All operation managers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines posted at airports in different countries have been withdrawn. From now on, the country manager will act additionally in this position.
The board of directors of Biman at a meeting recently took the decision to save expenses of the national flag carrier. According to Biman sources, it was learned that due to this decision, operation managers at eight international airports will be brought to the country soon. These international stations are the United Kingdom, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Malaysia, Delhi, and Kolkata.
However, aviation experts said that such a decision will be suicidal for the organization. Operation manager act for flight planning, air traffic control, checking sky NOTAM and calculating zero fuelings. Apart from these, they have to maintain communication with neighboring countries to ensure the smooth operation of Biman.
It was learned that only a Civil Aviation license holder can act in this position. In this regard, the country manager cannot perform the operation manager’s responsibilities. An official of the Air Traffic Department of Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh said Biman could face serious trouble if it withdraws the operation managers. For small technical problems, Biman may have to lose huge amounts. Even concerned countries can cancel Biman's flights.
On the other hand, as the country manager or station manager does not have any license, it will be difficult for them to act in this role. Another reliable source said, even though the decision was made to save money, there is no alternative other than outsourcing for this position. Besides, while counting sky NOTAM, a small fault can even spell disaster in the sky.
However, another reliable source said, without proper license concerned countries do not allow officials to enter in their office. As an example, he showed that the London Station operation manager has to keep communication with 39 other countries' civil aviation. Likewise, Dubai station operation manager has to communicate with 25 countries, Malaysia Station operation manager keeps contact with 27 countries.
Based on this information, this position is very important compared to the country manager, station manager, and account manager. If any station does not have an operation manager, fuel calculation could be difficult, as operation manager only knows how to calculate zero fueling. Seeking anonymity, a high official of Biman said, these operation managers will be brought back to the country and work for foreign carrier handling. Country managers will be able to perform their duty, no outsourcing will be required. There is no chance of corruption.
