Huge potential of trade, investment between Bangladesh, Turkey exists Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Adviser for the Ministries of Commerce and Education, who was on a high-profile visit to Turkey to reinforce trade relations with Turkey, met TUSKON (one of the apex forums of Turkish businessmen based in Istanbul) in Istanbul on August 29 last.
The Adviser appreciated the economic growth of Turkey in the recent years. He forthrightly discussed the future potential of trade and investment between Bangladesh and Turkey. He stressed that people of both countries can easily the sure the historic brotherly ties for future trade and investment.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman said that that in near future Bangladesh-Turkey trade volume should be US$1 billion. In this connection the Commerce Adviser underscored the importance of direct flights between Istanbul and Dhaka to facilitate easy traffic of business delegation.
TUSKON President Rizanur Meral and present businessman appreciated the initiative of establishing direct flights between two countries.
During the meeting, Turkish businessmen expressed their interest to invest in the textile sector in Bangladesh. They informed that due to high cost of labour and energy in Turkey they were looking for alternative country to relocate their textile industries and in all consideration Bangladesh could be one of the best destinations for such relocation.
He highly appreciated their interest in Bangladesh and informed that other than cheap labour, Bangladesh offers tax holidays and other infrastructure supports for successful investment in the country.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman elucidated the potential market of 150 million people in Bangladesh to the Turkish businessmen. He stated that apart from textile, RMG, pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, energy, leather and ceramic sectors could be the potential sectors for further trade and investment between two countries.
The Adviser suggested that during the 3rd session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting between Bangladesh and Turkey in the first half of 2009, businessman from both countries should highlight their experiences and suggestions for boosting the trade relations.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman invited the TUSKON delegation to visit Bangladesh at their earliest convenience.
Earlier, the Adviser met Dr Ternel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines in Istanbul. They discussed about the potential of direct fights between Istanbul and Dhaka.
President and CEO of Turkish Airlines Dr Kotil informed that after some procedural formalities Turkish Airlines would be operative to Dhaka by April 2009.
Dr Rahman was also interviewed by the TRT (Turkish National TV Channel in Istanbul), which had been widely broadcasted in Turkish electronic media.
Source: The New Nation Dated: 02-09-2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Kingfisher Airlines goes International with London
Kingfisher Airlines goes international with London (XFN-ASIA) Kingfisher Airlines has announced it will launch its first international flight from the high-tech southern city of Bangalore to London next month.
The daily non-stop Airbus A330-220 service to Heathrow airport by Kingfisher, owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, will take to the skies 03-Sept-08.
Kingfisher chairman Mallya said,"We will set new standards in international travel." The privately-owned airline last year bought out low-cost Indian carrier Deccan Aviation giving it the right to fly aboard. Under Indian rules, carriers less than five years old cannot fly internationally. Kingfisher was founded three years ago while Deccan is five years old.
On its own, Kingfisher would only have been eligible to fly abroad in 2010. The decision to add overseas destinations is expected to heat up rivalry with India's largest airline Jet Airways. All India's major airlines have posted big losses due to soaring fuel costs that have driven up fares, reducing passenger traffic. The sector has been hit by a wave of mergers as airlines have sought to cut costs.
Sourece:India Aviation 2008-08-25
The daily non-stop Airbus A330-220 service to Heathrow airport by Kingfisher, owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, will take to the skies 03-Sept-08.
Kingfisher chairman Mallya said,"We will set new standards in international travel." The privately-owned airline last year bought out low-cost Indian carrier Deccan Aviation giving it the right to fly aboard. Under Indian rules, carriers less than five years old cannot fly internationally. Kingfisher was founded three years ago while Deccan is five years old.
On its own, Kingfisher would only have been eligible to fly abroad in 2010. The decision to add overseas destinations is expected to heat up rivalry with India's largest airline Jet Airways. All India's major airlines have posted big losses due to soaring fuel costs that have driven up fares, reducing passenger traffic. The sector has been hit by a wave of mergers as airlines have sought to cut costs.
Sourece:India Aviation 2008-08-25
Qatar Airways first to use gas for its airline
Qatar, which has the third largest gas reserves in the world, would soon be the first country to use gas to fly its airline. Qatar Airways is edging closer to its dream of being the world's first airline to fly on natural gas and engine trials are likely to start in the next 12 months with commercial flights sometime later. The airline hopes to beat the rising cost of petrol with the switch to natural gas. Qatar Airlines Chairman, Al Baker told Khaleej Times that massive plans are on, on a gas to liquid (GTL) plant."The Royal Dutch Shell is building the largest GTL plant in the world in Qatar, investing nearly US$13 billion. This would catapult Qatar into the GTL capital of the world," he said.
Sourece: The Independent Dated: 29-07-2008
Sourece: The Independent Dated: 29-07-2008
Qatar launches daily flights to New York from 25-July-2008
Qatar Airways announced on Monday(25-08-2008) it will start daily non-stop flights to New York from its Doha headquarters on October 26. It will be deploying its new Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft to shave close to three hours off the current 17-hour flying time.
Under new operational schedules, the state-owned carrier said on Monday it will switch its existing six-flights-a week between Doha and the gateway hub of Newark Liberty International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, stepping up frequency to daily non-stop services to give passengers greater choice.
Source: ArabianBusiness.com Dated: 25-08-2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Aviana launches Dhaka-Syedpur journey today
The country's fourth private airline Aviana Airways Ltd launches its flights on Dhaka-Syedpur route today (Tuesday), offering reasonable fares aiming to pave the way for foreign investment in the country's northern region, a senior official of the operator said on Monday.
He said Aviana Airways will operate weekly three flights one each on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays on Dhaka - Syedpur route, where no other airlines are operating flights after state carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines cut the destination.
Manager of the Aviana Airways Flight Lieutenant (retd) M Mazharul Islam told the FE Monday that they are starting operation on Dhaka-Syedpur route as there are no flights to the destination. Air connections will help bring foreign investment to the region.
He said special assistant to chief adviser Mahbub Jamil is expected to be on-board the inaugural flight to Syedpur from Dhaka (today) Tuesday.
"We are definitely looking forward to offer quality passenger services at a lower and competitive price. We hope to attract reasonable number of passengers in our flights," he added.
Air ticket for Dhaka-Syedpur route will cost Tk 4495 per person at the initial stage of operation.
The Aviana Airways, starting services from January this year under the brand name of Royal Bengal, has already connected Dhaka with Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Jessore and Sylhet through its flights.
Aviana, operating flights with a Canadian-built Dash 8-100 aircraft, having capacity of 36 passengers, will soon add another aircraft to its fleet with the aim to fly beyond the country's border.
Mr. Islam said: "Hopefully by December this year we will be able to fly to international destinations too."
Aviana Airways, a joint venture of a group of British Bangladeshi professionals and businessmen, has unveiled a new 3000 sq feet regional office in Sylhet. Besides, the corporate office is in Gulshan with sales offices in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Jessore.
"We also have set check-in and sales counters in the major airports of Bangladesh," said Mr. Islam
Aviana Airways is the fourth private airline to compete with the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The others are GMG Airlines, United Airways and Best Aviation.
Source : The Financial Express: Dated 26-08-2008
He said Aviana Airways will operate weekly three flights one each on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays on Dhaka - Syedpur route, where no other airlines are operating flights after state carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines cut the destination.
Manager of the Aviana Airways Flight Lieutenant (retd) M Mazharul Islam told the FE Monday that they are starting operation on Dhaka-Syedpur route as there are no flights to the destination. Air connections will help bring foreign investment to the region.
He said special assistant to chief adviser Mahbub Jamil is expected to be on-board the inaugural flight to Syedpur from Dhaka (today) Tuesday.
"We are definitely looking forward to offer quality passenger services at a lower and competitive price. We hope to attract reasonable number of passengers in our flights," he added.
Air ticket for Dhaka-Syedpur route will cost Tk 4495 per person at the initial stage of operation.
The Aviana Airways, starting services from January this year under the brand name of Royal Bengal, has already connected Dhaka with Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Jessore and Sylhet through its flights.
Aviana, operating flights with a Canadian-built Dash 8-100 aircraft, having capacity of 36 passengers, will soon add another aircraft to its fleet with the aim to fly beyond the country's border.
Mr. Islam said: "Hopefully by December this year we will be able to fly to international destinations too."
Aviana Airways, a joint venture of a group of British Bangladeshi professionals and businessmen, has unveiled a new 3000 sq feet regional office in Sylhet. Besides, the corporate office is in Gulshan with sales offices in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Jessore.
"We also have set check-in and sales counters in the major airports of Bangladesh," said Mr. Islam
Aviana Airways is the fourth private airline to compete with the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The others are GMG Airlines, United Airways and Best Aviation.
