Repair work of Blman's damaged DC-10 aircraft, which began here last week, will take about 18 weeks for completion, according to a BIman maintenance department source on Saturday

Seven engineers of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation (MDC). the manufacturers, undertook the preparatory work on August 4. After evaluation, the team estimated that it would take at least 18 weeks to complete the work, the source added

Meanwhile, two of the damaged engines of the aircraft were sent to Italy last month for repair and overhauling.

Another group of 40 engineers and technicians of MDC is expected to arrive in the capital within a week with a plane load of various repair equipment and spares.

The total coat of the repair work would be borne by the insurers of the aircraft Iloyds of London.

On May 18. the DC-10 BIman aircraft skidded off the runway at Zia International Airport amid pouring rain with 135 passengers on board. However, none of the passengers were injured in the accident but the airplane sustained substantial damages.

Structural damage to the belly, nose and engines were identified as the major ones by the MIX? engineers, the source added.

He also added that many of the minor damaged parts have to be sent abroad for repair works.

The maintenance department of Biman is providing all possible logistic support to the MDC team. The repair work Is being conducted at the Biman hangar at ZIA.