Bangladesh explores possible cooperation with AirAsia in ground handling

Bangladesh is exploring possible cooperation with AirAsia in ground handling and airport management at the country’s international airports, alongside potential investment in the civil aviation sector.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism confirmed the development in a press release today following a visit by a high-level Bangladeshi delegation to Malaysia on August 17-18.

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State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were part of the delegation.

During the visit, the state minister held talks with Tony Fernandes, group CEO of Capital A, on possible cooperation with AirAsia in ground handling, airport management and related services at Bangladesh’s international airports, according to the notification.

The two sides also discussed potential investment and broader cooperation in Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector.

Earlier, the delegation visited AirAsia’s headquarters and operational facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, including Ground Team Red, or GTR, its ground services operation.

AirAsia briefed the delegation on its low-cost aviation model, including fast aircraft turnaround, the use of smart technology and integrated aircraft maintenance services.

The delegation observed automated check-in, self-service baggage drop, dual-door boarding, optimised apron facilities and digital baggage systems used to reduce passenger waiting time, manpower requirements and operating costs.

According to the notification, such measures can allow an aircraft to operate around 6-8 flight sectors a day.

The delegation also visited the newly built 14-line maintenance, repair and overhaul facility of Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), which provides aircraft maintenance services and supports AirAsia’s fleet operations.

On August 18, the state minister met Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man in Putrajaya.

They discussed increasing flight frequency between Bangladesh and Malaysia, facilitating visa processing and pre-verification, promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, and expanding knowledge sharing and capacity building.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in hospitality training and skills development, with a focus on creating more employment opportunities for qualified Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sector.