DHAKA: Two aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines lay grounded for two years, taking a huge toll on public purse, although aviation engineers are for phasing out the antiquated planes.

Biman has three F-28s in its fleet and one in the troika is on its wings, sources said.  The two others have been grounded at the hanger at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

When asked, Director of the Engineering department Wing Commander Asaduzzaman declined to make any comment on the matter.   

Biman sources said both the airplanes were old and their spare parts were not available on the international market.

The Biman Engineering department has recommended dropping the outmoded F-28s from fleet, but the Board of Directors of Biman decided to continue with the Neanderthal till December 2011.  

“Now high maintenance cost makes these aircraft burden for Biman,” said one source.

The Board also decided that the F-28s will be used for pilot training, despite knowing the fact that its upkeep is expensive.

F-28’s manufacturing company Fokker is now defunct. However, Fokker okker Friendship, a servicing company, was providing support for maintenance while spare parts production was stopped.
 
It takes US$ 160,000 to US$ 170,000 for the overhauling of an F-28 which is five times higher than overhauling a new aircraft.  

BDST: 1930 HRS, JULY 16, 2010.