.html#3

In an effort to stay in the market as a strong player, private airliner Best Air has started negotiations with US plane maker Boeing to procure six aircraft at a cost of about $1 billion.
‘We’ve expressed our interest to procure four mid-haul and two long-haul aircraft from Boeing to operate our flights in regional and international destinations,’ M Haider Uzzaman, chairman of Best Air, told the news agency after a meeting with a visiting team of Boeing in Dhaka Saturday.
He said his organisation has just got a technical proposal from Boeing and asked them to submit their (Boeing) financial proposal.
Of the six aircraft, Haidar said, four will be Boeing 747-300 while the rest two Boeing 767.
About their recent move to procure six aircraft from European plane maker Airbus, he said negotiations are on and they will submit their proposal within two weeks. Best Air has also sought proposal from Airbus to have four Airbus 320 and two Airbus 330 aircraft.
‘We’ve a little bit more interest in Boeing, as we’re the first operator of Boeing planes in the country on domestic routes. But that doesn’t mean that we must go for Boeing. We’ll do whatever possible for us to make our airliner competitive,’ he said.
About the money they need to procure Boeing aircraft, the Best Aviation chairman said, ‘Boeing representatives have told us that they would help us take loan from US Exim Bank. It’s a huge amount of money and without loan it’s not possible for us to procure six new-generation aircraft,’ Haider said.

----------------------------------------

I find it strange that they are negotiating for Boeing 747-300 with Boeing...I was not aware that Boeing has any in their inventory - they stopped making the -300 quite some time back (I believe the last was built in 1990). While the Boeing 767 production line is still open, I am curious to know what variant Best Air is thinking of. Seems like this may be yet another "marketing/pr" hype by our private airlines - call some reporter, say, "we are buying $1billion of a/c")

Govt mulls private management for ZIA's cargo village
Porimol Palma

http://thedailystar.net/photos/2008-04-13__b01.jpg

The government mulls putting the management of the cargo village of Zia International Airport (ZIA) under private management in efforts to improve services.

The plan for private management comes following complaints of delay in delivery of goods and losses of cargoes from the village, said an official of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

“The government has formed a committee to find ways to improve ground and passengers' handling qualities. Options of appointing a private company or other measures are being considered. But nothing has been decided,” said CAAB Chairman Air Commodore Sakeb Khan Majlis.

Seeking anonymity another CAAB official, however, said the government is analysing the terms of references to float tender inviting bids from private companies to operate ground-handling task at ZIA's cargo village.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which operates ZIA and its cargo village, however is not in favour of appointing private companies. Biman also operates ground handing in all airports.

Air Commodore Majlis said, “The government will not do anything against the interests of Biman and country. But, we surely need to improve the quality of services in the airports.”

“Our target is to improve the quality of the services in the airports,” said Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Syed Mohammad Zobair. But no concrete decision has been made so far, he said.

An official said although Biman Bangladesh is a separate company now, it does not pay any fee to CAAB for operating the ground-handling task of ZIA and its cargo village.

"It is the Biman that is the guarantor of imported goods stored in the warehouse before delivery to importers. Even Biman compensates in the event of loss of any goods, said a Biman official.

Asked why Biman does not pay any fees to CAAB, the official said CAAB is entitled to making earning from flight landing, parking, boarding bridges and rentals of the buildings in the airports.

Biman Bangladesh Managing Director MA Momen said as per air service agreements, Biman has been the ground handling agency of ZIA and its cargo village.

“If the cargo village goes under private management what will be the fate of the air service agreements?” he questioned.

When asked, CAAB Chairman Majlis said the government has formed a committee to discuss the modalities of the issues.

thedailystar (http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=31973)

I find it strange that they are negotiating for Boeing 747-300 with Boeing...I was not aware that Boeing has any in their inventory - they stopped making the -300 quite some time back (I believe the last was built in 1990). While the Boeing 767 production line is still open, I am curious to know what variant Best Air is thinking of. Seems like this may be yet another "marketing/pr" hype by our private airlines - call some reporter, say, "we are buying $1billion of a/c")

Thats what I thought so too but UNB has a habit of messing up informations. Maybe its the 747-400.

Govt mulls private management for ZIA's cargo village

“If the cargo village goes under private management what will be the fate of the air service agreements?” he questioned.

thedailystar (http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=31973)

What moron! An air services agreement isn't cast in stone!

Thats what I thought so too but UNB has a habit of messing up informations. Maybe its the 747-400.

If BestAir is negotiating directly with Boeing, it stands to reason that they are talking about 737NG and 777 or 787 (probably the latter).

If BestAir is negotiating directly with Boeing, it stands to reason that they are talking about 737NG and 777 or 787 (probably the latter).

787 Dreamliner has been hit with about 1 year delay. :ohno:

Best Air starts negotiations with Boeing to procure six aircraft

In an effort to stay in the market as a strong player, the private airliner Best Air has started negotiations with US plane maker Boeing to procure six aircraft at a cost of about US$ 1 billion, reports UNB.

'We've expressed our interest to procure four mid-haul and two long-haul aircraft from Boeing to operate our flights to regional and international destinations,' M Haider Uzzaman, chairman of Best Air, told the news agency after a meeting with a visiting team of Boeing in the city Saturday.

Thefinancialexpress (http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=30700)

Read my lips here: B U L L S H I T.

I'll withhold the reasons for now, but Best Air isn't going to place any order anytime soon with anyone!

Govt mulls private management for ZIA's cargo village
Porimol Palma

Biman Bangladesh Managing Director MA Momen said as per air service agreements, Biman has been the ground handling agency of ZIA and its cargo village.

“If the cargo village goes under private management what will be the fate of the air service agreements?” he questioned.

