Biman raises fare in all European routes

DHAKA: The travelers have to count more money from now for their travelling as Biman Bangladesh airlines increased fare in all European routes, including Dhaka-London Thursday.
 
A competent source of Biman told banglnews that fare has increased 15 percent to recover its losses. “New price hike has effected on Thursday while it will continue on 15 January,” the sources said.  

This new price hike will be applicable from all European routes on way to Dhaka. At present, the Biman flies Dhaka-London, Dhaka-Manchester, Dhaka-Rome, Dhaka-Milan routes.   
 
Sources said from 15 January Dhaka to all European routes fare would be increased for at least one month but the rate of fare has not fixed yet.  
 
Aviation experts said that new fare hike would adversely affect the national flag carrier.
 
Biman sources said last Wednesday board of directors of Biman gave an ultimatum to recover loss by next June to the Biman’s official. Just day after the order Biman authorities increased the fare.
 
An official of marketing department, wishing anonymity, told banglanews that Biman has raised the fare ahead of winter season and Christmas. “This is a regular practice for any airlines in the world. So, these will not be additional pressure for the passengers,” he said.
 
Sources said Biman has raised fare Tk 25,000 in Dhaka-London routes twice in last on year which affected Biman.

UK expeditors’   Bangladeshi people expressed their annoyance for the fare hike and they urged Biman authorities to fix the fare adjusting with other airlines, the sources added.  
 
Italy expeditors Bangladesh Asaduzzaman told banglanews that low air fare is one of the main reasons to choice Biman as a carrier to go home.

He added: “It is a national flag carrier while we board in the aircraft it gives a different flavor which attracts us.”
 
“If the Biman’s flights take off on time, we are ready to give extra fare otherwise it will affect Biman,” he said.
 
A high official of the national flag carrier said Biman’s loss was of over Tk 80 crore in the last financial year. He said, “Biman increased the fare this year, which was reduced when fuel price went down.”
 
BDST: 2135 HRS, DEC 15, 2011