Biman adds new ground support equipment worth BDT 54cr

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines has commissioned 32 new ground support equipment (GSE) worth BDT 54 crore at the carrier’s GSE division at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital on March 5.

The move is aimed at providing better ground handling services at the soon to be launched Third Terminal of Dhaka Airport.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Board Chairman, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said, "Biman will be fully prepared to provide ground handling services before the Third Terminal becomes fully operational." 

"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 further mentioned.

The new ground support equipment includes 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; and two air start units from Guinault, France.

New ground support equipment that Biman commissioned—Photo: Monitor

As part of its ongoing fleet expansion, Biman has recently added 43 new pieces of ground support equipment worth BDT 35 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, according to the airline.  

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 airline informed.

Alongside these expansions, 193 new personnel are being recruited, including 20 assistant managers, 81 GSE operators, and 71 mechanics/electricians, in an effort to maintaining high standards in ground handling operations.

Md Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, and Shafiqur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of Biman, were also present on the occasion, among others.

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