Biman to start first flights to China August 16

Although passenger entry to China is restricted, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is due to start regular flight operations for the first time, to Guangzhou, with a cargo flight on August 16.

Confirming the matter, Biman's Managing Director Md Mokabbir Hossain said three flights will operate a week. 

"As passenger entry is restricted in China, we will start our operations with a cargo flight," he added.

The introduction of the new flight will take the total number of international routes to 19 for Biman.

In April, Biman received approval from the Chinese Civil Aviation Authorities to operate scheduled flights to Guangzhou. 

To encourage the airline, the Chinese authorities will also provide a huge discount on landing, parking and other associated charges.

Guangzhou is currently being served by US-Bangla Airlines and China Southern Airlines; with each operating a single flight a week.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Biman is planning to expand its wings on international routes to overcome losses caused by the long flight suspension after the virus broke out.

In July, Biman introduced flight operations to Hong Kong; with cargo. 

The national carrier is also planning to introduce flights on three more international routes - Chennai, Tokyo and Toronto. 

Biman will also focus on domestic routes to increase its flight operations. As part of this, three new small haul aircraft Dash-8s will join its fleet, gradually, from November this year, and January and February next year, according to the carrier.

Currently, Biman has 18 aircraft in its fleet, but after the three aforementioned aircraft join, the total will stand at 21.