PM inaugurates “Akash Pradeep”

Addressing a function on the occasion at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here today, she said, "I firmly believe that Biman Bangladesh Airlines would be a viable organization and earn honour for the nation if its officials and employees work sincerely and with professional spirit."

"Biman acts as emissary of Bangladesh abroad and fly across the world as the symbol of our independence. So, honour and dignity of the nation depends on your professionalism and good services" the Prime Minister said.

Sheikh Hasina said, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman felt necessity of a national airline agency after independence. Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched its journey in 1972 with DC-3 aircrafts at his directives.

With the inauguration of the Boeing-777-300ER, Biman officially announced closing the operations of the legendary Douglas DC-10 aircrafts. The last flight of DC-10 will fly from Dhaka to Birmingham (UK) via Kuwait on February 20 next, officials said.

Withdrawal of DC-10 from service is not only the last flight from Bangladesh, but also the world's last operational flight. Then the DC- 10 will be kept as a showpiece in the museum of Boeing Company in Seattle, USA.

Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon, MP, chairman of Biman board of directors Air Marshal (retd) Jamal Uddin Ahmed, civil aviation secretary Khurshid Alam Chowdhury, US ambassador in Bangladesh Dan W Mozena, director (international sales) of Boeing Company Sabita Gowda and CEO of Biman Kevin Steele, spoke among others, on the occasion.

The Prime Minister said, the aviation business is progressing fast with development of new technologies. Bangladesh Biman is also moving forward keeping pace with the global order.

Sheikh Hasina said, Awami League government after coming to power in 1996 had taken steps for development of the airports including procurement of new aircraft. At that time initiative was taken for construction of the car parking, boarding bridges, she said.

Laying importance on improvement of the passenger services, she said, Bangladesh nationals living abroad want to fly by Bangladesh Biman. They will surely keep Biman in their first choice if they get better service, she said.

In this regard, she said, catering services of Biman should be improved and e-ticketing system and duty free sky-shopping would be introduced for Biman.

The Prime Minister praised the services of Biman given to the Hajj pilgrims saying their sincerity helped carrying more and more pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Pointing out the government's initiative to improve the railway communications across the country, she said, steps are being taken so that Biman passengers can come to the airport from different parts of the country by train.

The government is considering construction of a underpass from Airport Railway Station to HSIA terminals to facilitate passengers to come to the airport directly from the railway station, she said.

The Prime Minister said, the fourth Boeing will join Biman fleets by next month while another one will come next year.

Besides, the government will purchase two small aircraft for domestic routes, she said, all domestic airports in the country would be made operational.

Biman will operate flights from all domestic airports along with private companies to create a competitive aviation market in the country, she said.

Later, the Prime Minister cut a cake to make the festive inauguration of 'Akash Pradeep' commemorative.