Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced significant advancements in safety and ground handling capabilities, receiving prestigious international certifications and investing in infrastructure upgrades. The airline received the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certificate from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), signifying the highest standard in ground handling. This achievement underscores Biman's commitment to operational safety and efficiency.
Simultaneously, the airline secured the RA3 certificate for cargo handling, specifically for exports to the United Kingdom and the European Union. This certification validates Biman's compliance with stringent regulations governing cargo transport within these key markets, enhancing its ability to compete internationally and reliably handle the increasing volume of exports.
These certifications follow a collaborative project undertaken with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) between 2023 and 2024. This initiative focused on bolstering aircraft ground handling capacity through the upgrading of standard operating systems and comprehensive training for staff across ground support equipment (GSE), ramp operations, and cargo handling departments. The aim was to modernise and enhance the overall quality of Biman's ground handling services.
The press release issued by Biman also addressed recent negative publicity, refuting unsubstantiated claims circulating in various media outlets. The airline highlighted the significant revenue generated by its ground handling operations and cautioned against outsourcing these services to foreign entities. Biman argued that such a move would result in substantial financial losses for the country and negatively impact national interests.
Looking to the future, Biman is actively preparing for the opening of its third terminal, accompanied by a substantial investment in new ground support equipment. The airline has already added several pieces of equipment to its GSE fleet and expects to receive approximately 70 more within the next few months. These additions include crucial pieces of equipment such as pushback tow tractors, air start units, container pallet units, ambulifts, passenger steps, belt loaders, container pallet transporters, container pallet loaders, water carts, and flush carts. This substantial investment further demonstrates Biman's commitment to expanding capacity and improving its overall operational efficiency.
In conclusion, Biman Bangladesh Airlines' recent achievements demonstrate a significant step towards improving its safety standards, operational efficiency and international competitiveness. The acquisition of both the ISAGO and RA3 certificates, coupled with substantial investments in infrastructure and personnel training, positions the airline for continued growth and success in the increasingly demanding global aviation market. The airline's strong defence of its ground handling operations also underscores the importance of this sector to the national economy.
