Modernising ground handling

Complaints about the dismal state of ground services in our airports due to severe mismanagement are voiced by many. Poor luggage handling systems, disorganised and sluggish processes at immigration lines, and unhygienic conditions among many other things are symptomatic of a dire necessity to revamp our airports.

We, therefore, welcome the decision by Biman Bangladesh Airlines to form a joint venture with international agents in an effort to modernise its ground handling services. At present, Biman oversees ground handling management of Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport, Chittagong's Shah Amanat International Airport, and Sylhet's Osmani International Airport, whereas in most countries multiple agents are tasked with managing ground handling services.

Under this initiative, cargo and baggage handling would be fully automated replacing the current manual system. The foreign companies are expected to charge a management fee with Biman retaining full ownership. By giving up its monopoly over ground handling service management, Biman looks to boost profit and efficiency by joining forces with foreign agents in an effort to modernise our ground handling and infrastructure which are among the worst in the region.  

The current poor ground handling system has tarnished the airport's global reputation and hampered the growth of tourism and foreign investment prospects. In an increasingly globalised world where Bangladesh is expected to compete successfully, there is no denying that a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art ground management system for our international airports is a must.

We expect Biman to team up with the most dependable international partner and bring about the desired changes within the given timeline.