Biman incurs Tk 785cr loss in 2 years

Biman incurred a loss of around Tk 785 crore in fiscal years 2011-12 and 2012-13, parliament was told yesterday.
In the Jatiya Sangsad, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon said the national flag carrier lost Tk 594 crore in fiscal 2011-12 and Tk 191 crore in fiscal 2012-13.
Replying to lawmakers' queries, the minister said there were various reasons behind the Biman's loss, including excessive fuel prices, interest of bank loan, an increase in rent for taking lease of aircraft and the Biman's failure to increase air fares.
He also informed lawmakers that his ministry had given many instructions to Biman to make the national airliner a profitable venture.
Explaining the reasons behind the Biman's loss, Menon said the fuel costs were almost half of the total Biman's expenditure.
The minister also said the expenditure of Biman also increased due to payment of interest against loans which were taken to procure new aircraft.
Failure to increase ticket fares is another reason for the Biman's loss, he added.
In the written reply, Menon also said with a fleet of 10 aircraft, Biman is now operating flights to 19 international destinations.