Economic Reporter :
The government is set to facilitate hangers for the aircrafts of country’s private airlines with a view to ensure highest level of compliance regarding flight safety.
“In the new plan, adequate space was allocated to set up hangers for the private airlines. I have already given directives to the Civil Aviation Authority to start work in this regard,” he said.
Menon said the government is willing to provide space for hangers as these are essential for the airlines to maintain highest level of compliance regarding flight safety.
The minister said this while he was speaking at an inaugural ceremony of inclusion of three new ATR aircraft and launching of three new domestic destinations of Novoair at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Tuesday.
He said the government would like to see the private airlines are expanding their international routes.” We have a captive market here. The foreign airlines are taking the fruits of this market,” he added.
Menon said his ministry is also considering reduction of landing fees and surcharges for the private airlines so that they can strengthen their position in the aviation business.
Noting many private airlines had suspended their operations after few years of inception, the minister urged the entrepreneurs to enter the aviation business conducting proper feasibility study.
Newly appointed chairman of Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAA,B), Air Vice-Marshal Ehsanul Ghani Chowdhury, outgoing Chairman, M Sanaul Huq and Managing Director of Novoair, Mofizur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.
Novoair recently purchased three 68-seat ATR 72-500 aircraft and put them into operation of two daily flights on Dhaka-Saidpur-Dhaka route and going to start three flights a week on Dhaka-Rajshahi-Dhaka route from April 1 and four weekly flights on Dhaka-Barishal-Dhaka routes.
“With the new destination, Novoair has now covered all seven domestic destinations,” said Mofizaur.
The Novoair chief said passengers of Chittagong, Jessore, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Barishal can now travel across the country by connecting flights touching Dhaka with only Tk 6,000.
“This will benefit tourism and contribute in expansion of business,” he said.
