Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set for a new challenge on international routes from privately owned GMG Airlines, which is preparing to order three Boeing 777-300ERs and three Boeing 787-9s.
GMG managing director Shahab Sattar says the carrier is finalising a deal with Boeing for the six aircraft, for delivery from 2013.
GMG's plans have been revealed as Biman has just inked a memorandum of understanding to order four 777-300ERs and four 787-8s, also for delivery from 2013.
GMG is Bangladesh's largest privately owned airline. It launched services in 1998 and primarily operated domestically using Bombardier Dash 8s until 2006, when it embarked on an aggressive international expansion using Boeing MD-82s to points in India, Nepal and South-East Asia.
An even more ambitious international strategy is now planned and Sattar says that in April it plans to start serving Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Muscat. It later plans to extend Middle East services to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
GMG is also looking to serve Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as destinations in Europe, such as Amsterdam, London, Paris and Rome.
It recently began serving Dubai using a wet-leased Boeing 747-300. A second 747-300 is due to arrive on 15 April and the carrier also hopes to add two leased Boeing 767s later this year.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
