Manchester Airport to start direct flights to Bangladesh

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is starting a direct service to Dhaka from Manchester this winter.

It will be Manchester Airport's longest direct route at more than 10 hours.

Tickets for the twice-weekly service are on sale now ahead of the inaugural flight on November 2.

Mohammed Salahuddin, regional manager for Northern UK at the airline, described the service as a "dream come true" for the large Bangladeshi community in the North.

He said: "I hope Biman will fulfil the expectations of the British Bangladeshi community in the North by providing a quality product, with its new generation of modern aircraft and an improved ground and in-flight service.

"We're looking to provide a better schedule regularity and ensure the highest standards of safety. By adding Manchester into its network, Biman has put itself firmly in the competition in the North, which has long been favoured by other airlines. We will be the only airline to operate non-stop flights between UK and Bangladesh from the 2nd November 2011."

The airline – Bangladesh's national flag carrier – is investing £900m in nine Boeing aircraft as part of a global expansion plan. A Boeing B777-300ER will operate the service with 35 business class seats and 384 economy.

Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport's managing director, said: "Biman are injecting growth into their business and we are proud to have the first of many new aircraft operating from Manchester. We believe the two-class cabin will help to attract business to both Manchester and Dhaka and help bring new trade opportunities between the two cities."