Foreign companies have been asked to submit proposals to operate ground handling services at the country’s three international airports, Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon has said.
On an average, about 100 international flights from 18 countries and 50 flights of four domestic airliners are being handled at the Dhaka airport every day.
Most international airports appoint more than one agent for ground handling to ensure quality services.
However, in Bangladesh, the national flag carrier Biman is tasked with the services.
On Oct 21, the government decided to appoint more agents for ground handling services at the international airports.
“The decision is almost final. Things like inviting for tenders will start now,” MP Faruk Khan, who heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, told the media at that time.
Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon told bdnews24.com on Sunday that they have already advertised asking for proposals. “We will discuss the matter with the Civil Aviation Authority and Biman soon.”
The government’s move aims for joint management of ground handling services between Biman and foreign agents.
“The issue of partnership will depend on the negotiations with organisations who bid for the job and we will try to get them to serve our interest the best,” said Menon.
Foreign airlines have been long demanding appointment of more than one handling agents as Biman reportedly lacks trained manpower and modern equipment needed for the task.
The demand gained momentum after the 2013 strike by Biman employees during which ground operations at Shahjalal airport were stopped for nearly five hours.
Most international airports appoint more than one agent for ground handling to ensure quality services.
However, in Bangladesh, the national flag carrier Biman is tasked with the services.
On Oct 21, the government decided to appoint more agents for ground handling services at the international airports.
“The decision is almost final. Things like inviting for tenders will start now,” MP Faruk Khan, who heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, told the media at that time.
Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon told bdnews24.com on Sunday that they have already advertised asking for proposals. “We will discuss the matter with the Civil Aviation Authority and Biman soon.”
The government’s move aims for joint management of ground handling services between Biman and foreign agents.
“The issue of partnership will depend on the negotiations with organisations who bid for the job and we will try to get them to serve our interest the best,” said Menon.
Foreign airlines have been long demanding appointment of more than one handling agents as Biman reportedly lacks trained manpower and modern equipment needed for the task.
The demand gained momentum after the 2013 strike by Biman employees during which ground operations at Shahjalal airport were stopped for nearly five hours.
At that time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh wrote to the ministry, asking for appointment of an alternative handling agent.
The civil aviation minister, however, said he thinks Biman employees will not obstruct the process.
“I do not think the CBA (collective bargaining agent) will be a problem. The real problem lies within Biman’s management,” said Menon.
In 2012-13 fiscal the national flag carrier earned around Tk 5 billion alone from ground handling sector.
An independent company for ground handling, on which Biman would not have direct control, was planned in 2006. But, it did not get final approval.
Aviation expert Kazi Wahedul Alam believes including a foreign partner in ground handling will be a positive move.
He said other countries employ more than one agents, which lead to competition and better customer services.
"This is an age of professionalism. It can't be that I'll pay for services but won't get any.
"I think, it'll be really good if Biman decides [to go for joint ventures]," said Alam, a former member of Biman’s Board.
BDnews24.com
The civil aviation minister, however, said he thinks Biman employees will not obstruct the process.
“I do not think the CBA (collective bargaining agent) will be a problem. The real problem lies within Biman’s management,” said Menon.
In 2012-13 fiscal the national flag carrier earned around Tk 5 billion alone from ground handling sector.
An independent company for ground handling, on which Biman would not have direct control, was planned in 2006. But, it did not get final approval.
Aviation expert Kazi Wahedul Alam believes including a foreign partner in ground handling will be a positive move.
He said other countries employ more than one agents, which lead to competition and better customer services.
"This is an age of professionalism. It can't be that I'll pay for services but won't get any.
"I think, it'll be really good if Biman decides [to go for joint ventures]," said Alam, a former member of Biman’s Board.
BDnews24.com