When asked, CAAB Chairman Majlis said the government has formed a committee to discuss the modalities of the issues.

I'm sure MD, Biman is misquoted here. The Air Service Agreements has nothing to do with Biman and/or ground services provisions. The ASA's are simply between 2 nations, setting forth the agreed air service terms & frequencies. Biman is the exclusive ground services provider at all airports in Bangladesh as approved by CAAB, and I'm of the firm opinion that this area should be deregulated to allow private service providers to offer their services and hence help Biman learn to 'compete'!

However, Biman will resist the move with all its might because ground services is the single-most important revenue generating area for the airline!

So I took my DAC-CGP-DAC shultle trip yesterday, out and back in about 7 hours. To add to the disappointment I had about United's accessibility, upon reaching the airport at 1030 I was told from their counter that there was no flight bound for CGP at 1115, whereas the online schedules mentioned 4H 523 scheduled to depart for CGP at 1115. Anyways, I got my outbound ticket on GMG's Z5 105 scheduled at 1200, which was delayed by just about 15 mins. Follow the pics hereon!

Took this from inside the domestic terminal, the Dash-8-100 of RBA (Reg # S2-AEL):
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04248.jpg

My flight was on GMG's S2-ADX, the Q-series bird but with the 4-blade props than the newer 6-blade ones. Looking out from inside the Dash-8-300 of GMG:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04253.jpg

We were off quickly from Rwy14, this is the Bashundhara area shortly after departure:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04264.jpg

Cruising at FL130:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04269.jpg

On short-finals to Shah Amanat Int'l Airport:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04275.jpg

Firmly touched down:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04283.jpg

Saw this vintage F-27 (Reg # S2-AEM) outside the window, belonging to Voyager Airlines who uses this to carry shrimp-fries:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04280.jpg

This Astraeus B757 (Reg # G-STRZ) was operating for RAK Airways, and arrived to CGP from RKT, on its way onward to DAC as 4A-304 which is strange because 4A belonged to some other carriers and I didn't know RAK Airways was using it now. Moreover the departures information board at CGP was showing the logo of Middle-Eastern Airlines (MEA). Spooky!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04287.jpg

'New Era' will be my ride back to DAC:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04292.jpg

S2-ACR is the DC-10 that Biman bought brand-new from McDD, seen here getting loaded off upon its arrival from Jeddah:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04295.jpg

That '80's cabin!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04297.jpg

Pushing back from our gate at CGP. Capt. Azizullah in command with FO Nadim on the right seat:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04304.jpg

And behind FO Nadim is FE Faizul:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04306.jpg

Our flight to DAC was pre-assigned the altitude of just FL160:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04311.jpg

Backtracking on Rwy23 for our departure from Rwy5:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04318.jpg

Pre-takeoff checks confirmed by the FE:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04323.jpg

A little sticker in front of the Captain, and I just figured this bird was configured with 314Y seats:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04325.jpg

Turning onto Rwy5 and we had already roared up for the takeoff roll:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04329.jpg

And off in a flash:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04330.jpg

Climbing out as we go past 2,800 feet in a few seconds:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04335.jpg

And speeding up too...reached 300 knots IAS in no time at all:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04347.jpg

FE's desk et al:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04349.jpg

Good old Jeppesen charts are always handy (VGZR approach charts seen here):
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04351.jpg

This one in at a corner of the FE's desk, loved the light on this registration and SELCAL marking:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04353.jpg

Barely after a few minutes (seemed like seconds!) of cruising, we began descending into DAC:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04359.jpg

Oh, by the way, S2-ACR is RVSM approved which was essential to enable it to fly to the US:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04360.jpg

Down to just 3,000 feet as we get established on the localizer:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04366.jpg

Just another approach for this gentlemen:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04371.jpg

Power in hand, as the slats and flaps get set for work:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04372.jpg

Turning left as we descend and align for Rwy14:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04373.jpg

Flaps all down, and we're on finals:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04376.jpg

There it is beyond the haze...Runway 14!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04380.jpg

Pinned to the jumpseat, I raised the cam over the Captain's head to get this view:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04384.jpg

And we had a kisser of a landing!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04387.jpg

Vacated Rwy14 through taxiway Hotel and now about to enter taxiway Victor:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04397.jpg

Waiting for the Mad Dog to get out of our way:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04399.jpg

Looking down on the very bird that took me to CGP earlier in the day:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04403.jpg

The local minnows - Dash-8-100s belonging to United and RBA:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04404.jpg

And the "ugly one":
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04406.jpg

We are going to park next to sistership S2-ACO:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04413.jpg

Voila!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04417.jpg


Not as good as Sam's (Sam Chui) but I hope you guys liked the show here! :)

Awesome pictures Asif. :cheers:

1. Didn't any cabin crew tell you to stop taking picture? I thought these people were nerd about photography around airports.
2. Was the DC-10 landing in DAC ILS?
3. What's RVSM?
4. What's SELCAL?
5. Does RAK operate CGP-DAC flights?

6. Who's that french-cut guy in the last pic? Not you, I suppose?

Great trip report, Imran! Good to see the heavies at Dhaka - including the 747s of Biman and GMG. Well done!

This Astraeus B757 (Reg # G-STRZ) was operating for RAK Airways, and arrived to CGP from RKT, on its way onward to DAC as 4A-304 which is strange because 4A belonged to some other carriers and I didn't know RAK Airways was using it now. Moreover the departures information board at CGP was showing the logo of Middle-Eastern Airlines (MEA). Spooky!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd236/TheCoolOnes/DSC04287.jpg


4A is Royal Bengal's IATA code.

Are they code-sharing with RBA?