We support the government’s move to upgrade Syedpur and Cox’s Bazar airports to international standards.
The prime minister rightly highlights that growing trade and economic links provide new possibilities for airlines to increase their revenues by improving cargo and passenger services.
However, we differ on her hope that the state owned Biman Bangladesh airlines is in a position to take advantage of such opportunities to move towards profitability. It is unlikely the purchase of a few new aircrafts will allow Biman to reopen domestic routes to Barisal and Sylhet, will enable it to overcome the mismanagement and poor service which sees it lagging behind other airlines.
It is more likely that this will just add to the Tk1,220cr Biman has accumulated over the last four years, as there is little evidence that its management is capable of reining in its heavy losses.
Putting Biman in the private sector is the only practical way to end Biman’s over-staffing and bring the reforms it needs to compete effectively.
Taxpayer money would be better spent on improving infrastructure. Building better airports such as that promised for Cox’s Bazaar and expanding flight engineering, training and maintenance facilities is the sensible way forward to make the country an attractive hub for air travel.
Passengers are already well-served by better managed airlines. Allow Biman to compete or close freely. Focusing on improvements to civil aviation to attract more competitive and better quality airlines is a better use of government funds than supporting Biman with endless subsidies.
