Another destination for the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines is likely to be Tokyo with the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan next month.
Besides, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan will also be strengthened following the prime minister’s visit.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki came up with such optimism at a programme organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit Japan before the end of this year. During her visit, we are optimistic that bilateral relationship will get a new dimension and flight operations from Bangladesh will also resume as Japan will remove restrictions on tourists.
It was learnt that Japan has given green signal to Bangladesh to operate flights. This means, Biman will be able to carry passengers from any middle point while operating flights on Dhaka to Tokyo, Narita routes.
The Japanese government has already given permission to Bangladesh to operate flights. But due to the pandemic restrictions it remained closed. However, as Japan is likely to lift restrictions, now it will be a good chance for us, said industry insiders adding that it will help increase communication with other regions of the Pacific and Asia.
Biman now has at least 10 long-haul aircraft in its fleet, but due to lack of routes,its aircraft are sitting idle for a long time. These include six Boeing 787 and four Boeing 777 model aircraft. Each of them is capable of flying for 16 hours continuously.
So far, long distance flights of Biman were operating only on the London route. It was also added to the list of long-haul routes after the start of flights to Toronto.
Direct flight from Dhaka to Narita takes about 8 and a half hour. It will also be a long-haul route for the Biman aircraft.
