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International operators offer investment, technology and thousands of jobs as Bangladesh
prepares to introduce competition in passenger ground handling. Menzies Aviation’s extensive
global network, regulatory preparations and local workforce commitments place it among the
strongest contenders.
Bangladesh’s move to introduce international competition in passenger ground handling at
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has drawn major global aviation services
companies, with UK-headquartered Menzies Aviation presenting an extensive operational
network, a multimillion-dollar investment proposal and plans to create thousands of
employment opportunities.
Four international operators — Menzies Aviation, Swissport of Switzerland, Çelebi Aviation
Holding of Türkiye and dnata of the United Arab Emirates — have been shortlisted by the
Japanese consortium involved in the Third Terminal’s operation and maintenance
arrangements.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is expected to examine their security and
regulatory eligibility before the consortium selects an operator.
The initiative represents a major step towards introducing competition alongside Biman
Bangladesh Airlines, which has historically dominated ground handling at the country’s busiest
airport.
Menzies brings extensive global experience
Among the contenders, Menzies stands out for its international scale, operating across
approximately 350 airports in 65 countries, supported by a workforce of around 65,000
employees.
The company reported approximately $3 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting its extensive
passenger ground handling, cargo and aviation services operations.
Its worldwide network provides access to established safety procedures, specialist personnel,
operational technology and equipment resources that could support rapid mobilisation in
Bangladesh.
By comparison, Turkish competitor Çelebi Aviation operates at more than 60 airports across
five countries, employing approximately 9,000 people.

Although Çelebi has longstanding experience in aviation services, Menzies’ substantially larger
geographical footprint offers broader exposure to different airport environments and
international operating practices.
However, company size alone cannot determine the successful bidder. Technical performance,
investment commitments, safety compliance and the ability to meet HSIA’s operational
requirements will remain crucial.
$12 million investment, thousands of jobs
Menzies has outlined a proposed investment exceeding $12 million for ground support
equipment, technology and training in Bangladesh.
The investment would support the introduction of modern equipment and operating systems
required for passenger and aircraft ground handling, including baggage movement, aircraft
servicing and turnaround operations.
Charles Wyley, Menzies’ Executive Vice-President for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia,
has said the company plans to create more than 1,000 direct jobs, with 99 percent of
recruitment targeted locally.
Menzies also projects approximately 4,500 indirect employment opportunities, potentially
benefiting equipment suppliers, transport providers and other supporting businesses.
An important component of its proposal is the establishment of an aviation training academy in
Bangladesh.
The proposed academy would focus on developing local expertise in ground handling
operations, safety procedures, equipment management and internationally recognised service
practices.
Such an initiative could help Bangladesh build a skilled aviation workforce while reducing
dependence on foreign technical personnel over time.
The employment and training commitments remain proposals, subject to regulatory approval
and final commercial arrangements.
Early preparations could offer advantage
Menzies’ engagement with Bangladesh’s ground handling market began well before the current
Third Terminal selection process.
Following the Air Navigation Order issued in 2018, which invited international ground handling
companies to apply for licences, Menzies submitted an application to CAAB.
According to information provided by the company, it was the only applicant to submit a fully
compliant application under that process.

Menzies maintains that its submission included technical and operational standards, detailed
safety manuals and other regulatory documentation reviewed and cleared by CAAB.
The status of those earlier approvals and their applicability to the current selection process
require confirmation from the aviation regulator.
The company has already established Menzies Bangladesh Limited and developed standard
operating procedures for its proposed operations.
Drawing on resources from its international network, Menzies says it could begin operations
within as little as three months, subject to the necessary approvals.
Such readiness could be important as Bangladesh seeks to accelerate operational preparations
for the Third Terminal.
Passenger service improvement remains priority
The selection comes amid longstanding concerns over baggage delays, aircraft turnaround
efficiency and inconsistent ground handling services at HSIA.
Introducing an international operator could create competitive pressure to improve service
standards, equipment availability and operational accountability.
However, aviation stakeholders say the government must establish measurable performance
indicators, including baggage delivery times, aircraft turnaround targets and penalties for
service failures.
The Third Terminal’s success will ultimately depend on efficient operations rather than the
international reputation of any particular company.
For Bangladesh, the selection presents an opportunity to secure foreign investment, create
skilled employment and introduce modern ground handling practices.
Menzies’ extensive global operations, proposed training academy, local recruitment
commitments and advance preparations make it a prominent contender.
The final decision, however, must ensure that international expertise translates into faster
baggage delivery, safer aircraft handling and lasting benefits for Bangladesh’s aviation industry.