Canada has expressed interest in doing engine repair, overhauling and maintenance work of aircrafts of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Canada's Ambassador to Bangladesh Lily Nicholas expressed interest during a meeting with the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Muhammad Faruk Khan at the Secretariat today ( 21 March).
“We want to work more closely with Bangladesh's aviation industry, especially Biman Bangladesh Airlines,” Lily Nicholas said.
The envoy said Canada is interested in doing engine repair, overhauling and maintenance of aircraft engines through Canadian Commercial Corporation, a government organisation on a G2G basis.
Besides, the ambassador also expressed Canada's interest in selling more Dash-8 aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines for use on domestic and regional routes.
In reply, civil aviation minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is rebuilding the fleet of Bangladesh Airlines which was built by Bangabandhu. In his interest, 15 new and modern aircraft have already been added to the aircraft fleet.
“We are working on expanding our fleet as well as launching new international and regional routes. Three new Dash-8 aircraft made by Canadian company de Havilland have already been added to the aircraft fleet,” said Muhammad Faruk Khan.
After Canada's official offer to sell the aircraft to Biman, a decision will be taken considering the needs of the aircraft and the welfare of the people of the country.
Faruk Khan also said that the technical capacity of Biman Bangladesh Airlines has increased during the tenure of the current government. At present, all the technical work up to the C-check of the aircraft is being completed in the country through Biman's own engineers and technicians.
Canada's proposal for engine overhaul and overhauling of aircrafts will be negotiated between the relevant authorities in accordance with the law.
During the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan urged the Canadian ambassador Lily Nicholas to take initiatives to make the visa process easier for Bangladeshi students going to study in different universities in Canada.