Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has almost completed all formalities to auction off 12 aircraft lying abandoned at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) for more than 10 years, said officials concerned.
At the beginning of the current month, the authority has seized these abandoned aircraft and started assessing their market value.
CAAB Member (Operations & Planning) Air Commodore A F M Atiquzzaman told Bangladesh Post on Saturday, “A technical committee formed by the authority is now assessing the current value of these abandoned aircraft which will be sent to Central Procurement, Engineering and Store Unit (CEMSU) for further examination. Then all these aircraft will go up for auction.”
Based on CEMSU assessment, certain prices will be determined for auction. If no bidder is found with an estimated amount, the authority will call auction again, he added.
In reply to a query about its failure to call an auction in last several years, the CAAB member said, “This time we have made progress and prepared all the documents with the help of an attorney. We have sent letters to respective airliners, asking them to clear all dues and remove their aircraft from the apron. But they failed to pay dues. So, these aircraft will now be put up for auction.”
According to CAAB sources, before calling an auction for these aircraft, they have carried out legal paperwork, including deregistration of the aircraft, cancellation of their airworthiness, making a seizure list, and sending letters to the respective airliners.
Twelve aircraft have been lying abandoned for over a decade, occupying 1,92,100-square feet area at the airport. These abandoned aircraft do not only pose financial challenges but also hinders airport operations. HSIA executive director Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam told Bangladesh Post, “As per the rules, we are working to complete documentation work. Once these aircraft are removed from the airport, it will significantly contribute to the country’s export and import.”
“By removing them, it will be possible to prepare 12 bay parks (A designated area on an apron intended to be used for parking an aircraft). It will help earn foreign currency as well.”
According to HSIA officials, eight aircraft of United Airways, two of Regent Airways, one of GMG Airlines, and one aircraft of Aviana Airlines have been lying abandoned at the airport.
