Threat to Biman?
The report by Rashidul Hassan, published on June 8, about Air Arabia starting flights from Dhaka to Middle East destinations can be a serious threat to Biman's near monopoly on these routes. Though Air Arabia is a low cost airline, Biman's passenger handling starting at check-in counter is in no way better; maybe even worse than the new low cost carrier! Their edge however will be the cheaper fare as reported.
Most Middle East travellers, who are manual workers, and even the budget conscious tourist, may well prefer to carry snacks in their carry-on bag, for the six to eight hour flight duration rather than in-flight meals of indifferent quality! On top of it, if the new carrier has new aircraft, and if it maintains schedules and can avoid delays (a normal Biman tendency), then they can easily win customers from Biman! No meals on board for this sector may not be a handicap!
All this means price war for Middle East travel. Here the lack of flexibility of Biman management could well be a major hindrance! If Air Arabia can provide suitable connections for European and US destinations with other carriers, Biman will have headaches. One wonders if Biman can handle and overcome this potential threat!
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