UK-based Menzies Aviation has proposed setting up a specialised aviation training academy in Dhaka as it competes for the second passenger ground-handling contract at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal.
The company says the academy, along with a proposed investment of over $12 million in the first year, could give it an edge over rivals Swissport, Çelebi Aviation and dnata.
Menzies plans to train local recruits in aircraft ground handling, aviation security, equipment operations, baggage management and safety procedures.
It also intends to partner with Bangladeshi universities and training institutions on qualifications and internships.
“We are planning to set up a training academy in Dhaka,” said John Henderson, the company’s senior vice president of operations.
“Bangladeshi workers will be able to work anywhere in our international network.”
Henderson said staff could be recruited and trained to international standards within three months of starting operations.
The academy could help build a skilled local workforce and reduce reliance on foreign technical experts.
Menzies estimates its Bangladesh operations could create more than 1,000 direct jobs, about 99% of them for Bangladeshis, and around 4,500 indirect jobs.
The investment would fund modern equipment, technology, infrastructure and workforce development.
The company operates at about 350 airports in 65 countries, handling roughly 1.6 million aircraft turnarounds and 2.4 million tonnes of cargo a year, according to its executives.
Menzies has also proposed digital baggage tracking and real-time operational monitoring.
It claims the first bag from a wide-body aircraft could be delivered within 10 to 15 minutes, and all bags within 40 minutes.
The company also plans to source and manufacture staff uniforms locally, benefiting the garment industry.
The academy and investment pledges remain at the proposal stage and will be implemented only if Menzies wins the contract.
Its advantage will ultimately depend on whether the promises translate into better workforce skills, baggage delivery, turnaround times, safety and reliability.
Former CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd) Muhammad Mafidur Rahman has stressed the need for operators experienced in running complex airport systems.
Aviation analyst ATM Nazrul has argued that the choice should rest on competence, technology, operational capability and financial value.
