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UK-based aviation logistics and services provider Menzies Aviation is poised to invest $12 million in its first year of operations if selected as the second ground-handling operator at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's (HSIA) Third Terminal in Dhaka.
Announcing the investment roadmap at a press conference at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday, company executives projected that the venture would create 1,000 direct jobs alongside over 4,500 indirect employment opportunities across Bangladesh’s broader economy and supply chains.
Menzies is competing against several global aviation handling firms for the Third Terminal contract, including Çelebi Aviation, dnata, Swissport, and SATS.
Addressing the briefing, Menzies Aviation Executive Vice President for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Charles Wylie, Senior Vice President for MEA Operations John Henderson, and British High Commission Trade and Investment Director Sakib Ershad outlined the scope of the project. A significant portion of the capital injection will be allocated toward modernizing airport operations, ground support equipment, upskilling domestic personnel, and expanding Bangladesh’s local aviation capacity.
As part of its long-term strategy, Menzies plans to establish a dedicated "Menzies Training Academy" in Dhaka to provide internationally certified aviation training. The company also intends to partner with local universities and colleges to offer specialized aviation curricula, structured internships, and career placement tracks for Bangladeshi graduates. Additionally, the firm plans to source corporate uniforms locally, creating direct business avenues for Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
Responding to queries on whether regional or geopolitical factors could influence the procurement process, British High Commission official Sakib Ershad expressed confidence that the tender would be awarded strictly on merit. "We are confident that this will proceed based on fair competition rather than geopolitical influence," he said.
Aviation stakeholders anticipate that appointing a proven international operator alongside domestic flag carrier Biman will introduce healthy market competition and significantly enhance ground-handling efficiency at Dhaka airport.
