The government is working to sign a deal with the US-based Boeing Company by April 30 to purchase 14 aircrafts, while planning to open Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport\u2019s (HSIA\u2019s) Third Terminal by year-end, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said on April 23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millat disclosed this after receiving a briefing from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Honourable Prime Minister directed the authorities to turn the national flag carrier into a profitable entity at any cost,\u201d he told reporters after the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the government is also planning to take lease several aircrafts to strengthen Biman Bangladesh Airlines services and improve its commercial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state minister said the Third Terminal of HSIA would be inaugurated either on December 16 this year or at the beginning of the New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that Japan is set to take responsibility for handling operations of the terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millat said international flights from Cox’s Bazar Airport are expected to begin within the next two to three months, while further decisions would be taken after the upcoming national budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also said the government is considering introducing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to make tourist destinations more profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting also decided to examine past irregularities and corruption in Biman Bangladesh Airlines, he added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"