The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

A wide-bodied aircraft of the GMG Airlines left Zia International Airport yesterday for Dubai as the first private sector airline to have flown to the Middle East in the country's aviation history.

A Boeing 747 passenger aircraft left Dhaka with 543 passengers. The flight with full capacity made the maiden voyage.

"First Class Service All The Way," Managing Director of GMG Airlines Shahab Sattar reminded all staff and crew members of GMG airlines, which was set as the company goal 10 years ago.

"We have entered into airlines business to provide world class service to our valued passengers. It has to be maintained under

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any circumstances," said the MD of GMG Airlines while addressing the inauguration ceremony of GMG flight on Dhaka-Dubai route.

He urged the Government to continue its support to private sector airlines and expected level playing field for business. "We don't want any financial support from the Government, but need level playing field to compete with foreign airlines," he added.

Another Boeing 747 luxurious aircraft will be added to this elite fleet by April 2008, he informed. With the addition, we expect to extend the route to Muscat, Doha, Kuwait City and Karachi, he further added.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Mahbub Jamil congratulated GMG airlines for their achievements and asked to ensure timeliness in flights and friendly service on board.

"I have only two demands to the GMG airlines. Firstly, mention strict flight schedule and secondly, ensure on board friendly behaviour to all passengers," said Mahbub Jamil.

"If the airline service meets these, there would be no shortage of passengers in your flight," he assured.

Ambassador of UAE to Bangladesh Khalfan Battan, Secretary Ministry of Civil Aviation Sheikh Altaf Ali, Chairman GMG Airlines Abdus Sattar Noori were also present on the occasion.