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[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh

G Bangladesh Defense
[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh
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When I opened 'aviation industry' thread, I had one thing in my mind to discuss both military and civil aviation industries here. Unfortunately I am against dividing aviation industry as military and civil aviation at this moment. I want to keep both military and civil aviation industries under one big umbrella......'aviation industry'. Since the aviation industry is small in Bangladesh so if we divide it into military and civil aviation we won't have much to discuss. Hope you understand my point.

OK understood your points which are valid. I will close the civil aviation thread then and we can keep this one.
 
HSIA’S THIRD TERMINAL

Shaping Bangladesh’s future as an aviation hub​


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Photo: Naimur Rahman

The adage 'first impressions are the last impressions, and often the most enduring' rings true, particularly in the context of cities and countries, where airports play a pivotal role in shaping these impressions.

Dhaka's old-fashioned Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), built in 1980, has not undergone any major renovations since then. Furthermore, the main gateway to the country by air does not align with the present state of the capital, especially as Bangladesh is advancing towards becoming a developing nation.

With this backdrop, the dream of constructing the iconic and spectacular third terminal at HSIA, which began in December 2019, has finally become a reality today. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will soft launch the third terminal amid celebrations.

"It's a dream come true. The eye-catching design and modern structure of the iconic terminal, along with world-class facilities, will redefine the passenger experience at Dhaka Airport," said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M. Mafidur Rahman.

"With the usage of the third terminal, your journey will be a pleasant experience. The definition of people's airport experience will change with the full operation of this terminal," he added.

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The CAAB chief explained that the third terminal is being built in a way that allows passengers to get a good idea of Bangladesh upon landing at the airport. All kinds of facilities will be available in this terminal.
Approximately 90 percent of the terminal's construction work is completed, with ongoing work on interior decoration and the installation of various types of equipment.

Bangladesh's prospects of becoming a regional aviation hub will brighten with the full operation of the third terminal, as many foreign carriers have already expressed interest in operating flights to and from Dhaka, which will also contribute to the country's economic growth.

The third terminal will remain connected to the airport route of the MRT Line-1 project, according to MA Malek, chief engineer of the CAAB. Therefore, anyone arriving at Kamlapur Rail Station from any part of the country will be able to reach the third terminal via the underground metro rail, which spans 19.87 kilometers from Kamlapur to the Airport and includes 12 stations.

The third terminal will also be connected to the Airport Railway Station, allowing travelers to access the terminal via an underground path between the Airport Rail Station and the third terminal, as explained by an official of the third terminal project.

Moreover, pilgrims will have the option to access the terminal through an underground tunnel connected to the Ashkona Hajj Camp. Additionally, an elevated expressway will provide convenient access to the terminal.

Inbound passengers arriving from different countries, like outbound travelers, will be able to exit the airport without any hassle or inconvenience.

Despite its soft opening, air travelers will have to wait until the end of next year to fully utilize the terminal's services. This is due to the necessary calibration and preparation of the equipment used in terminal operations, as clarified by the CAAB boss. However, airlines will be able to use the new parking apron and taxiway of this terminal.

With its existing two terminals, HSIA is already operating at full capacity, handling eight million passengers annually. Anticipating passenger numbers to reach 14 million by 2025 and 24.8 million by 2035, the urgent need for the construction of a world-class terminal became evident.

In parallel with the third terminal project, four additional works are underway, including the construction of two high-speed taxiways alongside the terminal, which will expedite aircraft runway clearance and reduce take-off wait times.

Currently, car parking is a major problem at this airport, but the new terminal will have a parking facility for around 1,230 cars.

The celebrated architect Rohani Baharin designed the third terminal, with construction undertaken by Mitsubishi and Fujita of Japan and Samsung of Korea.

Anticipating passenger numbers to reach 14 million by 2025 and 24.8 million by 2035, the urgent need for the construction of a world-class terminal became evident.

“Third terminal will offer world-class services like those at Changi and Dubai airports”​


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Air Vice Marshal M. Mafidur Rahman, Chairman, CAAB

The iconic third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be a game-changer for the country's aviation sector, and passengers' existing negative mindset will be transformed when they receive world-class service at this terminal.

