Japanese firm may get ground handling job of HSIA 3rd terminal

A Japanese organisation is likely to get the ground handling responsibility of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), a top CAAB official said on Saturday.

"Bangladesh government has taken a decision in principle in this regard as Japan has shown interest," Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman told the media.

Moves will be taken under Public-Private Partnership to define the terms and conditions for assigning the ground handling operator, he added.

He made the disclosure at a dialogue with aviation reporters organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the HSIA, a statement said.

The ATJFB president Tanzim Anwar moderated the function while its General Secretary Ziaul Haque Sabuj delivered the welcome speech.

CAAB members Air Commodore Sadikur Rahman Chowdhury, Mahbub Alam Talukder, Air Commodore Shah Kawsar Ahmed Choudhury, Group Captain Abu Saleh Mahmud Mannafi and other officials were present at the dialogue.

Regarding purchase of aircrafts for the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the CAAB chairman said the Prime Minister instructed the authorities concerned to buy new planes to enhance Biman's fleet and capacity to deal in more cargos.

Biman will choose from Airbus or Boeing considering the facilities they offer, he said adding that Biman has a long relation with Boeing while there is also move to purchase Airbus aeroplanes.

About the airport staff members' misconduct with the passengers, the CAAB chairman said 19 trainings have been imparted to the airport staff so far about enhancing their conduct.

Besides, the HSIA director has been guiding the staff members directly. Necessary actions including removal of unscrupulous staff are being taken, he said.

The CAAB chairman also said the move to establish Saidpur Airport as a regional hub has been facing setback due to current economic situation of the country. Its location had been selected for land acquisition following the preparation of a master plan. Around TK 50 billion is required for the venture.

Mr Rahman urged the reporters to cover aviation stories with due diligence and authentic information.

International Civil Aviation Organisation will conduct a full scale audit of CAAB, therefore, inaccuracies in the news might have a negative impact.

The third terminal of HSIA will open partially in October this year. It will start full-fledged operations in the next year.

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