A Japanese consortium is likely to get operation and maintenance work of the newly-built third terminal of the country's prime international airport for 15 years as the preliminary bid discussion went on successfully.
However, the consortium is likely to monitor Biman Bangladesh Airlines' ground handling performance based on some key indicators before taking over the job. The interim government awarded the national carrier the task of ground handling at the third terminal for two years.
"We will soon call the request for proposal from the Japanese consortium and sign a concessional agreement after negotiation," said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan.
He, however, said it might take six to eight months to complete the formalities. Efforts were still on to open the 3rd terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) by October, he added
Sources said following successful pre-bid negotiation between the CAAB and the Japanese companies, a service-level agreement is likely to be signed between the consortium and Biman, under which the former would be part of the operation.
According to the pre-bid discussion, major revenue earnings will be shared with the CAAB and the Japanese consortium will get a part and carry out the maintenance work of the 3rd terminal.
The CAAB chairman said the share of the special purpose company would be finalised after receiving the RFP and completing the negotiation.
The Japanese consortium comprises Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz, Narita International Airport Corporation, Sojitz Corporation General Trading Company, and Jalux Inc. However, the composition is likely to be changed.
It is learnt that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure Transport and Tourism (MLIT) are likely to be part of it under the new arrangement.
The consortium is lobbying for the entire O and M work under Public-Private Partnership since the construction of the US $ 2.5 billion facility began with Japanese financial support.
The 3rd terminal construction was completed officially on April 6, 2024. The CAAB started negotiation with the Japanese side thereafter without any development until recently.
The HSIA authorities who operate now two terminals at the airport earned Tk 30 billion revenue in the last fiscal year by handling 8.0 million passengers as well as cargoes.
It is learnt that CAAB is likely to get a share of revenue earnings from over flight, landing and parking while the consortium with its investment will bag earnings from the entire boarding bridge to luggage claims.
All earnings inside the terminal including duty-free shops will go to the Japanese firms.
Biman which is now the sole ground handling company for the existing two terminals of HSIA will be responsible for ensuring the international standard at the 3rd terminal with over 6000 trained employees as the passenger and aircraft capacities are set to increase significantly.
This new terminal is set to increase the airport's capacity from 8.0 million to 12 million while the annual cargo handling capacity will increase to 273,470 tonnes for imports and 546,941tonnes for exports.
The terminal area will be increased to 353,960 square metres where 14 boarding bridges, 23 remote aircraft parking bays, 115 check-in counters, 128 passport control counters for arrivals and departures, 16 conveyor belts for arrival and multilevel 1230 car parking facilities have been set up.
smunima@yahoo.com