Source : The Financial Express: Dated 26-08-2008
Bahrain Air inks Airbus deal
Bahrain Air has inked an agreement with Airbus to buy six brand new A320-200s valued at $450m. The airline will now own a total of 11 planes. The airline also announced it has surpassed it target to carry 250,000 passengers in its first six months out of the annual target of 500,000 passengers.
Sourece: AME Info 2008-08-25
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
GMG to resume three int'l flights as oil price eases
The country's largest private airline GMG will resume three international flights and add a new route as oil price eased both in the international and domestic markets, an official said Tuesday.The company had to suspend its flights to Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmundu and New Delhi nearly two months back as oil price shot past 140 dollars a barrel in the global market.
The 10-year-old GMG has now decided to resume flight to Kuala Lumpur on August 20, Kathmundu on August 22 and New Delhi later this month, company spokesman Nazrul Islam told the FE.
"Oil price has started to ease in the global market. So we think it's best time to resume our international flights," Islam said.
The price of jet fuel also came down five cents a litre in the local market last week after its sole government seller, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, lowered the price in line with the international market.
The GMG said it would also launch a new route to Pakistan's port city and commercial capital Karachi later this month, as part of its expansion drive.
"A lot of visitors travel to Karachi every day. We think it's going to be a lucrative route," he said, adding, the airline would extend the New Delhi flight to Karachi.
The company has hired a 150-seater new MD-83 aircraft to operate the flights to international destinations, he said.
But the resumption of the flight to the Gulf aviation hub of Dubai looks unlikely for the time being as the company sees no profit in the long-haul destination.
"Dubai is still in our mind. We have to reassess the situation first before deciding we are going to resume the flight to Dubai," Islam said.
GMG took a huge gamble in February when it became the first Bangladeshi private operator to fly to Dubai.
The company hired a Boeing 747-200 aircraft on an expensive wet-lease agreement--- in which an airline pays for everything--- to operate seven flights a week to the United Arab Emirates city.
But it losses piled up after months of non-stop flights, as the operator could not find enough return passengers to Dhaka to make the money for the costly lease payment.
Analysts said the company had to suspend the Dubai route and returned the hired aircraft to the leasing company in the face one of the worst financial crisis in the company's history.
The airline had earlier this year projected around Tk 13.50 billion revenue, which is more than three times its 2007 revenue, banking on the Dubai and other new regional route.
But analysts said, the Dubai debacle and the high cost of oil meant it now would have to end the year in red and the turnover nowhere near the target.
At present, the company operates three domestic flights to Chittagong, Jessore and Sylhet and 18-21 weekly flights to Indian city of Kolkata with its three Dash-8 and two MD-82 aircraft.
Sourece: The Financial Express Dated 20-08-2008
Thai Airways, Biman avert Accidents
Passengers and crew of two aircraft--a Thai Airways Boeing 777 and a Biman DC 10--were unhurt when tyres of the planes burst while landing at Zia International Airport (ZIA) in Dhaka and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong yesterday.
The Boeing with around 300 passengers and crew on board burst one of its tyres at ZIA on arrival from Bangkok, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd sources said.
"One of the tyres of the aircraft burst soon after it touched down at Zia International Airport at 12:10pm," an airport high official told The Daily Star.
"Emergency workers evacuated the passengers from the plane," he said, adding, "The plane left ZIA at 2:30pm after changing its burst tyre."
The same thing happened at Shah Amanat International Airport while a Biman DC10-30 was landing around 12:30pm.
"One of the tyres of the aircraft burst and three others were damaged," a Biman high official said.
The flight from Abudhabi was destined for Dhaka via Chittagong.
"All the passengers of the aircraft were evacuated safely," the official added.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines yesterday sent spare wheels and engineers to Chittagong.
On July 3, passengers and crew of another Biman DC10-30 escaped unhurt when six of its tyres exploded while landing at ZIA.
Sourece: Daily Star dated 2008-08-20
The Boeing with around 300 passengers and crew on board burst one of its tyres at ZIA on arrival from Bangkok, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd sources said.
"One of the tyres of the aircraft burst soon after it touched down at Zia International Airport at 12:10pm," an airport high official told The Daily Star.
"Emergency workers evacuated the passengers from the plane," he said, adding, "The plane left ZIA at 2:30pm after changing its burst tyre."
The same thing happened at Shah Amanat International Airport while a Biman DC10-30 was landing around 12:30pm.
"One of the tyres of the aircraft burst and three others were damaged," a Biman high official said.
The flight from Abudhabi was destined for Dhaka via Chittagong.
"All the passengers of the aircraft were evacuated safely," the official added.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines yesterday sent spare wheels and engineers to Chittagong.
On July 3, passengers and crew of another Biman DC10-30 escaped unhurt when six of its tyres exploded while landing at ZIA.
Sourece: Daily Star dated 2008-08-20
Biman launches direct flight on Dhaka-London route
Biman Bangladesh Airlines from Monday launched direct flights on Dhaka-London route by DC 10-30 flight, reducing travel times of the passengers.
Now, the flight takes 10 hours and 15 minutes to reach London from Dhaka where as it took 14 hours when Biman operated the flights via Dubai.
Biman runs five flights on Dhaka-London-Dhaka route throughout the week except Thursday and Friday. The flights are 001, 005, 013, 015 and 017.
Now, the flight takes 10 hours and 15 minutes to reach London from Dhaka where as it took 14 hours when Biman operated the flights via Dubai.
Biman runs five flights on Dhaka-London-Dhaka route throughout the week except Thursday and Friday. The flights are 001, 005, 013, 015 and 017.
Sourece : The Daily Star, Dated:20-08-2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
GMG's flight to Saudi Arabia uncertain as Biman won't quit slots - State-owned carrier wants to utilise all frequencies within a short time
GMG Airlines' plans to fly to Saudi Arabia has been blocked by state-owned Biman that has refused to allow the country's largest private carrier to use its idle landing rights to the lucrative Middle East destination.
The move has forced GMG to slash its 2008 turnover forecast by 37 percent to Tk 850 crore from Tk 1,350 crore, with the company warning that rocketing fuel prices may further force it to scale back its targets.
National carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has the right to land 13 times a week in Saudi Arabia, but has only ten flights a week, leaving three slots idle. Previously the government indicated that it would distribute unused rights to other Bangladeshi carriers.
However, Biman has objected to give up any of its slots, claiming it will use them all later this year by adding additional flights to the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is an important route as it is the number one destination for Bangladeshi workers.
"It's unfortunate. It would have been easier for us to reach our turnover target if we could fly to Saudi Arabia," said Abdus Sattar, chairman of GMG Airlines, recording a turnover between Tk 60-70 crore a month now.
In 2007 GMG's turnover reached Tk 280 crore.
The GMG chairman said the carrier projected its turnover for 2008 based mainly on two routes, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“We forecast the turnover based on mainly two new routes, but we have only got one,” he said.
With seven aircraft in its fleet, the oldest private carrier GMG started flights to Dubai in February 2008 as its seventh international destination. But it is yet to bag a good number of passengers because of a poor response in return flights and frequent flight delays due to technical glitches.
The GMG chairman said the route is yet to become profitable.
The airline has downsized its turnover expectation at a time when airlines across the globe are worried about losses due to the consistent surges in fuel prices, hitting close to $140 per barrel, early this week.
In Bangladesh, all five local airlines, including the three new carriers who recently entered the market to exploit a slice of about 7.5 percent growth in air traffic a year, are also in trouble due to fuel price increases, the burden of which has been passed onto the passengers. The airlines apprehended that it might negatively affect passenger flow.
The Saudi routes shared by Biman and Saudi Arabia Airlines, provides Biman with a steady revenue flow at about 2.5-3 lakh passengers, traveling between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
The national carrier, which had earlier signed a $1.265 billion deal with Boeing for acquiring 8 aircraft, is unwilling to share its prime market on the ground that it would hurt its earning at a time when it is going to strengthen its fleet.
“We want to utilise all our frequencies within a short time,” said a senior official of Biman.
Sattar said, “They would have to wait till September to see whether Biman utilises their slots. If Biman does not utilise their slots at that time, we may get it.”
The carrier now plans to start flights on some new destinations, Karachi, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Doha, despite problems such as delays and cut in flights.
"We expect an additional Tk 10 crore in monthly turnover by flying on these destinations," the chairman said.
He said GMG would expand its routes after adding a leased aircraft.
Since its inception in 1998, the GMG Airlines initially operated flights only on domestic routes for six years and later got permission to operate on international routes in 2004.
Source: the Daily Star dated 16-08-2008
The move has forced GMG to slash its 2008 turnover forecast by 37 percent to Tk 850 crore from Tk 1,350 crore, with the company warning that rocketing fuel prices may further force it to scale back its targets.
National carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has the right to land 13 times a week in Saudi Arabia, but has only ten flights a week, leaving three slots idle. Previously the government indicated that it would distribute unused rights to other Bangladeshi carriers.
However, Biman has objected to give up any of its slots, claiming it will use them all later this year by adding additional flights to the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is an important route as it is the number one destination for Bangladeshi workers.
"It's unfortunate. It would have been easier for us to reach our turnover target if we could fly to Saudi Arabia," said Abdus Sattar, chairman of GMG Airlines, recording a turnover between Tk 60-70 crore a month now.
In 2007 GMG's turnover reached Tk 280 crore.
The GMG chairman said the carrier projected its turnover for 2008 based mainly on two routes, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“We forecast the turnover based on mainly two new routes, but we have only got one,” he said.
With seven aircraft in its fleet, the oldest private carrier GMG started flights to Dubai in February 2008 as its seventh international destination. But it is yet to bag a good number of passengers because of a poor response in return flights and frequent flight delays due to technical glitches.
The GMG chairman said the route is yet to become profitable.
The airline has downsized its turnover expectation at a time when airlines across the globe are worried about losses due to the consistent surges in fuel prices, hitting close to $140 per barrel, early this week.
In Bangladesh, all five local airlines, including the three new carriers who recently entered the market to exploit a slice of about 7.5 percent growth in air traffic a year, are also in trouble due to fuel price increases, the burden of which has been passed onto the passengers. The airlines apprehended that it might negatively affect passenger flow.
The Saudi routes shared by Biman and Saudi Arabia Airlines, provides Biman with a steady revenue flow at about 2.5-3 lakh passengers, traveling between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
The national carrier, which had earlier signed a $1.265 billion deal with Boeing for acquiring 8 aircraft, is unwilling to share its prime market on the ground that it would hurt its earning at a time when it is going to strengthen its fleet.
“We want to utilise all our frequencies within a short time,” said a senior official of Biman.
Sattar said, “They would have to wait till September to see whether Biman utilises their slots. If Biman does not utilise their slots at that time, we may get it.”
The carrier now plans to start flights on some new destinations, Karachi, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Doha, despite problems such as delays and cut in flights.
"We expect an additional Tk 10 crore in monthly turnover by flying on these destinations," the chairman said.
He said GMG would expand its routes after adding a leased aircraft.
Since its inception in 1998, the GMG Airlines initially operated flights only on domestic routes for six years and later got permission to operate on international routes in 2004.
Source: the Daily Star dated 16-08-2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Best Air's Dhaka-Dubai Route to Start 27th Aug -2008
Best Air, the country's third private airline, is likely to start its Dhaka-Dubai-Dhaka route from 27th-August-2008. “Initially we will fly on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday,” Best Air director (Marketing and Sales) Farhad Hossain told the news agency by telephone.
For the new Dhaka-Dubai-Dhaka route, the aviation company would take lease 162-seat MD-83, and the aircraft will be available by next week.
Best Air has already got permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to operate flights to Kuala Lumpur.
“After the inauguration of the Dhaka-Dubai route we will go for Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur route via Chittagong three days a week,” Farhad said, adding that there is a possibility of starting Chittagong-Dubai route simultaneously at that time.
Best Air now operates on Dhaka-Bangkok and Dhaka-Colombo-Male routes with its lone Boeing 737-200.
Source: The Daily Star Dated 14-08-2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Air India cuts Dubai fare ahead of Jet’s flight
P.R. Sanjai; Mumbai: State-run carrier National Aviation Co. of India Ltd, or Nacil, that operates Air India, has slashed business class fares on the India-Dubai route by 25% for one month between 15 August and 15 September, even as Mumbai-based Jet Airways (India) Ltd readies to start flying daily from Mumbai and New Delhi to Dubai from 23 August.
Travel agents expect Air India to extend reduced business class fare beyond 15 September, and 10-15% reduction in economy class fare on this route.
The India-Dubai route is the mainstay of Emirates and Air India, with 2.5 million passengers annually and growing at 15-20% every year. This will be Jet’s 20th international and sixth West Asian destination. The Naresh Goyal-promoted carrier currently runs daily services to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat and Doha in West Asia from various Indian cities.
Air India has slashed its return business class air fare on the Mumbai-Dubai sector to Rs33,184, including taxes, from Rs44,195. A paring of the fares was communicated to travel agents by Kailash Singh, passenger sales manager, western India, Nacil, in a circular dated 8 August. Jet has launched an introductory business class return fare, including taxes, at Rs35,238.
Travel agents expect Air India to extend reduced business class fare beyond 15 September, and 10-15% reduction in economy class fare on this route.
The India-Dubai route is the mainstay of Emirates and Air India, with 2.5 million passengers annually and growing at 15-20% every year. This will be Jet’s 20th international and sixth West Asian destination. The Naresh Goyal-promoted carrier currently runs daily services to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat and Doha in West Asia from various Indian cities.
Air India has slashed its return business class air fare on the Mumbai-Dubai sector to Rs33,184, including taxes, from Rs44,195. A paring of the fares was communicated to travel agents by Kailash Singh, passenger sales manager, western India, Nacil, in a circular dated 8 August. Jet has launched an introductory business class return fare, including taxes, at Rs35,238.
Source:Livemint 2008-08-13
A320 to be assembled in China from August-2008
Airbus 320 planes will be assembled from this month in north China's port city Tianjin, Xinhua reported. The A320 final assembly line, in the Binhai New Area, is run by a joint venture established in June last year between Airbus and Tianjin Zhongtian Aviation Industry Investment Co.
The joint venture would produce 44 planes annually by 2011. By 2016 a total of 284 planes would be assembled.
The joint venture would produce 44 planes annually by 2011. By 2016 a total of 284 planes would be assembled.
Source:Cargonews Asia 2008-08-13
Etihad Airways launches 'Unaccompanied Baggage' service
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) national carrier Etihad Airways has launched a new service which allows passengers to send heavy or excess quantities of baggage before they fly.
The 'unaccompanied baggage' service is for luggage that exceeds approved allowances to be sent separately to avoid excess baggage fees, an airline statement said.
"We anticipate this service will become extremely popular with our customers, especially members of the expatriate community in the UAE flying back home," said Des Vertannes, the Abu Dhabi-based airline's executive vice-president for cargo.
"All customers need to do is to fill in the required documentation and they will then be issued with a reference number for tracking and tracing their baggage. The entire process takes just 10 minutes and customers are kept informed about the arrival time of their baggage once it is booked as cargo on an Etihad flight or with one of our interline partners," he added.
There are around 1.5 million expatriate Indians in the UAE. The airline flies to six destinations in India.
The new service is the latest in a series of innovative services being offered by airlines in the UAE to attract customers.
Sharjah-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia recently launched a new service that allowed passengers to choose their seats at the time of making their flight reservations.
Prior to that Dubai-based Emirates airline unveiled five-star hotel standard luxury amenities in its newly acquired Airbus A380 superjumbos.
The new Etihad service is run by the airline's cargo division, Etihad Crystal Cargo, using established cargo processes and procedures with customers benefiting from special rates that are cheaper than the excess baggage fees they would normally have paid, according to the airline statement.
Under the service, only baggage from customers travelling on an Etihad flight and containing personal effects is eligible for the service. Baggage must also meet standard check-in baggage regulations regarding dimensions and weight.
As of now, unaccompanied baggage can be checked in at the Etihad customer service and ticket desk in the check-in area at Abu Dhabi airport's Terminal 1.
The 'unaccompanied baggage' service is for luggage that exceeds approved allowances to be sent separately to avoid excess baggage fees, an airline statement said.
"We anticipate this service will become extremely popular with our customers, especially members of the expatriate community in the UAE flying back home," said Des Vertannes, the Abu Dhabi-based airline's executive vice-president for cargo.
"All customers need to do is to fill in the required documentation and they will then be issued with a reference number for tracking and tracing their baggage. The entire process takes just 10 minutes and customers are kept informed about the arrival time of their baggage once it is booked as cargo on an Etihad flight or with one of our interline partners," he added.
There are around 1.5 million expatriate Indians in the UAE. The airline flies to six destinations in India.
The new service is the latest in a series of innovative services being offered by airlines in the UAE to attract customers.
Sharjah-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia recently launched a new service that allowed passengers to choose their seats at the time of making their flight reservations.
Prior to that Dubai-based Emirates airline unveiled five-star hotel standard luxury amenities in its newly acquired Airbus A380 superjumbos.
The new Etihad service is run by the airline's cargo division, Etihad Crystal Cargo, using established cargo processes and procedures with customers benefiting from special rates that are cheaper than the excess baggage fees they would normally have paid, according to the airline statement.
