Cargo airlines demand better services & lower costs in Bangladesh to increase airfreight capacity
Cargo airlines in Bangladesh are requesting improved services and lower costs in order to increase airfreight capacity for exporters. Due to high air freight rates in the country, airlines such as Qatar Airways, Silk Way West, and Emirates have started offering ad hoc services to Dhaka and are interested in expanding capacity due to high demand.
During a meeting with the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA), airlines expressed their willingness to increase capacity if issues with airport scanners and handling infrastructure are addressed. They are also considering operating to Sylhet as a way to alleviate pressure in Dhaka.
Airlines have raised concerns about poor airport equipment, high operating costs in Dhaka, and the one-way traffic situation. Importers in Bangladesh are facing challenges due to a shortage of US dollars for letters of credit (LCs), leading to higher costs for export shippers who need airfreight capacity.
Furthermore, airlines are facing high handling charges at Dhaka, significantly higher than charges at Kolkata airport. To address these challenges, carriers are exploring the option of utilizing Sylhet Airport for freighters in an effort to ease pressure at Dhaka.
Current air freight rates from Dhaka to the US are $9 per kg and to Europe $7 per kg. Meanwhile, Dhaka Airport continues to face issues with its explosive detection scanners, with two out of four scanners out of service and one being held back as a backup.
Overall, cargo airlines in Bangladesh are pushing for improved services and lower costs in order to meet the increasing demand for airfreight capacity from exporters.
