The civil aviation ministry has finalized two policies to bring private helipads and heliports under a regulatory framework.
On Tuesday, the policies were finalized during a meeting between the stakeholders, air operators and Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB).
The policies on the elevated helipads and heliports are set to regulate helicopter services for corporate use and medical evacuation and boost air connectivity inside the country.
A civil aviation ministry official who sits on the policy formation committee, requesting anonymity, said: "Policies and guidelines aim to bring the private helicopter operators under a regulatory framework."
Meanwhile, CAAB FSR Division Director (Air Transport) AKM Faizul Haque said that the policies have prioritized security.
“The use of elevated helipads in residential areas of the city has been asked to adjust the method of reducing the noise of helicopters during take-off and landing,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Under the policies, helipads can be established only after getting clearance from the CAAB, Fire Service and Civil Defense, Environment Department, and law enforcement regulatory units.
Currently, helicopters travelling outside Dhaka can land at airports, stadiums, school grounds, or any other open space, given that they have clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and local administration.
While a heliport is a similar facility to an airport and supports the takeoff and landing of several helicopters, helipads are single takeoff zones that can be used by one helicopter at a time.
Meanwhile, elevated helipads are those that are established on high infrastructure, such as the roof of the tallest building; the altitude aids in easy landings and takeoffs.
Why are policies needed?
There has been a significant increase in air travel across the country and a more remarkable increase in helicopter traffic in the airspace.
Currently, helicopters are mostly used by various private companies or industry officials to make swift travel within the country.
An industry insider told Dhaka Tribune that increased financial capability has prompted a large number of passengers to travel on time-efficient air routes.
However, since establishing airports in every district is not possible, helicopters provide an alternative for smooth travel in a short time.
In addition, the need for helicopters has become more prominent for the quick evacuation of terminally ill patients from remote areas, the provision of emergency services, quick assistance in accidents and natural calamities, and business communication.
The new integrated policies are expected to aid in the establishment and management of heliports to ensure safe take-off and landing of helicopters, according to meeting sources.
Policies to help private sector boom
The stakeholders of the private helicopters hope that the policies will revolutionize the whole domestic aviation sector in the country.
Currently, 10 business entities have the civil aviation authority's air operator certificate (AOC). Among them, three industry giants, including Square and Shikder Medical, have already applied to establish their own elevated helipads.
Currently, the helicopter operators are Square Air, Bashundhara Airways, Meghna Aviation, BRB Air, Partex Aviation, R&R Aviation, ATL Aviation, BCL Aviation, Bangla International Airlines, and South Asian Aviation.
At present, the companies have a combined fleet of 38 helicopters, compared to only two back in 2000.
As the policies take off, the private operators are planning on expanding the fleet size, a top official of Meghna Aviation said.
