HSIA third terminal: Biman commissions 32 new ground support equipment worth Tk54cr
Biman chairman said the airline will be fully prepared to provide ground handling services before the third terminal becomes fully operational
The Biman Bangladesh Airlines has added 32 new ground support equipment worth Tk54 crore to enhance ground handling services at Dhaka Airport's newly built third terminal.
The commissioning of this equipment took place today (5 MArch) at Biman's Ground Support Equipment (GSE) division at Dhaka Airport, reads a Biman press statement.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Biman Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury said, "Biman will be fully prepared to provide ground handling services before the third terminal becomes fully operational."
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"Biman has the full capacity to serve its clients and passengers. That is why it has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing ground handling services at Dhaka Airport for the next two years," he added.
He urged journalists to highlight Biman's shortcomings so that the authorities can take necessary actions.
The new ground support equipment include: two advanced aircraft container pallet loaders from Oshkosh, USA; Twelve aircraft container pallet transporters and nine belt loaders from TLD, France; two aircraft air conditioning units with a capacity of 115 tons and five units of 65 tons, manufactured by TLD, USA; Two air start units from Guinault, France.
With the latest addition of equipment to its GSE fleet, Biman has taken another significant step in strengthening its ground handling capabilities for the newly constructed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, says the authority.
Continuous Expansion of the GSE Fleet
As part of its ongoing fleet expansion, Biman has recently added 43 new pieces of ground support equipment for Tk35 crore, including four forklifts, five modern passenger coaches, eighteen tow tractors, six belt loaders, two pushback tow tractors, and eight ground power units
Shortly, the fleet will be further expanded with six aircraft passenger steps, four push carts, and four advanced ambulifts, the airline said.
Additionally, 14 aircraft container pallet loaders, four portable water carts, six flush carts, and 250 baggage trolleys are in the procurement process. These will be added within the next six months, further strengthening the GSE fleet and contributing significantly to Biman's revenue generation.
The authorities also announced plans to procure additional equipment over time. Alongside these expansions, 193 new personnel are being recruited, including 20 assistant managers, 81 GSE operators, and 71 mechanics/electricians.
By acquiring new ground support equipment, recruiting skilled personnel, and providing
necessary training, Biman is committed to maintaining high standards in ground handling operations.
Among others, Air Vice Marshal Md. Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of Biman, were present at the event.
