After receiving the no-objection letter, the preparations to fly in the sky have started to advance step by step, the new name ‘Fly Dhaka Airlines’ in the country’s aircraft sector; The process of buying the aircraft is also going on.
After receiving the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (BABICHAK) a few months ago, the new company is now awaiting the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). After obtaining this certificate, an airline is allowed to operate wings on domestic routes.
In addition to arranging these paperwork activities, other infrastructural preparations are also going on from procurement of aircraft.
Fly Dhaka plans to use the ATR 72-600 model aircraft of the French-based aircraft manufacturer ATR to operate the initial flights. For this reason, the company has a delegation abroad. Along with this, the work of advancing the pilot training program is going on.
The company owned by Jatiya Party Senior Co-Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud is also planning to stand on a strong foundation in international routes as well as domestic destinations. The former president of Bangladesh Flying Club applied to Babychock in 2021 seeking NOC to operate it. Mele got this approval in March this year.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fly Dhaka Airlines, retired Lt. Gen. Molla Fazle Akbar, told bdnews24.com that if everything goes well, Fly Dhaka wants to join the air service by the end of this year.
How far has the work progressed?
At least eight airlines have shut down in Bangladesh in the last 15 years. Three are currently running; NovoAir, US-Bangla Airlines and Air Astra. Keeping that history in mind, this company named Fly Dhaka Airlines was formed in 2021. After three years of preparation, the rest of the work is now being done to fly in the sky.
The company will be able to fly in the sky after receiving the AOC (Air Operator Certificate) of Babychock. Any airline has to operate flights on domestic routes for at least one year after obtaining AOC. After that permission to operate flights on international routes.
Head of the airline’s human resources department. Aminul Islam told bdnews24.com that Fly Dhaka Airlines was registered with the Directorate of Joint Capital Companies and Firms on May 4, 2021. Later, official activities started on July 1 of that year. Now the AOC is taking necessary actions and measures to finalize the process.
Captain Abdullah, head of the company’s flight operations department, told bdnews24.com, “The training of pilots will be started soon with the safety of passengers being given utmost importance. At every stage of training, all necessary steps will be taken to assess the pilot’s proficiency.”
The cabin crew has to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers including cleanliness, meteorological information, access to catering equipment, emergency equipment, first aid.
Head of Cabin Safety and Service Khaledur Rahman told bdnews24.com that the airline is paying attention to that, “Cabin safety and service is a very important department of any airline. With that in mind, Fly Dhaka Airlines has recruited a batch of young and experienced cabin crew.”
Officials of Fly Dhaka said that although the flight will start with ATR 72-600 model aircraft on domestic routes, Fly Dhaka Airlines plans to use Airbus or Boeing aircraft in its fleet to conduct international flights later.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fly Dhaka Airlines is retired Lt. Gen. Molla Fazle Akbar.
Babychak also sees the arrival of new airlines positively. Babychak Chairman Airways Marshal Md. Mufidur Rahman told bdnews24.com, “Bangladesh has a good market. Foreigners are taking it a lot. Therefore, if local entrepreneurs come forward, I see it positively. We have given NOC to Fly Dhaka, will give AOC later if they commit.”
Many airlines have already closed, but will the new airlines do well? To such a question, he said, “Airlines that have closed, they had business management problems. To survive, you must not only think commercially, but also have passion. Many have survived. I feel proud of them. I think they can definitely do well if they have proper business management and plan for long-term survival.”
