Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry sources said Biman earned Tk 86.39 lakh by leasing out its 500-vehicle capacity car park to private enterprise last year.

In addition, Biman completed a number of development projects including connecting channel between the international and domestic terminals at Zia International Airport (ZIA), boundary wall around ZIA's runway, expansion of runway of Sylhet Osmani International Airport, and increased utilisation of Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport.

Besides, Silk Air of Singapore and Thai Airways have introduced their direct air services in international routes in Bangladesh.

The sources said Biman also saved Tk two crore through bargaining over normal and regular rent of two DC-10-30 and two airbuses last year. Biman saved Tk 40 crore in foreign exchange by carrying Hajj passengers by its own aircraft instead of leasing airbuses for this purpose in last Hajj season.

The sources said as the quality of food of BFCC have been improved many international airlines including British Airways, Uzbekistan Airways, Qatar Airways, Iran and Dragon Airway have started taking food from Biman's caterer. It would help earn Tk 5.50 crore during 2002-2003, two crore more than the earning of the previous year.

The sources said another Tk two crore would be saved owing to 25 per cent cut in manpower strength of Biman's foreign stations. The national flag carrier would also save a significant amount of money in foreign exchange through carrying out maintenance and overhauling of its aircraft in its own hanger.

Biman succeeded in curtailing Tk 3.11 through bargaining hotel rents of its crew members support during their overseas stay. The authorities also directed to reduce 25 per cent of overtime expenses at the first phase.

The sources said a number of reform measures have been taken to make services of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation more dynamic and profitable. As part of this programme, the corporation set up motels at Bogra, Benapol, Sagardari, Bandarban and Khagrachhari.

Besides, the management of a number of services of the corporation were handed over to some private enterprises to involve private sector in expansion and development of tourism.