Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines has called upon Boeing to dispatch engineers for a month-long collaboration to evaluate the safety standards of its Boeing-dominated fleet, following a month marked by technical issues. "We have asked Boeing to send at least two engineers to work with our engineering team for one month," Biman's Managing Director and CEO Dr. Shafiqur Rahman informed BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CEO has already communicated with Boeing's South Asia office in New Delhi to express concerns over the technical glitches. Rahman emphasized the dedication of Biman's engineering team and expressed confidence that Boeing's engineers would provide valuable support.
The national carrier has initiated several immediate and long-term strategies to enhance safety standards, ensure accountability, and improve operational reliability. A high-powered four-member investigation committee has been established to thoroughly examine the technical issues reported between July 1 and August 13.
The committee is tasked with reviewing maintenance records and operational processes on a flight-by-flight basis, identifying root causes, and determining responsibility in case of any negligence. The investigation findings are expected within 10 working days, along with recommendations to prevent similar occurrences.
In response to the recent incidents, including a malfunction of the toilet flush on a Dhaka-Abu Dhabi flight, changes in personnel management have been enacted to ensure accountability. Two officials have been transferred, disciplinary action has been taken against one engineering officer, and a show-cause notice has been issued to another in Chattogram.
To bolster technical capacity, Biman has made arrangements to stock additional aircraft wheels at key outstations such as Jeddah, Dubai, Madinah, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah for prompt replacements during emergencies. Procurement orders for additional wheels have also been placed.
An inquiry into the tire burst incident in Jeddah is underway under the supervision of the Director (Flight Operations). Meanwhile, direct supervision of maintenance activities is being reinforced by the Director (Engineering and Material Management) and Chief Engineers.
A special night maintenance shift has been introduced from August 18 to strengthen continuous monitoring. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of Biman's inventory management system is in progress, including discussions with Boeing on updating the Component Services Program (CSP) list and reassessing the Recommended Spare Parts List (RSPL).
Tailored Part Packages (TPP) are being reviewed to ensure procurement aligns with actual usage data. Recurrent training for engineers has commenced, and the recruitment of new apprentice mechanics has started as part of long-term capacity building to enhance in-house expertise and technical manpower, Biman officials stated.