Bangladesh's aviation sector is struggling due to a lack of a roadmap, absence of proper monitoring, and political will on the part of the government, experts have said.
The industry has not been able to rise properly to its feet even 51 years after liberation due to an absence of adequate measures by the government, they observe.
Speaking at a panel discussion as part of a workshop, titled “Aviation Industry in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges”, organized by the Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) on Thursday, they requested the government to formulate an aviation master plan related to the times and implement it to help the revival of the aviation market.
While other countries are making their mark on new aviation businesses in the international market, Bangladesh's aviation industry has not been able to sustain itself properly as a business entity due to the absence of a master plan, and owing to unequal business policies of the national flag carrier, they said.
Industry insiders said the picture is similar in the domestic market as well.
Currently, Biman and two other private air operators jointly share only 22 % of the internal aviation market while the rest is dominated by foreign operators.
Speaking at the discussion, Mofizur Rahman, AOAB Secretary General and Managing Director of NOVOAIR, said Bangladesh needs to introduce a master plan to help private operators achieve a 40%-60% share in the international aviation market.
Criticising Biman’s business policy, he said the national flag carrier makes its policy in a way that goes against the interest of the private airlines, while the regulator, Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB), also remains inactive in a proper monitoring of the industry.
When asked by Dhaka Tribune, a Biman insider, however, said that the state-run body follows a competitive market policy in the domestic and global markets to promote passenger services.
At the event, former Biman Board member Wahidul Alam said: “We are always proud of our national flag carrier but we expect more so that it can do more business in a proper manner.”
Wing Commander (retd) ATM Nazrul Islam said the country’s aviation sector is still struggling and could not consolidate itself in the desired manner due to an absence of decisions professionally arrived at.
Referring to the need for political will by the government, he said: “The banks are more interested in offering loans to Biman despite its making losses, but largely refrain from allowing loans for private operators.
"For the same reasons, foreign investors and entrepreneurs are also unwilling to come to this market."
AOAB President Anjan Chowdhury highlighted the need for setting up simulators to develop skilled manpower in the aviation sector.
Referring to other challenges to the industry, the experts spoke about jet fuel price hikes, a shortage of southbound passengers due to their preference in using Padma Bridge, and surcharges.