Global aviation giants Airbus and Menzies Aviation have expressed strong interest in forging long-term partnerships with Bangladesh, offering proposals to modernise the national carrier and manage airport ground services.

The offers were made during separate meetings in London on Tuesday between the companies’ top executives and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who is currently leading an interim administration.

“We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country,” said Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus. He noted that the European aerospace manufacturer was keen to work with Biman Bangladesh Airlines to improve its fleet and overall profitability.

Van Wersch added that Airbus, which delivers approximately 800 aircraft annually, also has expertise in helicopters and defence aircraft, and could explore opportunities beyond commercial aviation.

He said the company could arrange up to 85% of the financing through Export Credit Agency (ECA) mechanisms if Bangladesh opts to procure Airbus aircraft.

While welcoming the initiative, Professor Yunus said his government would not rush into any procurement decisions.

“We are willing to listen to all proposals. But don’t expect a decision right away,” said the Chief Adviser. “We need to reassess everything with a fresh perspective.”

Meanwhile, Charles Wyley, Executive Vice President of Menzies Aviation, said the UK-based company was ready to compete for contracts to manage ground handling and air cargo services at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s new third terminal in Dhaka.

“We’d like to support not just the national airline, but also your airport infrastructure,” Wyley told the Chief Adviser.

Operating in over 300 airports across 65 countries, Menzies proposed to establish Dhaka as a regional training hub for its 65,000-strong global workforce, should it be awarded the ground handling contract.

“We are a proven British company, and we are keen to bring our global expertise to Bangladesh,” Wyley said.

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