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, mentioned this in an interview with The Daily Star.
"At present, passengers using terminals 1 and 2 have a negative mindset as they witness a huge crowd and chaos at Dhaka airport, which is currently operating unsystematically," he explained.

Currently, departure and arrival formalities occur at the same place within the airport, resulting in long queues and crowds at immigration and the luggage belt, congested areas, and inadequate lighting, all contributing to passengers' negative perceptions.

Then there's the issue of service, which is not up to par at Dhaka airport presently.

"Now, people will feel relaxed after landing at Dhaka Airport, and they will get an image of the country—what it's like while using the third terminal," said the CAAB boss.

The aesthetic beauty, design, and spaciousness of the third terminal will provide passengers with world-class service comparable to Changi Airport in Singapore or Dubai Airport.

"It's a dream come true. The eye-catching design of the terminal and having world-class facilities will change the definition of providing passenger service at Dhaka Airport," Mafidur said.

An adequate number of wide glass lifts, escalators, lighting facilities, luggage conveyor belts, immigration and check-in counters, cabin and hold baggage X-ray machines, and body scanners will provide passengers with smooth service facilities.

Every system within the third terminal, including luggage handling, will be fully integrated and automated.

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Regarding the operation and maintenance of the third terminal, the CAAB chairman said that it will be provided by a Japanese company, as they are already efficiently handling various international airports with a good reputation and maintaining international standards.

"We are hoping that passengers will receive better service with this new management of the third terminal," added Mafidur.

He also mentioned that a modernized approach will be ensured while distributing commercial entities at the third terminal, which was absent in terminals 1 and 2.

There was no system in place for allocating commercial shops at these two terminals. A completely non-standard pattern was followed in this regard. Food and beverage outlets, duty-free shops, airport lounges, and all other shops will be allocated following global international practices.

The third terminal was also built with an environmentally friendly approach, maximizing natural daylight and minimizing electricity usage.

Most of the technologies and equipment used in the airports of G7 countries were also used in the third terminal.

In the third terminal, passengers will not need any assistance as everything will be well-displayed. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence-based sensor will be incorporated in this third terminal in the next phase.

After the single security check, passengers will be able to board the aircraft directly, eliminating the existing six to seven check-ups at terminals 1 and 2, as explained by Mafidur.

"Considering all these factors, the third terminal will be a milestone for Bangladesh," he added.

Similarly, outbound travelers and inbound passengers arriving from different countries will also be able to exit the airport without any hassle or inconvenience.

"There is a saying that the first impression is the last impression. We have built the third terminal in such a way that any foreigners landing at Dhaka Airport can understand that Bangladesh has undergone significant changes and is progressing towards becoming a developed nation," he added.

The CAAB chief mentioned that with the launch of the third terminal, Bangladesh will also become a regional aviation hub. This will truly be a game-changer, positioning Bangladesh as the "Switzerland of the East" due to its global location.

He also noted that transit passengers will be able to spend their time comfortably at the third terminal.

"A large lounge has been constructed for transit passengers in the new terminal. It will serve 4 million passengers annually," he said, adding, "Passengers will also enjoy seamless travel transitions to and from the airport."

To meet passengers' needs during transit, a range of amenities is being introduced, including movie lounges and food courts designed to enhance the passenger experience.

Additionally, airline lounges and dayrooms will be available for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.

A children's play area equipped with sleeper swings will be provided for young travelers to enjoy.
 

Govt moves to build airport near Kuakata beach​

GULAM RABBANI
Published :
Feb 17, 2024 10:58
Updated :
Feb 17, 2024 10:58


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The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has begun initial work on building a new airport at Kuakata, one of the country's most scenic tourist destinations, to improve access for visitors and facilitate commercial activities around the Payra Seaport.

A five-member team from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Civil Aviation Authority visited Kuakata on Friday to begin a preliminary survey of the site.

Md Jahirul Islam, director (Administration) of the CAAB, leads the delegation.

He said the proposed airport may need at least 3000 acres of land. A site at Chakamaia union parishad under Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district could be the potential spot.

Apart from land acquisition, building a new airport involves many technical considerations.

