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Why more DC-10s?

15 August 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Shafqat Seattle, USA
15 August 2005, 18:00 PM
Biman management seems to have opted for petty and short-term interests again. Numerous troubles with the vintage DC-10s, and even a recent bad landing (resulting in the loss of the aircraft) did not change the way this airline operates. Th aviation minister , who has claimed to be losing sleep over the 25 year old airframes, have somehow again gave his blessings for acquiring two more of the same. Biman's decision making methodology thus should be scrutinized by the government.

DC-10s were very popular with airlines all over the world and have served their worth.

But it is a very old design and cannot compete with the 777s and the A330/A340s anymore in this age. The newer airplanes are much safer and carry more people and cargo while consuming less fuel. Also, Biman's DC-10s have a history of maintenance problems and breakdowns in foreign airports and maintaining an old airframe like the DC-10s also requires a lot of time and money, which can be better spent on newer acquisitions.

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This is not the first time Biman has taken such baffling decisions. Just a few years ago, it acquired two old F-28s from Indonesia, which turned out very costly in terms of purchase price and subsequent operational difficulties. Before that, Biman leased two B-737s for short periods even though it had no previous experience of operating that type. Time and

again, Biman has taken these decisions over allegations of fiscal mismanagement and trade kickbacks from agents of foreign aircraft operators.

Biman has already selected the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330-200 as part of its future fleet improvements. The finance minister has already given his approval for acquiring four (instead of the ten Biman was asking for) and that process should be completed on a fast track. If at all Biman needs to acquire more aircraft on an urgent basis (in order to

maintain schedule), it should have leased two aircrafts of the newer types (777s or A330s) that would have provided better service for the money. And they would also help Biman train and prepare for the arrival of the new aircrafts in the near future.