Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited, the national flag carrier, is now being reorganised with a new young fleet and gradual expansion of both domestic and international operations.
For the first time in its history, the focus seems to be on commercial viability and more revenue from non-aviation sources.
This was revealed by M Mahbub Ali, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Tourism while inaugurating three commercial operations of different non-aviation units on February 15, 16, and 17.
While speaking at these functions, he noted that the aviation and tourism industries have suffered the most due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "All the airlines in the world are currently going through a special situation. We are taking steps to reduce the operational costs of the aircraft as well as increase the revenue through various initiatives," he said.
For the first time, Biman Press and Biman Motor Transport Service Center will provide services to the general public. Moreover, people will be able to buy poultry, fish, seasonal vegetables, cow milk, and beef produced by Biman's poultry Complex, from its sales center at Dhanmondi.

Printing

On February 15, speaking at the commercial launch of Biman's Printing and Publishing Department Mahbub announced the opening of various printing and print-related facilities of Biman Press for the public. People will be able to seek services from Biman Press which is equipped with a modern printing facility and skilled manpower, at a reasonable cost.
Mahbub said that recently new and modern printing machines have been added to Biman Press and capable of provide high grade printing services to all government or non-government clients connected with publishing. He expressed hope that by extending services, Biman Press would be able to enlarge its commercial activities.

Meat, fish, and vegetables

In addition to selling tickets for all the destinations of Biman, the Dhanmondi Sales Centre will also sell poultry, egg, fish, seasonal vegetables, cow milk, and beef, produced organically at the Biman Poultry Complex area.

Motor Servicing

With the start of commercial operation, Biman's Motor Transport Department at Kurmitola, Dhaka will be opened to the general public.
From now on general public will be able to use facilities at this modern motor servicing center at a moderate cost.

Two more Dash-8

On February 16, Mahbub Ali disclosed that of the three Dash-8 purchased from Haviland of Canada, one would arrive in Bangladesh on February 24 and the third will reach on March 04. The first one arrived on December 27 last year.
The State Minister was speaking at the start of the commercial operation of Biman's Dhanmondi Sales Centre as Chief Guest.
Biman's fleet is now modern and young as 13 new state-of-the-art aircraft have been added to its fleet, Mahbub said. These aircraft will be used to ensure high-grade services to passengers on international and domestic routes.

Global situation

The State Minister said that global aviation and tourism sectors are worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Biman is no exception. To cope with this situation, along with the reduction of operational cost, steps have been taken to augment revenue-earning various measures. The highest and best use of Biman's assents is being ensured, he added.

Help to local airlines

On February 17, Mahbub Ali inaugurated the commercial operation of Biman's Motor Transport Department at Kurmitola, Dhaka.
The State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism said that led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government is sincerely working to develop the aviation and tourism industries of the country. Quietly, the two industries are getting changed.
He said, along with developments of all the airports of the country, the creation of a proper business environment has been ensured.
He said due to COVID-19, to help affected domestic airlines, the already landing charge, parking charge, boarding charge, security charge, and BNHO charges have been fully waived by the government till September last year.

Biman has capability

Mahbub Ali said that Biman has the capability. Now, this has to be used to augment the revenue earning of Biman through innovative, multi-faced, and progressing programme. He stressed the need for the highest use of the skills of all officers and staff of Biman and said at the modern time, there is no alternative to multifunction.
He also said that there will be no compromise in ensuring the quality of services and warned
that no one will be spared for corruption and negligence to work. A strong measure will be taken against the wrongdoers.

New destinations

The State Minister announced that the airline is going to start flight operations to three new destinations_ Toronto, Tokyo, and Chennai from March.
Mahbub also expressed the hope that Biman would soon be able to resume flight operations between Dhaka and New York.
The functions were also addressed by Secretary of MoCAT Mohammad Mokammel Hussain, Chairman of Biman's Board of Directors Md Sajjadul Hasan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, then MD and CEO of Biman Md Mokabbir Hossain, and member of Biman's Board of Directors Khandaker Atiq-e-Rabbani, among others.