About Chakamaia, Mr Islam said, "This area is very close to the sea, so we need to assess tidal conditions, wind direction and other factors. We will submit a report to the ministry after our survey."

Following the initial survey, the ministry will conduct a feasibility study to determine the airport's structure and viability, added the official.

An airport in the region could boost commercial activity around the Payra Seaport and attract more tourists to Kuakata.

This southern district boasts the second-largest beach in the country after Cox's Bazar and draws a huge number of domestic and international tourists each year. Its 18 km-long, 3 km-wide sandy beach offers stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Bay of Bengal.

Apart from the natural beauty, Kuakata offers attractions like the diverse lifestyle of the Rakhine people, a historic well, ancient boats and Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Previously, the 13-14 hour journey from Dhaka to Kuakata included a perilous ferry ride across the Padma River. However, with the opening of the Padma Bridge, the travel time from the capital has been reduced to just five or six hours.

This has been drawing many visitors to travel to Kuakata for refreshments.

"Connectivity is key for tourism and commercial activities," says Shiblul Azam Koreshi, president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB).

"An airport in Kalapara would greatly benefit both tourism centred on Kuakata and commercial activities around the Payra Seaport."

Koreshi believes an airport could elevate Kuakata's importance as a tourist destination, similar to Cox's Bazar.​
 

AirArabia plans to expand business in Bangladesh: group CEO​

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka | Published: 18:50, Feb 17,2024
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-- BSS photo.

Terming Bangladesh as a key route, group chief executive officer of AirArabia Adel Abdullah Ali has said that his airline was planning to expand business here being optimistic to see its aviation growth.

‘The current trend of Bangladesh's aviation growth gives us a positive feeling that it will continue, we are looking at business opportunities...we have more plan regarding Bangladesh,’ he told BSS.

The CEO talked to the national news agency during his recent Dhaka visit marking the maiden tour of Bangladesh by a group CEO of Air Arabia in its 20 years of global and 17 years of operation in Bangladesh.

Ali said that Bangladesh is a suitable place for the aviation business as evidenced by Air Arabia's business growth by three to four per cent year-on-year.

Air Arabia, the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa based in Sharjah, UAE, started operations in 2003 by introducing its low-cost business model to the region while it began operations in Bangladesh in 2007.

‘We have been doing business successfully in Bangladesh for the past 17 years. Bangladesh-UAE is one of the key routes of Air Arabia,’ Ali said.

Currently, Air Arabia is operating 57 non-stop weekly flights to and from two Bangladesh destinations - capital Dhaka and Port City Chattogram.

Regarding flight frequency, the group CEO said that AirArabia would think about increasing flights to and from Bangladesh depending on the situation.

He said that when the economy of a country like Bangladesh grew at a quick pace, more airlines come and the frequency of flights also increased, whichwas a win-win situation for everybody.

Currently, AirArbia with seven strategic hubs located in UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Armenia and Pakistan is operating more than 190 international and domestic routes in around 50 countries with the fleet size of 73 Airbus A320 and A321 planes.

The airline has an existing order for a total of 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft - 736 A320neo, 27 A3212neo-LR and 210 A321 XLR - with deliveries starting in 2025.

Ali said AirArbia will cover all European destinations within two years after getting the A321 XLR aircraft that can fly more than 8 hours.

The CEO said that his carrier brought a change the way air travel was perceived in the Arab world by opening it up to all segments of the community and putting air travel within everyone's reach with reasonable ticket price.

He said that the expatriate Bangladeshis in Middle East could visit their families back home once every three years in the past but currently the Air Arabia created the opportunities for them to visit their country even thrice in one year.

It is amongst the world's best-performing airlines in terms of operational efficiency and profitability, he added.

AirArabia regional general manager Rajesh Nurala and the airline's general sales agent (GSA) in Bangladesh MGH CEO Abdur Rahim were present.​
 

Biman to return on Dhaka-Rome route after nine years​


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Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for flights on the Dhaka-Rome-Dhaka route yesterday as the national flag carrier is set to resume operations to connect the country with the European city from March 26.

Tickets for the route are up for grabs at all of Biman's distribution channels, Biman said in a press release.

On December 21, Biman Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim announced the resumption of the flight after nearly nine years from March 26 marking Independence Day.

