There is a major change in the aviation sector. Hazrat Shahjalal (R.A.) The government has taken initiative to add foreign ground handling operators to the third terminal of the international airport for the first time.
As a result, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been coming to an end to the 54-year monopoly of this sector since independence.
However, the concerned sources said that the cargo handling activities will be under the control of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The participation of foreign companies will be limited to passenger service-related activities, where they will work in partnership with the state agency.
Why this change.
Ground handling of luggage, passenger support, aircraft cleaning, ramp service, catering and other activities at the airport are collectively called ground handling. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been operating this service for a long time alone.
However, over the years, there have been allegations of baggage the theft, passenger harassment, slowdown in service and restrictions on providing the necessary support to international airlines. The government has decided to create a competitive environment to ensure international standard services by solving these problems.
The interest of foreign companies
Some of the world’s leading companies have expressed interest in handling ground handling of the third terminal. These include:
The Swissport
Dnata (UAE)
Menzies Aviation (UK)
Some of the international ground services in Turkey
The final election and the framework of partnership are being discussed.
The government’s position
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said that although foreign companies are involved, the airline’s partnership will continue. At the same time, the employment of the existing employees of the aircraft will be kept safe and new manpower will be recruited if necessary.
He said through foreign operators, modern technology, efficient management and international standard training will be provided to the workers of the country, which will increase the capacity of the aviation sector as a whole.
The opinion of experts
Aviation experts believe that if more than one operator work, the competition will increase, improve the quality of service and ensure accountability. At the same time, the acceptance of Bangladesh’s airports to international airlines will also increase.
According to them, through joint ventures with foreign companies, there will be opportunities for technology transfer, skill development and building an operational culture of international standard.
Large source of income ground handling
Ground handling is one of the most profitable aviation sectors. According to the relevant information, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has earned around Rs 1,500 crore by providing this service to different airports of the country in the fiscal year 2024-25. In the previous financial year, this revenue was around Rs 1,200 crore.
So the new system has become an observation of how much efficiency and capacity the airline can sustain in the passenger service sector in the face of international competition.