Take steps to cut fuel prices to help the aviation industry recover
The Covid pandemic impacted every business, but the aviation sector was hit hardest. While the aviation sectors of most countries were strongly supported by their respective governments, there was a lack of support for this sector in any form in our country.
Even then, the aviation sector here started to recover, but a fresh blow came from the Ukraine war. It had a far-reaching impact, causing a huge spike in fuel prices and the devaluation of the taka against the dollar. Although fuel prices have returned to pre-war levels, they are still very high in Bangladesh.
The 5 August regime change through a mass uprising has given us new hope in all sectors, including aviation. We hope the interim government will be able to rein in past corruption in the energy sector, effectively bringing down fuel prices, which are a key driver of growth in the aviation sector. A form of economic and social stability is expected to return, with expanding business activities, which in turn will drive growth in both domestic and international air travel.
Mofizur Rahmann, managing director, Novoair and secretary general at AOAB
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