DHAKA: An aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been grounded for 15 days, causing a loss of Tk 78 lakh from the public exchequer, sources said.

The national airlines could not fly the leased aircraft for damaged windshield that could be replaced at a cost of Tk 14 lakh. As it was grounded, it cost the public almost six times.  

Biman sources said the Boeing 737 airplane was included in the fleet of the national flag carrier under wet-lease agreement.

Jakiul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Biman, admitted to the fact of loss being incurred.

“It was damaged by birds on its way from Dhaka to Karachi that forced the aircraft to return to the base in Dhaka,” said a Biman official, who did not wish to be named.   

Later, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) grounded the Boeing.

Biman is responsible for any repair works as per the contract.

The authorities blamed poor stock for the delay in repair. Spare windshield was not available in Biman`s storage that compelled the CAAB to keep it grounded, Jakiul said.  

He told banglanews24.com.bd that they have no responsibility to repair the wrecked windshield as it was leased. In spite of that, they were sincere to find out a spare windshield.  

BDST 1708 HRS. JULY 10, 2010