Biman Bangladesh Airlines Acquires two Bombardier Q400 NextGen Turboprops from Egypt's Smart Aviation

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 23, 2015) - Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today welcomed Biman Bangladesh Airlines ("Biman"), the national flag carrier airline of Bangladesh to the family of Q400 aircraft operators following confirmation that it has signed an agreement with Smart Aviation Company of Cairo, Egypt for the lease of two Q400 NextGen turboprops.

"With Bangladesh's aviation sector experiencing an eight per cent annual growth rate, the Q400 NextGen aircraft will provide reliable, comfortable and affordable air connectivity to a number of destinations in Bangladesh," said Kyle Haywood, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Biman. "This agreement represents another important step in our growth journey and fleet modernization program, and we are confident that the Q400 NextGen turboprop will be a key asset in helping Biman offer a high level of service to Bangladesh nationals and visitors alike."

"We congratulate both Biman and Smart Aviation for finalizing this milestone agreement that will see the Q400 aircraft enter yet another strategic market and we are very pleased to welcome Biman, Bangladesh's national carrier, as the latest Q400 NextGen turboprop carrier that will utilize the aircraft to develop its domestic and regional network," said Andy Solem, Vice President, Sales, China and Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "With its superb economics and operational flexibility, the Q400 NextGen turboprop will allow Biman to expand its network, connecting more passengers to key cities within Bangladesh and neighboring countries."

While Biman's main hub is located at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, it also operates flights from its secondary hubs at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. The airline provides international passenger and cargo services to Asia and Europe, as well as major domestic routes inside Bangladesh. Biman has air service agreements with 42 countries and currently flies to 16 different countries.

About Q400 NextGen aircraft

Optimized for short-haul operations and capable of seating up to 86 passengers, the Q400 NextGen aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop. It provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort and operating economics with a reduced environmental footprint.