Between March 26 and March 31, flight BG-355 will depart Dhaka every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 2am local time and reach Rome at 7am local time.

From April 1, the flight will fly from Dhaka on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 3am as per the summer schedule and arrive in the capital of Italy at 9:10am.

The flight will leave Rome at 10:45am and land in Dhaka at 11:45pm.

The minimum one-way fare on the economy class on the Dhaka-Rome route, including all taxes, will start at Tk 64,355 and the round-trip will cost Tk 104,568. The business class ticket will be priced at Tk 144,105 and Tk 258,568 for the one-way trip and the round trip, respectively.

On the Rome-Dhaka route, the minimum one-way economy class fare will start from Tk 48,788 and Tk 89,852 for the round trip.
The one-way and round-trip fares for the business class will start at Tk 122,663 and Tk 222,236, respectively, the press release said.

Currently, Biman is offering special discounts on the occasion of the resumption of flights on the route. The flight will be operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Biman's began to fly to Rome in 1981 and it was discontinued in 2015 due to persisting losses.​
 

Aircraft purchase: Boeing submits proposal to Biman​


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File photo

US plane giant Boeing has submitted a proposal to Biman Bangladesh Airlines for selling its aircraft.

US Ambassador Peter Haas today said this to Civil Aviation Minister Mohammad Faruk Khan while paying a courtesy call at his office in the secretariat at the capital.​

"Boeing has given a proposal for selling new aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines. We want Boeing to be able to part of the purchasing process and it is done through a transparent competition," Haas told reporters emerging from the meeting.

In response, the civil aviation minister said the US definitely wants more Boeing aircraft to be added to the Biman fleet.

"However, we will consider everything, including the financial and technical aspects, and then take the decision. We will buy aircraft from either Boeing or Airbus, whichever is beneficial for Bangladesh," Faruk said.

Asked when the audit of Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of US can be completed regarding the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka to New York, the minister said an audit team of International Civil Aviation Organization is currently working at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

The minister said Bangladesh and the US will work together as partners to develop the country's tourism and aviation industry.
 

AirAsia recognizes Bangladesh’s outstanding 20 top travel agencies​

United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka | Published: 22:37, Feb 21,2024
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AirAsia celebrates yet another significant milestone, recognizing and applauding the continuous efforts of its travel agents in Bangladesh at the AirAsia Agents Conference 2024.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Thailand ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor, Group chief executive officer of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam, chief revenue and network officer of AirAsia, Paul Carroll, chairman of TAS GrouK M Mozibul Hoque as well as other board members.

Notable dignitaries from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and embassy officials were also in attendance, highlighting the significance of the occasion held at the prestigious Pan Pacific Sonargaon Ballroom.

Organized by Total Air Services Limited (TAS), a subsidiary of TAS Group, this conference serves as a platform to honour top-performing agents that have excelled in sales through the General Sales Agents (GSA) of AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia Thailand in Bangladesh.

The AirAsia Grand Agents Grand Conference 2024 also aims to strengthen existing partnerships with agents whilst fostering a sense of community and appreciation, bringing together key stakeholders comprising top travel agencies, airline executives, government officials and industry leaders.

During the conference, AirAsia bestowed prestigious awards to 20 top-performing travel agencies in Bangladesh with pivotal achievements.

These agencies were commended for their exceptional sales performances and steadfast support in promoting AirAsia’s offerings to travellers across the country.

Additionally, AirAsia expressed its heartfelt appreciation to 16 travel agencies for their exemplary sales support, presenting them with certificates of recognition.

AirAsia Aviation Group Limited Group CEO, Bo Lingam said: ‘I would like to wholeheartedly commend the dedicated travel agents in Bangladesh for their continued effort and congratulate our well-deserving agents on their outstanding accomplishments. The diligence of their craft is truly inspiring to us all. Bangladesh is one of our most important markets in Asia, with AirAsia having flown 503,628 guests between Malaysia and Bangladesh to date - and counting. I look forward to welcoming more achievements by the team, further cementing the AirAsia brand in the country.’