Under the service, only baggage from customers travelling on an Etihad flight and containing personal effects is eligible for the service. Baggage must also meet standard check-in baggage regulations regarding dimensions and weight.
As of now, unaccompanied baggage can be checked in at the Etihad customer service and ticket desk in the check-in area at Abu Dhabi airport's Terminal 1.
Source The Economic Times 2008-08-13
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Jet Airways to launch Dubai route
Mumbai-based carrier Jet Airways is to launch flights between Dubai and Delhi from 23 August. The route will be operated daily as a direct service between the two cities. The carrier is also planning to launch a Saudi Arabian route later in the year.
Source:AME Info 2008-08-12
Source:AME Info 2008-08-12
Saturday, August 9, 2008
25 Airlines Down on 2008 as per IATA
A report in the International Herald Tribune says 25 airlines - three to four times the number that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) normally registers in a year – have failed in the past eight months and 17 have ceased operations altogether.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
New air links between Lanka and Bangladesh
The establishment of new air links between Sri Lanka and Dhaka was among the key items discussed between the Head of State and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed and President Mahinda Rajapaksa at bilateral talks at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.
The Bangladeshi leader, who commented favourably on the historical ties and friendship between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, recalled the story of the arrival of Prince Vijaya to Sri Lanka.
President Rajapaksa stated the continuing friendship between the two countries manifested the people to people relations between them, which were continuing to progress.
The Bangladeshi leader, who commented favourably on the historical ties and friendship between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, recalled the story of the arrival of Prince Vijaya to Sri Lanka.
President Rajapaksa stated the continuing friendship between the two countries manifested the people to people relations between them, which were continuing to progress.
It was agreed that with the envisaged new air links between the two countries would increase connectivity in many aspects, promote greater trade, investment and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The two leaders agreed that Sri Lanka-Bangladeshi relations were progressing well, especially with Sri Lankan investment in the garment sector and banking sectors in Bangladesh, and saw new opportunities for expanded trade links in the future.
The Bangladeshi leader appreciated the presence of large number of Sri Lankan medical students in Bangladesh.
President Rajapaksa thanked Bangladesh for the gift of a Hair Relic of the Buddha to Sri Lanka, and said this was worshipped by a large number of people on Full Moon Poya day.
The two leaders exchanged views on democratisation in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where President Rajapaksa referred to the new changes that have taken place in the East, with the liberation of the East from terror and the restoration of democracy there.
They also discussed the development of cricket which is a popular sport in both countries and saw in this the possibility for better sporting and friendly contact between people of the two countries.
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Higher Education Minister Prof. Wiswa Warnapala, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Bangladesh V. Krishnamoorthy, Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona, Treasury Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundara, Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath, Additional Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Prasad Kariyawasam and Coordinating Secretary to the President Sajin Vas Gunawardena.
The Bangladesh delegation comprised Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser Ali Imam Majunder, Shahdat Hossain - High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim, Director General (South Asia) Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Mahbub-uz-Zamanand, Director General (SAARC) Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Karzi Imitiaz Hossain.
Source: The Independent Dated: 2008-08-05
Bahrain Air set to operate seven flights to Bangladesh from Oct-08
Bahrain Air, one of the two national airlines of Bahrain, is set to operate weekly seven flights to Bangladesh from October this year."All preparations are afoot to start flights from October as declared earlier," said Abdul Kadir, chairman of Flight Link Ltd, the airline's General Sales Agents (GSA) for Bangladesh. There will be two flights from Dhaka and five from Chittagong to Bahrain every week, he added. "The frequency of the flight may rise in the context of the demand of the passengers," Kadir said.
Bahrain Air, the privately owned Premium Low Cost Carrier, is offering passengers the same price to travel to other destinations in the region besides Bahrain from Bangladesh. The one-way fare will be around Tk 20,000, Abdul Kadir said adding that any passenger can undertake onward journey to Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh or Bahrain at the same price. The Bangladeshis working in Bahrain are expected to avail this facility mostly. There are nearly 100,000 Bangladeshis now in Bahrain of whom the majority are from greater Chittagong. "Bangladeshis working in the entire Gulf and the Middle East region is our target," Flight Link Chairman said.
Bahrain Air is a joint venture of Bahrain and Saudi stakeholders. The airlines will operate A320 aircraft, all economy class, with a configuration of 180 seats.
When many local private airlines are struggling to remain in the market because of high fuel cost, Kadir said the A320 aircraft are highly economical as far as fuel consumption is concerned. He said the operating costs of wide bodied aircraft being used by Biman and other airlines are really high.
Regarding the recent problem with Bangladeshis living in Bahrain he said "the problem is over and for the last two weeks the Bahrain authorities resumed issuance of visa for Bangladeshis."
Source: The Financial Express Dated: 2008-08-05
Monday, July 28, 2008
On-arrival visa in Malaysia for Bangladeshis
From now on Bangladeshi nationals will be able to obtain Malaysian visa on arrival, a foreign ministry press release said.
The Malaysian authorities have drawn up a list of 27 countries whose citizens will be required to obtain visa prior to their departure for Malaysia.
"Bangladesh has been excluded from this list, whereas it includes many Saarc, Commonwealth and African countries," the press release said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in charge of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, said, "This is good news. However, all of us must be careful that we don't misuse this unique gesture by the friendly Malaysian government.”
The Malaysian authorities have drawn up a list of 27 countries whose citizens will be required to obtain visa prior to their departure for Malaysia.
"Bangladesh has been excluded from this list, whereas it includes many Saarc, Commonwealth and African countries," the press release said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in charge of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, said, "This is good news. However, all of us must be careful that we don't misuse this unique gesture by the friendly Malaysian government.”
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Best Air Flies to Colombo, Male
Best Air, the country's third private airliner, would start its direct flights on two new international routes --Colombo and Male-- from tomorrow (Monday). "This is for the first time in Bangladesh that a private airline has introduced direct flights to Colombo and Male," M Haider Uzzaman, Chairman of the Best Air, told a press briefing in Dhaka.
"Best Air would launch its direct flight between Dhaka-Colombo and Dhaka-Male from July 28," he said.
"We have already received the permission from Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority and we will start our operation ahead of the SAARC summit," Haider Uzzaman said.
"Initially the lone Boeing 737-200, already in operation on Dhaka-Bangkok route, will be pressed on Dhaka-Colombo and Colombo-Male routes," the Best Air chairman said.
Director of Administration and HR Group Captain (Retd) M Alamgir, Director of the Regulatory Affairs Ali Reza Khan, Head of Engineering Department Jalaluddin Ahmed and Director of Marketing and Sales Farhad Hossain were present at the press briefing.
Haider Uzzaman said several thousands of Sri Lankan citizens are now working at the country's export processing zones and ready-made garments in Bangladesh.
Besides, several hundreds of students of the country are studying at several educational institutions, including the University of Science and Technology of Chittagong.
"Since there are no direct flights between Dhaka and Colombo, they have to come to Bangladesh via Bangkok or Singapore. Best Air's direct flight between Dhaka and Colombo appears to be as a blessing for the expatriate Sri Lankans living in Bangladesh," he said.
The Best Air Chairman also said several thousands of Bangladeshi nationals are now working in different sectors of Maldives. The Dhaka-Male flight of the Best Air will carry great significance for these expatriate Bangladeshis," he observed.
Best Air will operate its direct flights between Zia International Airport of Dhaka and Bandarnayeke International Airport of Colombo on Friday and Monday every week. The two-way flights between Dhaka and Colombo will cost US$800, while the two-way flights between Dhaka and Male will cost US$860. The Best Air's aircraft will directly reach Colombo and then left Colombo for Male.
The carrier, which launched its operation on the domestic route in the mid-January this year with a single Boeing 737-200, launched its first international operations on Dhaka-Bangkok route a month earlier.
The carrier is going to start the second and third international flights at a time when airlines across the world are cutting down their flights in the face of higher fuel costs.
Best Aviation started its journey in 1999 as helicopter operator and then started its operation as a Freighter Airline in 2000. It obtained license in 2006 from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate passenger service in the international and domestic sectors. The company launched its passenger fleet with Boeing 737-200, which was the first in Bangladesh.
Best Air, one of the five local carriers, came to share a slice of about 8 per cent growth in aviation industry, started its operation on the country's busiest domestic Dhaka-Chittagong route on January 14 this year with a single Boeing 737-200, but suspended its flights later to avoid losses against the backdrop of poor traffic and rising fuel costs.
It operates flight to Bangkok four days a week with the same Boeing.
The Best Air has already got the permissions to operate flights to Kolkata, Chennai, Malaysia, Kunming, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait. The aviation industry in Bangladesh has marked a boom with the launch of three private airlines in the last one year. Yet another is set to start commercial flights next month.
