Dhaka: The government has launched a series of strategic measures aimed at transforming Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited into a more profitable and internationally competitive entity, as highlighted by Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Afroza Khanam addressed the Jatiya Sangsad in response to a query from ruling party lawmaker Sarwar Jamal Nizam (Chattogram-13). She emphasized that Biman, while already a profitable organization, has room for improvement in operational efficiency and management to reach global standards. The airline currently operates its own flights and provides ground handling services to both domestic and international carriers. A significant challenge for Biman is its limited fleet size, which the Minister identified as crucial for enhancing revenue and achieving long-term profitability. To address this, the government has initiated a 'Network and Fleet Plan' to introduce new aircraft while phasing out older model s. In the short term, aircraft are being leased to sustain and expand operations. The government's commitment extends to improving passenger services, aligned with their election manifesto promises. Measures include upgrading flight operations and ground services, with an emphasis on staff behavior and monitoring. The recent implementation of an online ticketing system has also reduced passenger difficulties in obtaining tickets. Despite its limited fleet, Biman has achieved approximately 80 percent On-Time Performance (OTP) for both international and domestic flights, signaling ongoing efforts to enhance service reliability and customer satisfaction.
