Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam announced on Wednesday the potential for Biman Bangladesh Airlines to elevate itself to international standards by boosting operational activities and enhancing management practices. This statement was made in response to a question posed by Sarwar Jamal Nizam, a ruling party lawmaker from Chattogram-13, during a parliamentary session.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Minister highlighted the dual role of Biman Bangladesh Airlines in operating flights and providing ground handling services for domestic and foreign airlines. However, she acknowledged the airline's current challenge of having a limited number of aircraft, which she emphasized needs urgent resolution. To address this, plans are in motion to introduce new aircraft into Biman's fleet, thereby increasing revenue and steering the airline towards profitability.
Minister Khanam detailed Biman's 'Network and Fleet Plan', which includes steps to both add new aircraft and phase out older ones. She noted that the process of acquiring aircraft on a lease basis is underway as a precursor to expanding the fleet. The Minister also clarified that there is no evidence of irregularities or corruption related to aircraft purchases during the Awami League's governance.
In response to a written inquiry from BNP lawmaker Md. Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswas from Pabna 5, Minister Khanam outlined the Awami League government's agreements to procure new aircraft for Biman from the fiscal years 2008-2009 through 2024-2025. Notably, on August 1, 2018, a Government-to-Government agreement was signed with the Canadian Commercial Corporation to buy three Dash8-400 aircraft, which were integrated into the fleet between November 2020 and February 2021. Additionally, a purchase agreement was concluded with Boeing on October 31, 2019, for two 787-9 passenger aircraft, added to the fleet in December 2019.
The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing passenger service as pledged in the election manifesto. Initiatives have been undertaken to improve flight operations and ground handling services, alongside fostering behavioral changes among employees and ensuring stringent supervision. Furthermore, the introduction of an online ticketing system has significantly reduced passenger harassment in ticket procurement.
Despite the current aircraft shortage, Biman is working towards achieving high On Time Performance (OTP), with an 80% OTP already realized in both international and domestic flights.