Total Air Services Limited has been a trusted partner of AirAsia Malaysia since 2015, serving as the airline’s General Sales Agent in Bangladesh.

Over the years, TAS has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to promoting AirAsia’s services i n the region and beyond.

AirAsia currently operates 14 weekly flights from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur and 2 weekly flights between Dhaka and Bangkok, providing travelers with convenient and affordable travel options to various destinations.

This strategic partnership between TAS Group and AirAsia continues to drive growth and innovation in the aviation industry, contributing to the development of Bangladesh.​
 
Dhaka's new 700 crore Thales FIR Radar is now ready to go.



The Dhaka airport will get a modern radar with an air traffic control system in next three years aimed at enhancing the country's airspace safety and security.

The radar currently in use at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport belongs to instrument landing system (ILS) category, while the new one falls under communication, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) category.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU), jointly drafted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and radar manufacturer Thales LAS France SAS, was signed on November 3 last year to implement the plan under a government-to-government (G2G) deal.

The procurement proposal was approved at a virtual meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase on Thursday.

The installation of the radar is expected to take roughly three years and will cost Tk658.4 crore, according to CAAB. The project is expected to be completed by June 2023 with full government funding, according to the MoU.

The agreement would cover the supply, installation and operation of navigation and surveillance systems, including radar and related air traffic management equipment.

According to the deal, the data collected through the radar must be kept secret by the French company to ensure that airspace security is not compromised.

An industry insider, seeking anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media, said: “We have a long maritime boundary and it’s not possible to charge flights that use our airspace at present. The whole area cannot be covered with the existing radar. On top of that, take-off, landing and traffic management are very risky with this radar.”

The government decided to purchase the new radar after considering all these aspects, he said, adding: “After the new radar is installed, it will be possible to cover our entire maritime area, allowing the government to earn more revenues and ensuring airspace safety.”

The International Court of Arbitration had awarded Bangladesh the right to an area of about 19,000 square kilometers of the Bay of Bengal in 2014.

However, the 37-year-old analogue radar currently installed at the airport cannot detect foreign aircrafts flying over the sea, according to CAAB.

The new radar will increase surveillance over Bangladesh’s territorial waters and airspace. It will also allow Bangladesh to collect fines from trespassing aircrafts, which are required to pay a minimum of $500 for a single infringement.

Moreover, the new system will be able to detect aircrafts that are landing or taking off. Such procedures have to be conducted with an element of risk due to the current radar’s inability to detect such activity.
 

Work underway for smart aviation industry: Faruk Khan​

BSS
Published :​
Feb 25, 2024 22:26
Updated :​
Feb 25, 2024 22:26

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Civil aviation and tourism minister Muhammad Faruk Khan today (Sunday) said that efforts are underway to transform the country's aviation industry to smart, efficient and service oriented one.

"To make Bangladesh's aviation sector into a smart one, we are emphasizing on creating skilled manpower, developing infrastructure and modern security systems at all airports," he said.

The minister told a meeting with the representatives of foreign airlines operating flights to or from Bangladesh held at the Parjatan Bhaban in the capital, a press release said.

Emphasizing on the providing optimum service towards the passengers, Khan said that airlines should be alert for reducing unnecessary harassment of passengers.

"I believe, working all together, every airline can operate flights from Bangladesh more easily, safely and efficiently... It will be easy to fulfill the goal of transforming Bangladesh into a major aviation hub under the leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina", he said.

Talking about the profit remitting of the foreign airliners from Bangladesh, Faruk Khan said the ministry is working with the Bangladesh Bank in this regard.

He said some portion of the airlines profit has already been remitted from Bangladesh while process is ongoing to increase the amount.

Besides, the minister assured that he will discuss with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) about the different taxation matters and easy and prompt custom clearance of aviation related equipment which are imported by the airlines.

Khan said the effort to upgrade Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) from Category-1 to Category-2 for Instrument Landing System (ILS) is underway for safe landings.

Besides, he said the ILS system has been installed in the airports in Sylhet, Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.

Feasibility study of constructing the dependent runway of HSIA has been completed and soon the next phase of this work will start soon, he added.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Md Mokammel Hossain, Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman and Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO and Managing Director Shafiul Azim were also present, among others.​
 

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