Aviation giants pitch long-term plans for Bangladesh

Staff Reporter :

European aerospace manufacturer Airbus and UK-based aviation services giant Menzies Aviation have expressed keen interest in forging long-term partnerships with Bangladesh, with proposals aimed at enhancing the country’s aviation sector.

The offers were presented during separate meetings on Tuesday between Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch and Menzies Aviation Executive Vice President Charles Wyley with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his London hotel.

“We have identified Bangladesh as a strategic priority,” van Wersch told the Chief Adviser, noting Airbus’s interest in partnering with Biman Bangladesh Airlines to help modernise its fleet and improve profitability.

Van Wersch highlighted Airbus’s global footprint, producing around 800 aircraft annually, and noted the company’s additional capabilities in helicopter and fighter jet manufacturing.

He added that should Bangladesh opt to procure Airbus aircraft, up to 85 per cent of financing could be facilitated through Export Credit Agency (ECA) arrangements.

In response, the Chief Adviser welcomed the proposals but underscored the need for a cautious and comprehensive approach.

“We are open to exploring all offers for modernising Biman’s fleet,” said Professor Yunus. “However, no immediate decision will be made. We need to assess everything with a fresh perspective.”

Meanwhile, Menzies Aviation expressed its intention to participate in competitive bidding to provide ground handling and air cargo services for the newly constructed third terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

“We are eager to support not only Bangladesh’s airports but also your national carrier,” Wyley told the Chief Adviser.

Wyley further stated that, if selected, Menzies would consider establishing a regional training hub in Dhaka for a segment of its 65,000 global employees, drawing on the company’s operational experience at over 300 airports in at least 65 countries.

“We are a trusted British brand with a global presence, and we are keen to bring that expertise to Bangladesh,” he said.

The proposed engagements come as Bangladesh seeks to modernise its aviation infrastructure and improve the operational efficiency of its national carrier. Discussions remain at an early stage, with further evaluations expected in the coming months.