Source: The New Nation Dated :27-07-2008
"Best Air would launch its direct flight between Dhaka-Colombo and Dhaka-Male from July 28," he said.
"We have already received the permission from Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority and we will start our operation ahead of the SAARC summit," Haider Uzzaman said.
"Initially the lone Boeing 737-200, already in operation on Dhaka-Bangkok route, will be pressed on Dhaka-Colombo and Colombo-Male routes," the Best Air chairman said.
Director of Administration and HR Group Captain (Retd) M Alamgir, Director of the Regulatory Affairs Ali Reza Khan, Head of Engineering Department Jalaluddin Ahmed and Director of Marketing and Sales Farhad Hossain were present at the press briefing.
Haider Uzzaman said several thousands of Sri Lankan citizens are now working at the country's export processing zones and ready-made garments in Bangladesh.
Besides, several hundreds of students of the country are studying at several educational institutions, including the University of Science and Technology of Chittagong.
"Since there are no direct flights between Dhaka and Colombo, they have to come to Bangladesh via Bangkok or Singapore. Best Air's direct flight between Dhaka and Colombo appears to be as a blessing for the expatriate Sri Lankans living in Bangladesh," he said.
The Best Air Chairman also said several thousands of Bangladeshi nationals are now working in different sectors of Maldives. The Dhaka-Male flight of the Best Air will carry great significance for these expatriate Bangladeshis," he observed.
Best Air will operate its direct flights between Zia International Airport of Dhaka and Bandarnayeke International Airport of Colombo on Friday and Monday every week. The two-way flights between Dhaka and Colombo will cost US$800, while the two-way flights between Dhaka and Male will cost US$860. The Best Air's aircraft will directly reach Colombo and then left Colombo for Male.
The carrier, which launched its operation on the domestic route in the mid-January this year with a single Boeing 737-200, launched its first international operations on Dhaka-Bangkok route a month earlier.
The carrier is going to start the second and third international flights at a time when airlines across the world are cutting down their flights in the face of higher fuel costs.
Best Aviation started its journey in 1999 as helicopter operator and then started its operation as a Freighter Airline in 2000. It obtained license in 2006 from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate passenger service in the international and domestic sectors. The company launched its passenger fleet with Boeing 737-200, which was the first in Bangladesh.
Best Air, one of the five local carriers, came to share a slice of about 8 per cent growth in aviation industry, started its operation on the country's busiest domestic Dhaka-Chittagong route on January 14 this year with a single Boeing 737-200, but suspended its flights later to avoid losses against the backdrop of poor traffic and rising fuel costs.
It operates flight to Bangkok four days a week with the same Boeing.
The Best Air has already got the permissions to operate flights to Kolkata, Chennai, Malaysia, Kunming, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait. The aviation industry in Bangladesh has marked a boom with the launch of three private airlines in the last one year. Yet another is set to start commercial flights next month.
Source: The New Nation Dated :27-07-2008
GMG may resume flights on suspended routes from next month
The GMG Airlines is working to resume flights from next month on some now-suspended international routes, an official said Saturday, reports UNB. The airline was forced to suspend flights to Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu and New Delhi after the price of jet fuel rose by 30 per cent last month.
GMG spokesman ATM Nazrul Islam told the news agency that a decision would come soon.
"Yes, we are thinking about the resumption of the suspended routes from next month," said the spokesman of the country's first and biggest private airline.
He said an evaluation committee was looking for the best possible options to restart the routes.
"The committee is examining the overall situation," he said.
Source: The financial Express Dated 27-07-2008
GMG spokesman ATM Nazrul Islam told the news agency that a decision would come soon.
"Yes, we are thinking about the resumption of the suspended routes from next month," said the spokesman of the country's first and biggest private airline.
He said an evaluation committee was looking for the best possible options to restart the routes.
"The committee is examining the overall situation," he said.
Source: The financial Express Dated 27-07-2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Earnings from Tourism Industry of Bangladesh
The foreign currency earnings from tourism and related services has largely been outstripped by money spent by Bangladeshi travellers abroad as revealed by a recent media report. Impressive growth in foreign tourist visits even could not hold back the real drain on foreign exchange earnings, official statistics suggest. The number of outbound Bangladeshi travellers has doubled in seven years and they spend more generously abroad than foreign tourists coming to our country. Foreign tourist arrival is growing, but at a slower pace than Bangladeshis going abroad. A study shows, about 1.13 lakh Bangladeshi travellers went abroad in 2000 and their number more than doubled to 2.33 lakh in 2007.
The outbound tourists spent Tk 1,072 crore in foreign exchange abroad in 2007 for tourism purposes. On the other hand, the country's earnings from tourism and related services was about Tk 526 crore in foreign currency. It is rather difficult to have accurate and authentic information on tourism once the national tourism authority comes into being. In fact, the overall growth in the tourism sector was impressive in 2007 despite political uncertainty and major natural disasters like floods and cyclone.
Domestic tourism also grew significantly with an increasing number of people travelling to different natural and archaeological sites, private tour operators say. Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata beach, the mangrove forest Sundarbans, archaeological sites and places and places of pilgrimage attracted most of travellers from both home and abroad. According to the global tourism body's index, Bangladesh ranks 120 out of 124 member countries. Efforts must
be there at all levels - private and public - to boost tourism as the World Tourism Organisation predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
Reported on The New Nation 2008-05-12
The outbound tourists spent Tk 1,072 crore in foreign exchange abroad in 2007 for tourism purposes. On the other hand, the country's earnings from tourism and related services was about Tk 526 crore in foreign currency. It is rather difficult to have accurate and authentic information on tourism once the national tourism authority comes into being. In fact, the overall growth in the tourism sector was impressive in 2007 despite political uncertainty and major natural disasters like floods and cyclone.
Domestic tourism also grew significantly with an increasing number of people travelling to different natural and archaeological sites, private tour operators say. Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata beach, the mangrove forest Sundarbans, archaeological sites and places and places of pilgrimage attracted most of travellers from both home and abroad. According to the global tourism body's index, Bangladesh ranks 120 out of 124 member countries. Efforts must
be there at all levels - private and public - to boost tourism as the World Tourism Organisation predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
Reported on The New Nation 2008-05-12
Best Air publishes in-flight Magazine
In a laudable move, Best Air, the second private airline to go international, has published in-flight magazine "Destination Bangladesh." Considering that Best Air is serving just one international destination at this moment, the airline's move to publish such an in-flight magazine is indeed praiseworthy. As the issue is on Pahela Baishakh, the cover features details of a traditional hand fan of Bangladesh while on the inside there are photos of a woman selling glass bangles as are on children having their face painted and drum cart toys. In the 'Chairman's Message' M. Haider Uzzaman, Chairman, Best Air speaks of his passion to deliver the best of service and invites the feedback from the passengers directly on his e-mail.
There are write-ups accompanied by photographs on Cox's Bazar titled 'The longest sea beach' with an appeal to vote to include it in the New7Wonders of Nature and 'Fly Bangkok' giving prominence to sights to visit in the Thai capital as well as including other useful information. Best Air Holidays promotes Hill Tracts Indigenous Culture Tour. Life Style includes tips on gizmos and beauty tips. Not to be overlooked is the 'Taste the Best of Thailand.
There are also sections Best Air SMS Alert for passengers, information on the airline, the aircraft and the addresses of its offices in Bangladesh and abroad. Though well-printed, the seat plan diagram needs an improvement.
Reported by The Independent -2008-07-22
There are write-ups accompanied by photographs on Cox's Bazar titled 'The longest sea beach' with an appeal to vote to include it in the New7Wonders of Nature and 'Fly Bangkok' giving prominence to sights to visit in the Thai capital as well as including other useful information. Best Air Holidays promotes Hill Tracts Indigenous Culture Tour. Life Style includes tips on gizmos and beauty tips. Not to be overlooked is the 'Taste the Best of Thailand.
There are also sections Best Air SMS Alert for passengers, information on the airline, the aircraft and the addresses of its offices in Bangladesh and abroad. Though well-printed, the seat plan diagram needs an improvement.
Reported by The Independent -2008-07-22
Kingfisher plans to operate Flights to Bangladesh
Kingfisher Airlines, a major private airline in India, is planning to launch its flights to Bangladesh by October this year, sources at the aviation industry said. It will initially operate its aircraft to two destinations in Bangladesh. Kingfisher has taken necessary preparations including hiring of local manpower to launch the flights from Kolkata to Dhaka and Chittagong said a senior official who is working with the local office at Banani in the city told the reporter last week. Kingfisher, a brand of United Breweries, mainly popular for liquor and beverage industry in India, launched its aviation business in India in 2005. Vijay Mullaya, UB Chairman and also a liquor baron in India, has around 55 aircraft mostly Airbus.
