The national flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has ordered three new Q400 turboprop aircraft from the Canadian manufacturer, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
“We are very pleased that Biman is expanding its Q400 fleet with this order for three new aircraft,” said François Cognard, VP, Sales, Asia Pacific. “The Q400’s greater seating and cargo capacity really set it apart from the competition. Furthermore, the Q400’s mix of turboprop economics and jet-like performance were the best match for Biman’s mix of short and long-range routes. Operators coming back for more Q400 aircraft really validates the benefits of the aircraft’s unique characteristics.”
The order was announced this week and based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$106 million.
“We are very excited about adding these Q400s to our fleet. We currently operate two Q400s and without hesitation, we can say that these aircraft are ideal for our domestic and regional operations,” said Mr A M Mosaddique Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. With its outstanding economics, comfort and operational flexibility, the Q400 will allow us to offer high-frequency services within Bangladesh and neighbouring countries.”
Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates from its main hub is at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka as well as from its secondary hubs at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. The airline provides international passenger and cargo services to Asia and Europe, as well as all domestic routes inside Bangladesh. Biman currently flies to 15 international and seven domestic routes.