One does not need to be a seasoned aviation expert to understand that a 16-hour direct flight from Dhaka to Toronto requires compromises to passenger capacity to carry enough fuel for the trip, which makes them less commercially viable. The authorities of Biman Bangladesh Airlines appear to have finally reached the same conclusion after several months of insisting on direct flights.
Prior to deciding that a stopover in Manchester was the best way to make Dhaka-Toronto flights viable, dozens of government officials, some with families in tow, travelled to Toronto for free on a “test flight.”
Why Manchester?
According to the new stopover plan, technical landing facilities at Manchester will cost Tk5.5 crore per round trip. Local aviation experts had suggested a stopover in an Asian country instead, as it would be cheaper.
Biman formed a four-member committee, led by Biman Director (Flight Operations) Capt ABM Ismail, to conduct the feasibility on the Dhaka-Toronto route. According to the committee, Manchester was chosen for the stopover as it is a major city with a rich industrial heritage in the northwest of England, and it is home to over 100,000 Bangladeshi expatriates.
Manchester can also double up as a connection point for flights to New York. Biman will get further advantage as it has already operated flights to Manchester.
The committee also recommended Manchester because of favourable weather patterns and ease of getting flight slots in the morning and afternoon.
A Biman insider said: “We had to choose Manchester for the stopover, due to operational risk and lack of insurance guarantees at other stops.”
The insider also said Biman is in discussions with Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) over approval for the fifth freedom. In air travel, the fifth freedom refers to a passenger's right to travel between two countries on a route without being compelled to go to the end destination. For example, it would allow passengers to travel between Dhaka and Manchester without being compelled to travel on to Toronto.
If the TCCA approves the fifth freedom facility for Biman, the airline will potentially be able to increase passenger traffic to Manchester by carrying people from other countries that do not have direct flights to England, making the route more commercially viable, the source added.
The airline targets carrying at least 1,500 passengers a week and 6,000 each month on the route using one of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The Dreamliner has a total 298 seats, including 30 in business class, 21 in premium economy class, and 247 in economy class.
Biman must improve passenger services
Experts said Biman will face several challenges once it begins commercial flights on the route.
Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said the national carrier will struggle to get enough passengers for daily flights, as its services are still substandard compared to international airlines.
“Biman will have to improve their onboard passenger services, including the appointment of well-trained staff to manage European passengers. Aircraft staff must be able to bridge the cultural gap with passengers to serve them efficiently and properly,” he said.
Former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam told Dhaka Tribune: " Everything depends on the Biman management and marketing policy. They need this to make the route viable.”
Biman temporarily suspended the Dhaka-Manchester route in September 2012 due to a shortage of aircraft. The airlines resumed flights to Manchester on January 5, 2020, but they were suspended again in March the same year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The flights to Manchester once again resumed on December 25 last year.