Local office sources said the Kingfisher airline is likely to operate two flights daily, one in the morning and another in the evening, between Kolkata and Dhaka from October. For the Kolkata-Chittagong route, Kingfisher has planned three flights a week. At present, Air India and India's another private sector airline Jet Air operate flights in Dhaka-Kolkata route. Besides, Indian government-owned Air India's economy carrier Air India Express announced that it would operate six flights a week from Dhaka to Kolkata from July 20. Among the Bangladeshi carriers, Biman Bangladesh, GMG Airlines operate flights between Kolkata and Dhaka while United Airways, a venture by UK-based expatriates, is going to fly to Kolkata from the end of this month.
Nazrul Islam, an official of private GMG Airlines, said operating of more Indian carriers in the routes might intensify competition but that would not be a threat for Bangladeshi airlines. 'If Bangladeshi airlines can ensure quality services for their passengers, no newcomer is a threat to them,' said the executive of GMG that has interline agreement with Kingfisher. Aviation industry people predicted that Kingfisher might have eye on the passengers who fly from Dhaka to middle-east and western destinations.
Source : The Independent 2008-07-22
Local office sources said the Kingfisher airline is likely to operate two flights daily, one in the morning and another in the evening, between Kolkata and Dhaka from October. For the Kolkata-Chittagong route, Kingfisher has planned three flights a week. At present, Air India and India's another private sector airline Jet Air operate flights in Dhaka-Kolkata route. Besides, Indian government-owned Air India's economy carrier Air India Express announced that it would operate six flights a week from Dhaka to Kolkata from July 20. Among the Bangladeshi carriers, Biman Bangladesh, GMG Airlines operate flights between Kolkata and Dhaka while United Airways, a venture by UK-based expatriates, is going to fly to Kolkata from the end of this month.
Nazrul Islam, an official of private GMG Airlines, said operating of more Indian carriers in the routes might intensify competition but that would not be a threat for Bangladeshi airlines. 'If Bangladeshi airlines can ensure quality services for their passengers, no newcomer is a threat to them,' said the executive of GMG that has interline agreement with Kingfisher. Aviation industry people predicted that Kingfisher might have eye on the passengers who fly from Dhaka to middle-east and western destinations.
Source : The Independent 2008-07-22
Ticket fraud by Emirate Airlines Alleged
A large number of innocent passengers are falling prey to subtle cheating of Emirate airlines and facing intolerable harassment and financial loss regularly.
Despite the complaints lodged by the sufferers, local office of the airlines ignored the sufferings of the passengers and did not take steps to ease their plight, it is alleged.
Tickets of most of the International airlines remain valid for six months to 12 months.
But the electronic tickets of the Emirate airlines remain valid for only one month to three months and nowhere it is mentioned.
As a result, many educated passengers also cannot understand the tickets.
A number of poor educated persons of Bangladesh fly by this UAE based airlines everyday.
A passenger of Emirates airlines M Sayed Azad recently incurred such financial loss. He bought a Dhaka-London route ticket. M Sayed Azad with the ticket (No. 1764749291364) of the Emirate airlines flew to London from Dhaka recently. Just after three months when he went to reconfirm the ticket for returning to Dhaka from London, he was told the time of the ticket had already expired. When Azad informed the Dhaka office of the matter, he was asked to buy another ticket to return, it is alleged.
Reported on The News today 2008-07-22
Despite the complaints lodged by the sufferers, local office of the airlines ignored the sufferings of the passengers and did not take steps to ease their plight, it is alleged.
Tickets of most of the International airlines remain valid for six months to 12 months.
But the electronic tickets of the Emirate airlines remain valid for only one month to three months and nowhere it is mentioned.
As a result, many educated passengers also cannot understand the tickets.
A number of poor educated persons of Bangladesh fly by this UAE based airlines everyday.
A passenger of Emirates airlines M Sayed Azad recently incurred such financial loss. He bought a Dhaka-London route ticket. M Sayed Azad with the ticket (No. 1764749291364) of the Emirate airlines flew to London from Dhaka recently. Just after three months when he went to reconfirm the ticket for returning to Dhaka from London, he was told the time of the ticket had already expired. When Azad informed the Dhaka office of the matter, he was asked to buy another ticket to return, it is alleged.
Reported on The News today 2008-07-22
Air India Express inaugural flight to Dhaka makes disastrous debut
The Kolkata-Dhaka service of Air India Express, the low-cost carrier of Air India, made a disastrous debut on Sunday with the inaugural flight carrying just one passenger to the Bangladesh capital.
And the 186-seater Boeing 737-800 arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport from Dhaka in the morning with only four passengers, according to The Telegraph.
"It took off from Calcutta (Kolkata) at 2:05pm with two passengers. One of them was making an onward journey from Bangkok," the newspaper quoted an immigration official as saying.
Md Moazzem Hussain, a 58-year-old Australian citizen, was the only passenger to board the flight from Kolkata. According to airline sources, there are very few bookings for the next two days.
A Boeing 737-800 aircraft burns around three tonne of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), which costs around Rs 2.4 lakh, for a round trip between Kolkata and Dhaka.
The flight will operate throughout the week, except Saturday, with a minimum fair of about Rs 3,000. It is an extension of the airline's services on the Singapore and Bangkok sectors.
"We expect the passenger load to increase soon," said an Air India Express official. "The travel agents were not informed. There was no awareness drive."
Industry watchers feel the Kokata-Dhaka route is currently not viable. Before Air India Express came in, Biman Bangladesh, Jet Airways and GMG Airlines shared around 300 seats daily. Less than half the seats are being filled up, said an airport official.
"Passengers coming for treatment to Kolkata and those taking flights to Southeast Asia are likely to avail themselves of the service," said an airline spokesperson.
Air India Express's inaugural flight to Singapore last October carried 28 passengers to the island state and returned with only two passengers. The low passenger count was blamed on delayed start to bookings.
"The passenger load to Singapore has picked up since then. The flights often go full," said an airline official.
Reported on - The Independent 2008-07-22
And the 186-seater Boeing 737-800 arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport from Dhaka in the morning with only four passengers, according to The Telegraph.
"It took off from Calcutta (Kolkata) at 2:05pm with two passengers. One of them was making an onward journey from Bangkok," the newspaper quoted an immigration official as saying.
Md Moazzem Hussain, a 58-year-old Australian citizen, was the only passenger to board the flight from Kolkata. According to airline sources, there are very few bookings for the next two days.
A Boeing 737-800 aircraft burns around three tonne of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), which costs around Rs 2.4 lakh, for a round trip between Kolkata and Dhaka.
The flight will operate throughout the week, except Saturday, with a minimum fair of about Rs 3,000. It is an extension of the airline's services on the Singapore and Bangkok sectors.
"We expect the passenger load to increase soon," said an Air India Express official. "The travel agents were not informed. There was no awareness drive."
Industry watchers feel the Kokata-Dhaka route is currently not viable. Before Air India Express came in, Biman Bangladesh, Jet Airways and GMG Airlines shared around 300 seats daily. Less than half the seats are being filled up, said an airport official.
"Passengers coming for treatment to Kolkata and those taking flights to Southeast Asia are likely to avail themselves of the service," said an airline spokesperson.
Air India Express's inaugural flight to Singapore last October carried 28 passengers to the island state and returned with only two passengers. The low passenger count was blamed on delayed start to bookings.
"The passenger load to Singapore has picked up since then. The flights often go full," said an airline official.
Reported on - The Independent 2008-07-22
Tourism income rises 13pc in 4 months in Bangladesh
Asif Showkat: Foreign exchange earning from tourists and other arrivals to Bangladesh in first four months of 2008 increased by 13.58 per cent over the same period last year.
January saw the biggest 33.55 jump in earnings from holidaymakers and business tourists over the year-ago period on the back of a surge in arrivals after the devastating cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007, tourism officials and operators said.
Earnings from tourism totalled Tk 232.15 crore in the January-April period this year, up from Tk 204.43 crore of the same period last year.
Tour operators attributed the growth to less or no hassle at the airport during the emergency rules, while tourism promotion officials took credit for it, saying their strengthened campaigns lured more globetrotters into Bangladesh.
Foreigners spent Tk 74.93 crore in foreign currencies in January 2008, compared with Tk 56.11 crore of the year-ago period.
The March figure was, however, down by 6.25 per cent from February earnings from foreign tourist arrivals.
Incomes from tourism were Tk 52.78 crore in March and Tk 45.94 crore in April, marking gradual declines from January peak.
Tourist arrivals marked significant rises over the years with about 2.89 lakh foreigners travelling to Bangladesh in 2007, up from about 2 lakh in 2006 and 2.07 lakh in 2005.
The increase was 135 per cent to 39,345 persons in January 2008, compared with January 2007 arrivals, officials said.
