Private helipads, heliports get govt approval

In a bid to regulate helicopter services for corporate use and medical evacuation, as well as enhance air connectivity within the country, the government has made the decision to permit private operators to build heliports and helipads.

Private entities will now have the opportunity to construct these facilities and land helicopters there, subject to meeting specific conditions set by the government.

The civil aviation ministry recently issued a gazette notification titled "Heliport and Elevated Heliport Establishment and Operation Policy, 2023," which became effective on Monday.

This policy allows for the establishment of heliports, which are similar to airports and cater to multiple helicopters for takeoff and landing. Additionally, elevated heliports or helipads, designated for the use of one helicopter at a time, may be situated on the roofs of tall buildings or other high structures.

Presently, helicopters traveling outside Dhaka can only land at airports, stadiums, school grounds, or any open space that has obtained clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and local administration. However, private operators will now have the opportunity to land helicopters on the rooftops of private premises equipped with helipads, or at their own designated heliports, following the necessary approvals and compliance with facility requirements.

A similar proposal was previously under consideration in 2019, but it faced obstacles due to concerns expressed by the home ministry at that time.

The home ministry was apprehensive about the potential for drug trafficking and public safety risks in the event of accidents associated with rooftop helipads.

This policy allows for the establishment of heliports, which are similar to airports and cater to multiple helicopters for takeoff and landing. Additionally, elevated heliports or helipads, designated for the use of one helicopter at a time, may be situated on the roofs of tall buildings or other high structures.

In response to queries regarding what has changed in the past five years, sources within the civil aviation ministry have stated that there are stringent criteria that must be fulfilled before obtaining approvals for heliports and helipads. Therefore, the likelihood of misuse is minimal.

Furthermore, with the implementation of the new policy, private helicopter operations will be brought under a regulatory framework, ensuring effective oversight and compliance, according to ministry officials.

THE BENEFITS

The previous protocol required critical patients to be airlifted to Dhaka Airport before being transported to hospitals by road, causing delays and potentially risking lives. However, under the new policy, helicopters will now be allowed to land directly on hospital helipads, enabling quicker and more efficient transfers, potentially saving both time and money. This change will significantly benefit patients in need of immediate medical attention by reducing transportation time and bypassing the congested Dhaka traffic, aviation industry insiders said.

The demand for helicopters has grown increasingly essential for urgent evacuation of critically ill patients from remote regions, emergency services, prompt response to accidents and natural disasters, as well as facilitating efficient business communication.

Private commercial helicopter services were introduced in Bangladesh in 1999, and currently, 10 business entities hold the civil aviation authority's air operator certificate (AOC).

Sources at the Ministry of Civil Aviation have revealed that at least three corporate groups, including Square and Shikder Medical, have applied for establishing elevated helipads.

The existing helicopter operators in the country are Square Air, Bashundhara Airways, Meghna Aviation, BRB Air, Partex Aviation, R&R Aviation, ATL Aviation, BCL Aviation, Bangla International Airlines, and South Asian Aviation, collectively operating a fleet of 38 helicopters, a significant increase from just two in 2000.

CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Under the policies, helipads and heliport can be established only after getting clearance from at least 10 government organisations including the CAAB, Fire Service & Civil Defenses, Defense Ministry, Home Ministry, Environment Ministry, respective local government organisations including city corporation and union parishad, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and National Security Intelligence.

Contacted, Mofizur Rahman, secretary general of AOAB and managing director of Novoair, welcomed the government's move

But he also expressed skepticism on whether the policy is feasible as an organisation will have to take clearances from at least 12/13 government organisations before getting approval.

"Meeting so many conditions will actually make it mission impossible," he said.