The aircraft manufacturer delivered the first of three new DASH 8-400s to Biman on Monday as the aircraft was enroute to Bangladesh. The aircraft were ordered in 2018 and will join two Dash 80400s that joined Biman’s fleet in 2015 and 2018.
On Monday (November 23, 2020) De Havilland Aircraft of Canada announced the delivery of the first of three new Dash 8-400s to Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd. The aircraft were ordered in 2018 under a purchase agreement between Biman and the Canadian Commercial Corporation. The new aircraft which is enroute to Bangladesh will join two Dash 8-400s that joined Biman’s fleet in 2015 and 2018. In Monday’s announcement, Biman’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mokabbir Hossain, said,
“Our Dash 8-400 aircraft’s excellent economics and passenger environment have allowed us to offer high-frequency services within Bangladesh and neighboring countries over the last five years and we look forward to the increased operational flexibility that our new aircraft will provide for our fleet. The combination of our Dash 8-400 turboprops and our narrow body jets improves our overall network efficiency, connectivity and, ultimately, our system profitability. Furthermore, during the ongoing pandemic, we have found that the role of our Dash 8-400 aircraft is even more important as we see gradual traffic recovery after the lockdown. I n today’s environment, we also appreciate the Dash 8-400 aircraft’s excellent cabin air system which includes HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration to keep our passengers and crew safe.”
Also commenting on Monday’s aircraft delivery, De Havilland Canada’s Regional Vice President – Sales, Rob Baseggio, added,
“The Dash 8-400 aircraft’s turboprop economics and jet-like performance have proven to be an ideal match for Biman’s network of short, domestic routes and longer, international routes. In addition, the Dash 8-400 aircraft’s greater passenger and cargo capacity set it apart from the competition and provide Biman with the opportunity to optimize its network operations.”
Globally, over 155 airlines, leasing companies and other organizations have ordered nearly 1,300 Dash 8 Family aircraft, support diverse operating models such as low-cost carriers, network connectors and point-to-point regional services. The aircraft have also been deployed in cargo, hybrid passenger-cargo, firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation and coastal surveillance operations.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited is the national carrier of Bangladesh and the airline’s primary hub is located at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Biman operates two additional hubs in Chittagong and Sylhet. The carrier provides domestic service in Bangladesh as well as international passenger and cargo flights to Asia and Europe. Currently, Biman serves seven domestic and 19 international routes.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited was established when Longview Aviation Capital acquired the Dash 8 aircraft program from Bombardier. The company’s portfolio includes worldwide support for the fleet of Dash 8-100/200/300/400 aircraft as well as the production and sales of the Dash 8-400. The De Havilland Dash 8-400, which seats up to 90 passengers, is the only turboprop in its class certified to operate at high altitude airports and offers the flexibility to operate with steep approaches as well as the ability to operate from unpaved runways. The aircraft offers a 30% reduction in fuel-burn versus similar capacity regional jets and is around 160 km/h faster than typical turboprops. The Dash 8-400 aircraft has more than 60 customers worldwide in nearly 40 countries.
Source: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada