Mashiur Rahaman

The state-owned Biman has been unable to utilise two out of its three leased aircraft meant for this year's Hajj operation even after seven days have passed since the Hajj flights officially began on October 21.

Both the aircraft that Biman Bangladesh Airlines acquired on wet-lease are waiting for mandatory clearance from different regulatory authorities, Biman's insiders told the FE.

"This is not only hindering Biman's entire Hajj operation but also threatens missing Hajj slots," Biman officials said.

A Boeing 747 aircraft (UTW) that Biman took on lease from the Bangkok-based 'Orient Thai Airlines' is yet to obtain mandatory clearance from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Jeddah for Hajj flights operation.

On the other hand, another Boeing 747 aircraft which belongs to Nigeria-based airlines company 'Kabo Air' is waiting for agreement, to be signed between Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for commencing the Hajj operation.

"We are currently operating Hajj operations with three DC-10-30 and the only Being 747 aircraft," Biman's Managing Director and CEO Air Commodore (Retd) Zakiul Islam told the FE.

"Since Biman has leased these aircraft on the basis of hourly payment, there is no chance of financial loss as we don't have to pay if they remain non-operational," Mr. Islam said.

Still there are more than 20 days left in planned pre-Hajj operation and entire 30 days left for post-Hajj operation. "It would be premature to forecast any loss or profit at this stage," he added.

Admitting possible risk of missing landing-slot that Biman purchased for Hajj operation, the managing director of the national flag carrier said they are handling the situation with back-up aircraft.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines hired two 512-seater Boeing 747 aircraft from Orient Thai Airlines against $7800 per block hour. It hired another 565-seater Boeing 747-200 aircraft on wet-lease from 'Kabo Air' against $5300 per block hour for eight months.