Biman to lease two aircraft for Hajj flights operation

The national flag carrier is scheduled to begin its return flights from Saudi Arabia on September 17, a busy time for it. Though Biman has completed pre-Hajj flights without leasing any aircraft, the management of the airliner has decided to lease two aircraft for ensuring smooth operation of its regular flights to other destinations on time. Air Marshal (retd) Enamul Bari, chairman of Biman, told the Dhaka Tribune that it was a tough job to transport all the Hajj pilgrims with Biman’s own aircraft. “Defying all the obstacles, the management of Biman has been able to complete pre-Hajj flight without leasing any aircraft,’’ he added. According to sources, Biman had to struggle a lot to operate all the pre-Hajj flights as it had no additional aircraft in its hand. As a result, regular passengers had suffered sudden withdrawal of aircraft from regular routes. Even, after completion of the pre-Hajj flight, regular flight schedule is yet to become normal. In response to a question, Enamul Bari said: “Regular flight schedule has now become normal from on Wednesday. Out of previous experiences, the management of the airlines had decided to lease two aircraft for continuing its regular flight operation.” Besides, Biman is phasing out two Airbus-310 aircraft any day in October as they are unfit to fly. The national flag carrier will continue its return Hajj flights till October 16. An official of Biman said: “Biman is trying to lease two Boeing-767 aircraft with over 200 passenger carrying capacity.” This year, Biman, had to cancel 20 pre-Hajj flights as Hajj agencies did not buy air tickets or book seats in time. The national flag carrier, however, transported around 51,000 Hajj pilgrims through 144 flights. It will operate 134 flights during post-Hajj operation. The Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon has already requested the Hajj pilgrims not to carry any Zamzam water (holy water) along with them. He also requested the Haji pilgrims not to carry any luggage which is more than 46kg. The airlines, however, will distribute Zamzam water among the pilgrims after their arrival at the Shahjalal airport.