Biman Bangladesh Airlines has invited proposals for ground handling services at the country’s all airports in a joint operation with the flag carrier.
The airlines has been the lone operator in ground handling at the airports since its establishment in 1972. Officials said the joint-venture initiative aimed to bring better services to all passenger and cargo flights.
The step comes after the UK government, concerned at security arrangements at the Dhaka ShahJalal international airport, banned direct cargo flights from Dhaka to the UK. The UK authorities asked Bangladesh to improve ground handling services especially for cargo at the Shahjalal.
Currently, the number of people working at the Biman’s ground handling services is around 1,050 including 500 loaders.
More than half of them have been recruited on temporary basis, which is seen by the British authorities as one of the security loopholes.
Biman Acting CEO M Asaduzzaman said they were taking all necessary steps to improve services for the interest of passengers.
According to the Biman tender, the company seeking to join the service must be a major ground handling agent in at least five reputed international airports in different countries.
The firm must have 10 years experience as ground handling agent providing service and operation to the international airlines, must have proven and demonstrable track record of major improvements in services and operations at international airports they have been involved.
It must be financially capable and willing to inject sufficient operating capital into the work.
The company must comply with all relevant requirements of Biman, CAAB and other agencies mandated by law.
During the period of joint-venture agreement, the national flag carrier might extend or alter its routes based on business requirement, officials said.
At the Shahjalal every week ground handling services are offered to 910 passenger flights (Passenger), 70 freighter aircraft flights and 10 charter flights.
Biman’s revenue earnings from ground handling services is approximately $30-35m a year.
According to the sources, the company will have to agree to continue business with Biman for 10 years from the commencement date of operation. It may be extended if mutually agreed upon by both parties.
