Two major international aviation companies – Airbus from Europe and Menzies Aviation from the UK – have shown interest in forming a long-term partnership with Bangladesh. They expressed this during separate meetings with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in London on Tuesday.
Meetings Held During Official Visit
The meetings took place during Chief Adviser Yunus’s 4-day official visit to the UK. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, both companies made their offers to work closely with Bangladesh, especially in the aviation sector.
Airbus Wants to Work with Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Wouter van Wersch, the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Airbus, said that Bangladesh is now a priority country for their company. Airbus is interested in working with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national airline of Bangladesh, to help make it more modern and profitable.
“We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country,” said van Wersch.
He also mentioned that Airbus delivers around 800 aircraft every year and has expertise not just in passenger aircraft, but also in helicopters and fighter jets.
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Bangladesh Is Interested, But Will Take Time to Decide
In response, Chief Adviser Yunus said that Bangladesh is open to all offers, but no immediate decisions will be made.
“I am very eager to understand what can be done, what should be done. So, we will listen to you. But don’t expect any decision soon,” he said.
“We have to look at everything in a very fresh way.”
Van Wersch also offered a financing option. He said that if Bangladesh chooses to buy Airbus aircraft, 85% of the cost could be covered through Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing.
Menzies Aviation Offers Airport Services and Training Hub
Charles Wyley, the Executive Vice President of Menzies Aviation, also met with the Chief Adviser. He shared the company’s plan to provide ground handling and cargo services at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal.
Wyley said Menzies currently provides similar services at over 300 airports in 65 countries, and they would like to bring that experience to Bangladesh.
“We would like to support Bangladeshi airports besides your national carrier,” Wyley told the chief adviser.
Plan to Make Dhaka a Global Training Hub
Wyley further proposed turning Dhaka into a training center for part of Menzies’ 65,000 global employees, if they are given the job of ground handling at the airport.
“We are a proven British company, and we would like to offer our support,” said Wyley.
Source: TBS