‘Increased number of aid workers and journalists toured Bangladesh during the weeks after the cyclone Sidr. Many of them had longer stay like for 15 or 30 days,’ an official said, analysing the tourist growth trend in the Sidr aftermaths.
A significant number of Chinese and Thai nationals also entered Bangladesh for jobs, especially in mobile phone companies, contributing to the growth in arrivals during the period, hospitality industry sources said.
If the planned ‘China town’ is built in the Dhaka city outskirts, more Chinese citizens will be arriving in Bangladesh in future for business purpose, they said.
‘Arrivals of foreign tourists in the country increased as the airport and immigration department are now free from harassment,’ said MA Muhaimin Saleh, president of Association of Travel Agents Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation chairman Shafique Alam Mehedi told New Age on Monday that the state-run promotion agency arranged several tourism fairs in different parts of the country throughout the year to attract more tourists.
Foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh were invited to those fairs so that they could project the country positively, he said.
Worldwide tourists’ movement reached 898 million in 2007, according to the World Tourism Organisation, which forecast that by 2010, international tourist arrivals would reach 1 billion annually.
Reported on New Age-2008-07-22
January saw the biggest 33.55 jump in earnings from holidaymakers and business tourists over the year-ago period on the back of a surge in arrivals after the devastating cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007, tourism officials and operators said.
Earnings from tourism totalled Tk 232.15 crore in the January-April period this year, up from Tk 204.43 crore of the same period last year.
Tour operators attributed the growth to less or no hassle at the airport during the emergency rules, while tourism promotion officials took credit for it, saying their strengthened campaigns lured more globetrotters into Bangladesh.
Foreigners spent Tk 74.93 crore in foreign currencies in January 2008, compared with Tk 56.11 crore of the year-ago period.
The March figure was, however, down by 6.25 per cent from February earnings from foreign tourist arrivals.
Incomes from tourism were Tk 52.78 crore in March and Tk 45.94 crore in April, marking gradual declines from January peak.
Tourist arrivals marked significant rises over the years with about 2.89 lakh foreigners travelling to Bangladesh in 2007, up from about 2 lakh in 2006 and 2.07 lakh in 2005.
The increase was 135 per cent to 39,345 persons in January 2008, compared with January 2007 arrivals, officials said.
‘Increased number of aid workers and journalists toured Bangladesh during the weeks after the cyclone Sidr. Many of them had longer stay like for 15 or 30 days,’ an official said, analysing the tourist growth trend in the Sidr aftermaths.
A significant number of Chinese and Thai nationals also entered Bangladesh for jobs, especially in mobile phone companies, contributing to the growth in arrivals during the period, hospitality industry sources said.
If the planned ‘China town’ is built in the Dhaka city outskirts, more Chinese citizens will be arriving in Bangladesh in future for business purpose, they said.
‘Arrivals of foreign tourists in the country increased as the airport and immigration department are now free from harassment,’ said MA Muhaimin Saleh, president of Association of Travel Agents Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation chairman Shafique Alam Mehedi told New Age on Monday that the state-run promotion agency arranged several tourism fairs in different parts of the country throughout the year to attract more tourists.
Foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh were invited to those fairs so that they could project the country positively, he said.
Worldwide tourists’ movement reached 898 million in 2007, according to the World Tourism Organisation, which forecast that by 2010, international tourist arrivals would reach 1 billion annually.
Reported on New Age-2008-07-22
Kingfisher Plans to Operate Flights to Bangladesh
Kingfisher Airlines, a major private airline in India, is planning to launch its flights to Bangladesh by October this year, sources at the aviation industry said. It will initially operate its aircraft to two destinations in Bangladesh. Kingfisher has taken necessary preparations including hiring of local manpower to launch the flights from Kolkata to Dhaka and Chittagong said a senior official who is working with the local office at Banani in the city told the reporter last week. Kingfisher, a brand of United Breweries, mainly popular for liquor and beverage industry in India, launched its aviation business in India in 2005. Vijay Mullaya, UB Chairman and also a liquor baron in India, has around 55 aircraft mostly Airbus. Local office sources said the Kingfisher airline is likely to operate two flights daily, one in the morning and another in the evening, between Kolkata and Dhaka from October. For the Kolkata-Chittagong route, Kingfisher has planned three flights a week. At present, Air India and India's another private sector airline Jet Air operate flights in Dhaka-Kolkata route. Besides,
Indian government-owned Air India's economy carrier Air India Express announced that it would operate six flights a week from Dhaka to Kolkata from July 20. Among the Bangladeshi carriers, Biman Bangladesh, GMG Airlines operate flights between Kolkata and Dhaka while United Airways, a venture by UK-based expatriates, is going to fly to Kolkata from the end of this month. Nazrul Islam, an official of private GMG Airlines, said operating of more Indian carriers in the routes might intensify competition but that would not be a threat for Bangladeshi airlines. 'If Bangladeshi airlines can ensure quality services for their passengers, no newcomer is a threat to them,' said the executive of GMG that has interline agreement with Kingfisher. Aviation industry people predicted that Kingfisher might have eye on the passengers who fly from Dhaka to middle-east and western destinations.
Reported on The Independent 2008-07-22
Indian government-owned Air India's economy carrier Air India Express announced that it would operate six flights a week from Dhaka to Kolkata from July 20. Among the Bangladeshi carriers, Biman Bangladesh, GMG Airlines operate flights between Kolkata and Dhaka while United Airways, a venture by UK-based expatriates, is going to fly to Kolkata from the end of this month. Nazrul Islam, an official of private GMG Airlines, said operating of more Indian carriers in the routes might intensify competition but that would not be a threat for Bangladeshi airlines. 'If Bangladeshi airlines can ensure quality services for their passengers, no newcomer is a threat to them,' said the executive of GMG that has interline agreement with Kingfisher. Aviation industry people predicted that Kingfisher might have eye on the passengers who fly from Dhaka to middle-east and western destinations.
Reported on The Independent 2008-07-22
Earnings from Tourism Industry of Bangladesh
The foreign currency earnings from tourism and related services has largely been outstripped by money spent by Bangladeshi travellers abroad as revealed by a recent media report. Impressive growth in foreign tourist visits even could not hold back the real drain on foreign exchange earnings, official statistics suggest. The number of outbound Bangladeshi travellers has doubled in seven years and they spend more generously abroad than foreign tourists coming to our country. Foreign tourist arrival is growing, but at a slower pace than Bangladeshis going abroad. A study shows, about 1.13 lakh Bangladeshi travellers went abroad in 2000 and their number more than doubled to 2.33 lakh in 2007.
The outbound tourists spent Tk 1,072 crore in foreign exchange abroad in 2007 for tourism purposes. On the other hand, the country's earnings from tourism and related services was about Tk 526 crore in foreign currency. It is rather difficult to have accurate and authentic information on tourism once the national tourism authority comes into being. In fact, the overall growth in the tourism sector was impressive in 2007 despite political uncertainty and major natural disasters like floods and cyclone.
Domestic tourism also grew significantly with an increasing number of people travelling to different natural and archaeological sites, private tour operators say. Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata beach, the mangrove forest Sundarbans, archaeological sites and places and places of pilgrimage attracted most of travellers from both home and abroad. According to the global tourism body's index, Bangladesh ranks 120 out of 124 member countries. Efforts must
be there at all levels - private and public - to boost tourism as the World Tourism Organisation predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
Reported on The New Nation 2008-05-12
The outbound tourists spent Tk 1,072 crore in foreign exchange abroad in 2007 for tourism purposes. On the other hand, the country's earnings from tourism and related services was about Tk 526 crore in foreign currency. It is rather difficult to have accurate and authentic information on tourism once the national tourism authority comes into being. In fact, the overall growth in the tourism sector was impressive in 2007 despite political uncertainty and major natural disasters like floods and cyclone.
Domestic tourism also grew significantly with an increasing number of people travelling to different natural and archaeological sites, private tour operators say. Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, St. Martin's Island, Kuakata beach, the mangrove forest Sundarbans, archaeological sites and places and places of pilgrimage attracted most of travellers from both home and abroad. According to the global tourism body's index, Bangladesh ranks 120 out of 124 member countries. Efforts must
be there at all levels - private and public - to boost tourism as the World Tourism Organisation predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010 and 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
Reported on The New Nation 2008-05-12
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Bahrain Air Announces Kochi-Jeddah Flights
Kochi: Low-cost carrier Bahrain Air on Saturday announced the launch of a new flight between Kochi and Jeddah from Wednesday.
Kochi would be the carrier's first destination in the Indian sub-continent and the service will operate bi-weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays with an Airbus A-320 aircraft, an airline statement said.
