Novoair kicked off its domestic operation on January 9, 2013 with a fleet of three Embraer aircraft. Of them, two are purchased while the other is taken on lease.
The private airliner has so far operated 4,500 flights and carried 150,000 passengers. In 2014, it received the best domestic airline award in the local aviation industry.
Since its inception, Novoair is headed by Mofizur Rahman who has been working as managing director for the airline. Recently he sat with the Dhaka Tribune for an interview and gave his insight into the aviation industry.
What is the latest scenario of aviation industry in Bangladesh?
The overall scenario of local aviation industry is not good at all, as domestic airlines are more than required to meet the passengers’ demand. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the regulatory body for all aviation activities in the country, indicates the launch of more airlines in the local aviation sector which would make the industry unstable.
The unhealthy competitions continue to grab the market share that would make the industry financially vulnerable. The Indian domestic aviation industry became unstable due to the unhealthy competition. Jet Airways has already offloaded its share to Qatar Airways to survive in the industry.
How can we overcome the situation?
Competition in any business is a must, but the existing situation of the industry has turned into an unhealthy contest or beyond any rule. Ultimately, CAAB is responsible for formulating new regulation to supervise the aviation market. The airlines management is yet to be alert and their awareness is the only pathway to solve the existing problem. We are waiting for their realisation.
How long will you wait for their realisation?
MR: Though we have been suffering, I believe the realisation is obvious. The Indian airlines management realised it. Biman Bangladesh airlines is putting us into a new perspective.
Why are you afraid of Biman?
Novoair is not afraid of Biman as we have achieved passengers’ trust providing our best services. Still, Novoair is ready to compete with Biman on the basis of its service. It is a positive move of Biman in domestic route. But a fair rule is required for an ideal situation. Even there is no level playing field as the national flag carrier is heavily subsidised.
Do you think Biman is getting any privilege in comparison with other private airliners?
Biman has its own ground services whereas in many cases, the national flag carrier can do anything without prior permission of the regulatory body. On the contrary, it takes two to three months for the private airlines to get the same permission.
Have you any plan to begin international flight soon?
Novoair management is trying hard to begin international flights as early as possible. Without proper calculation, none should start operating international flight. That is why we want to commence our international flight operation on a short haul route like Dhaka-Kolkata.
When do you plan to launch international flight?
Like everyone, Dhaka-Kolkata route is the best to commence international journey. As the destination is very near, profit and loss can easily be calculated. If we incur loss, it would be easier to recover. But we are unable to get the frequency of Dhaka-Kolkata as the slot (Permission of Landing) is still occupied by a private airline that has stopped its operation on both international and domestic routes.
Have you any suggestion for the promotion of aviation industry?
We cannot survive this way and continue aviation business unless everyone (All airlines) works rationally.
