Dhaka:The Japanese consortium preparing to operate the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has shortlisted four international ground handlers for clearance by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) before selecting one as the terminal's second passenger ground handling operator.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the contenders include Menzies Aviation from the UK, Swissport from Switzerland, Çelebi Aviation Holding from Turkey, and UAE-based dnata, part of the Emirates Group. CAAB will review these companies to ensure they meet security, regulatory, and operational standards before the consortium makes a final selection.
Once CAAB grants approval, the selected company will receive the necessary ground handling licence, allowing preparations at the Third Terminal to commence. This move is a significant development for Bangladesh's aviation sector, introducing competition among globally recognized service providers for the country's passenger ground handling market.
The selected international operator will work alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines in passenger ground handling at the Third Terminal. Cargo handling operations will remain exclusively under Biman's control. Ground handling involves various critical services such as aircraft servicing, baggage management, and passenger check-in, which directly influence service quality and efficiency.
Menzies Aviation has proposed a substantial investment plan, including over US$12 million in the first year, should they be selected. The plan includes investments in ground support equipment, aviation technology, workforce development, and establishing a training academy in collaboration with local institutions. Menzies aims to create over 1,000 direct jobs, mostly for Bangladeshi workers, and an estimated 4,500 indirect employment opportunities.
Former CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal (retd.) Muhammad Mafidur Rahman emphasized the importance of having experienced operators to leverage the terminal’s advanced facilities effectively. He noted that foreign expertise could help develop Bangladesh's aviation professionals. Aviation experts agree that introducing competition in ground services could enhance service quality and efficiency.
The Japanese consortium, including Japan Airport Terminal Co Ltd, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei, and Narita International Airport Corporation, will assume operational responsibilities for the Third Terminal once the contractual processes are complete. This appointment is considered a crucial step before the terminal begins full-scale operations.