Bahrain Air will offer attractive fares and a one-way ticket, inclusive of taxes, will cost Rs 11,800, at least 40 per cent lower than what other airlines offer, the statement said.
The new service is expected to come as a boon to thousands of Kerala residents working in Bahrain and Jeddah.
Reported on The Economic Times 2008-07-19
Kochi would be the carrier's first destination in the Indian sub-continent and the service will operate bi-weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays with an Airbus A-320 aircraft, an airline statement said.
Bahrain Air will offer attractive fares and a one-way ticket, inclusive of taxes, will cost Rs 11,800, at least 40 per cent lower than what other airlines offer, the statement said.
The new service is expected to come as a boon to thousands of Kerala residents working in Bahrain and Jeddah.
Reported on The Economic Times 2008-07-19
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Best Air to fly on Dhaka-Colombo route from 28-July 2008
Best Air, the country's third private airline, will start flying on Dhaka-Colombo route ahead of Saarc summit from July 28 to carry passengers from Bangladesh.
“We have got the permission of Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority this afternoon and will start our operation from July 28,” Best Air spokesperson Tito Siddique told the news agency yesterday.
Initially, the lone Boeing 737-200, already in operation on Dhaka-Bangkok route, will fly on the Dhaka- Colombo route.
“As two of our leased aircrafts are in the pipeline, we have to use our Boeing for this route also,” Tito Siddique said.
The airline got permission to operate seven flights a week, but remains undecided on how many flights they will operate per week at the initial stage.
Two aircrafts, MD-83 and ERJ-145, will be added to the fleet of Best Air to fly on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka-Dubai and Dhaka-Kolkata routes.
The 162-seat MD-83 will fly on Kuala Lumpur and Dubai routes, while the 50-seat ERJ-145 will fly on Dhaka-Chittagong, Dhaka-Kolkata and Dhaka-Bangkok routes. Both the aircrafts will be brought under dry lease system.
Best Air has already got permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to operate four flights a week on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur route.
Negotiations, which are at the final stage, are on with the Malaysian Civil Aviation Authority.
Best Aviation started its journey in 1999 as a helicopter operator followed by its operation as a Freight Airline in 2000. It obtained license in 2006 from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate passenger services on the international and domestic routes. The company launched its passenger fleet with Boeing 737-200, which was the first to arrive in Bangladesh.
The airline started its operation on the country's busiest Dhaka-Chittagong route on January 14 this year with the Boeing 737-200. It operates flight to Bangkok four days a week with the same aircraft.
The aviation industry in Bangladesh has witnessed a boom with the launch of three private airlines in last one year. Yet, another is set to start commercial flights next month.
The industry is growing at 7.5 to 8 percent a year, while the market size is worth around Tk 3,500 crore, according to private operators.
“We have got the permission of Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority this afternoon and will start our operation from July 28,” Best Air spokesperson Tito Siddique told the news agency yesterday.
Initially, the lone Boeing 737-200, already in operation on Dhaka-Bangkok route, will fly on the Dhaka- Colombo route.
“As two of our leased aircrafts are in the pipeline, we have to use our Boeing for this route also,” Tito Siddique said.
The airline got permission to operate seven flights a week, but remains undecided on how many flights they will operate per week at the initial stage.
Two aircrafts, MD-83 and ERJ-145, will be added to the fleet of Best Air to fly on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka-Dubai and Dhaka-Kolkata routes.
The 162-seat MD-83 will fly on Kuala Lumpur and Dubai routes, while the 50-seat ERJ-145 will fly on Dhaka-Chittagong, Dhaka-Kolkata and Dhaka-Bangkok routes. Both the aircrafts will be brought under dry lease system.
Best Air has already got permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to operate four flights a week on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur route.
Negotiations, which are at the final stage, are on with the Malaysian Civil Aviation Authority.
Best Aviation started its journey in 1999 as a helicopter operator followed by its operation as a Freight Airline in 2000. It obtained license in 2006 from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate passenger services on the international and domestic routes. The company launched its passenger fleet with Boeing 737-200, which was the first to arrive in Bangladesh.
The airline started its operation on the country's busiest Dhaka-Chittagong route on January 14 this year with the Boeing 737-200. It operates flight to Bangkok four days a week with the same aircraft.
The aviation industry in Bangladesh has witnessed a boom with the launch of three private airlines in last one year. Yet, another is set to start commercial flights next month.
The industry is growing at 7.5 to 8 percent a year, while the market size is worth around Tk 3,500 crore, according to private operators.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Air India Express to launch Dhaka-Kolkata Flights on 20th July 2008
Air India Express, an Indian government owned airlines, will launch six flights a week from Dhaka to Kolkata with effect from 20th July. S.R.Premkumar, Country Manager of Air India Express, Bangladesh announced it at a press conference at Sheraton Hotel in the capital on Sunday 13-July-2008."Besides lower fares, an important feature of Air India Express is the internet based reservations system. Interested persons may visit www.airindiaexpress.in for reservation and information. This system is very customer-friendly and passengers can make reservations from home, offices or through appointed travel agents. Passengers have access to fares and availability of seats, which makes it an extremely transparent system." said Premkuar while addressing the press.
He also said the flights will arrive in Dhaka at 04:15 hrs (Local Time) and depart for Kolkata at 05:50 hrs (LT), reaching Kolkata 06:00 hrs (LT), adding, the flights will offer convenient connections to Bangkok and Singapore. Flights to Bangkok will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Passengers will arrive in Bangkok at 11.00 hrs (LT), he also added.
He mentioned that the flights will also offer convenient connections to Singapore, operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving at Singapore at 13.30 hrs (LT). Additionally there will also be one direct flight weekly to Mumbai, on Fridays, departing at 19.30 hrs and arriving at 21.50 hrs (LT). He also mentioned that Dhaka is the 14th international destination of Air India Express, which like all other destinations will be served with state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
"In keeping with its objective to provide convenient connectivity on the short haul routes at affordable prices, Air India Express fleet has a single, economy class configuration," he said. He also said Air India Express serves its passengers snacks and a soft drink in pre-packed boxes. While tea/coffee and drinking water are served complimentary, alcoholic drinks are sold at a nominal price. An important feature of the schedule is the convenient timings offered as a result of standardisation of flight departures, he added.
"The tail designs are an innovative and novel feature of the Air India Express aircraft. These tail designs depict different facets of traditional and contemporary India which represent the heritage values and ethos of the country," he said. He informed that with the induction of the new flights, Air India Express will now have 164 weekly International/Domestic Flights between 14 Indian cities, viz, Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Trichy, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Delhi, Amritsar and Hyderabad and 14 International stations viz Dhaka, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Al Ain, Salalah, Bahrain, Doha, Colombo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok on the network, which include the new flights introduced to Kuwait from Kozhikode, Kochi and Mangalore from July 14, 2008.
Staff Correspondent Ppublished on The Bangladesh Today dated 14 July-2008
He also said the flights will arrive in Dhaka at 04:15 hrs (Local Time) and depart for Kolkata at 05:50 hrs (LT), reaching Kolkata 06:00 hrs (LT), adding, the flights will offer convenient connections to Bangkok and Singapore. Flights to Bangkok will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Passengers will arrive in Bangkok at 11.00 hrs (LT), he also added.
He mentioned that the flights will also offer convenient connections to Singapore, operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving at Singapore at 13.30 hrs (LT). Additionally there will also be one direct flight weekly to Mumbai, on Fridays, departing at 19.30 hrs and arriving at 21.50 hrs (LT). He also mentioned that Dhaka is the 14th international destination of Air India Express, which like all other destinations will be served with state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
"In keeping with its objective to provide convenient connectivity on the short haul routes at affordable prices, Air India Express fleet has a single, economy class configuration," he said. He also said Air India Express serves its passengers snacks and a soft drink in pre-packed boxes. While tea/coffee and drinking water are served complimentary, alcoholic drinks are sold at a nominal price. An important feature of the schedule is the convenient timings offered as a result of standardisation of flight departures, he added.
"The tail designs are an innovative and novel feature of the Air India Express aircraft. These tail designs depict different facets of traditional and contemporary India which represent the heritage values and ethos of the country," he said. He informed that with the induction of the new flights, Air India Express will now have 164 weekly International/Domestic Flights between 14 Indian cities, viz, Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Trichy, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Delhi, Amritsar and Hyderabad and 14 International stations viz Dhaka, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Al Ain, Salalah, Bahrain, Doha, Colombo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok on the network, which include the new flights introduced to Kuwait from Kozhikode, Kochi and Mangalore from July 14, 2008.
Staff Correspondent Ppublished on The Bangladesh Today dated 14 July-2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
About Airlines Update of Bangladesh Aviation Market
I am working with this aviation industries for last 11 Years. Presently I have decided to collect updates to publish on my BLOG.
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