Biman to lease new aircraft as purchase impossible before 2031: MD
Shafiqur noted that Biman is also unable to launch new routes due to the ongoing aircraft shortage
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has initiated the process to lease at least two aircraft within the next few months as global plane manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing will not be able to deliver new aircraft before 2031, said the national flag carrier's Managing Director and CEO Md Shafiqur Rahman today (26 June).
"Both Boeing and Airbus have submitted proposals to sell new aircraft to Biman. Our techno-financial committee is currently evaluating their offers. However, they will not be able to deliver any new aircraft before 2031," he said.
Shafiqur made the remarks while speaking to reporters in response to a question during a workshop on the Right to Information Act organised by Biman at its head office in the capital.
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"We need aircraft to meet our current passenger demand. That's why we have decided to connect directly with aircraft lessors," he added.
Shafiqur noted that Biman is also unable to launch new routes due to the ongoing aircraft shortage.
He also announced that the flights on the Dhaka-Narita route will be suspended from 1 July as it is not financially viable.
Additionally, he discussed Biman's plans for ground handling operations at the third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, launching international flights from Cox's Bazar Airport, and steps being taken to curb mismanagement and corruption.
Regarding the wheel detaching from a Biman flight from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka shortly after take-off, Group Captain Md Monzur-E-Alam, director of the Engineering & Material Management department, said that was a material failure, not a human error.
"The wheel's bearing had broken. No negligence was found on anyone's part in this case. The manufacturers themselves have also investigated," he said.
He further mentioned that the reason for the material failure would be known after receiving the wheel manufacturer's report.
A Biman flight travelling from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka lost a wheel during takeoff but managed to land safely at the Dhaka airport on 16 May, with 71 passengers on board.
When asked about recent sexual harassment allegations against Biman staff, Md Rashedul Karim, director of Customer Services, said actions are being taken against the accused, pending investigation.
