Biman Bangladesh Airlines has a debt of almost Tk 7500 crore despite having 21 latest technology aircraft in its fleet.
The national flag carrier which should have been in a profitable position with the county’s highest fleet is still striving to overcome its crisis.
The civil aviation authority owes Tk 4,450 crore to the airline in various heads including airport usage, aeronautical charges and others. Biman owes Tk 2,108 crore to Padma Oil Company. Biman has not been able to pay the debt on time for a long time. As a result, arrears are increasing.
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has instructed Biman to pay the arrears in advance for the renewal of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Biman is conducting flight operation with bond without paying the arrears. But the company has been showing profit for the last few years.
Any airline has to take AOC through CAAB to operate the flight commercially. The AOC of Bangladesh Biman has expired on February 24 this year. It is neces sary to pay the arrears before renewal.
However, in this reality the Biamn authorities have given a bond to the CAAB that they would pay the arrears on a few installments. On December 30, Biman submitted a payment plan to CAAB. It is said that in 2022 Tk 340 crore, in 2023 Tk 440 crore, in 2024 Tk 590 crore, in 2025 Tk 740 crore and in 2026 Tk 2333.15 crore, including the total arrears of Tk 4443.15 crore would be paid.
Biman managing director and CEO Dr Abu Saleh Mostafa Kamal informed media, “The profit that Biman is showing is basically operational profit, it is not the net profit. The arrears that are pending will be paid through discussion between both the parties. We are already continuing our efforts”.
