Bangladesh is set to launch its first cargo flight from Sylhet's Osmani International Airport today (Sunday), bolstering export logistics after India's abrupt suspension of third-country transshipment.
"We are all set to launch the first freighter flight from Sylhet tomorrow, making it the second airport in Bangladesh to handle dedicated cargo operations after Dhaka," Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan told BSS on Saturday.
A chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter operated by Galistair Aviation is scheduled to depart Sunday evening, carrying 60 tonnes of readymade garments (RMG) to Spain while Biman Bangladesh Airlines will provide ground-handling services for the
operation.
Bhuiyan said CAAB had completed all necessary preparations, including cargo check-in and security deployment, ahead of the inaugural flight.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin will attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest while Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico M. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan will be present as special guests.
CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan will chair the event before the freighter's scheduled departure at 7:10 pm, which will be marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute.
"We have also invited the members of Sylhet's business community to encourage them to export their products through Osmani International Airport," Bhuiyan said.
The CAAB chairman further revealed that air cargo operations from Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport are expected to commence shortly, making it the third airport designated for cargo services.
Biman's Director of Cargo Shakil Miraz confirmed that the national flag carrier has finalized preparations for the Sylhet operation. "We have transferred ground-handling equipment from Dhaka to Sylhet and are fully ready for the inaugural flight," he added.
The CAAB and Biman Bangladesh Airlines have also engaged in revising civil aviation and ground-handling tariffs to make air cargo services more cost-effective.
Bhuiyan said a task force, led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and comprising all stakeholders, is likely to be formed soon to streamline and reduce cargo-related charges. "BSS
