Japanese consortium names four handlers for CAAB clearance

The Japanese consortium set to operate Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Third Terminal has named four global ground handlers for CAAB clearance before selecting one as the terminal's second passenger ground handling operator.

"They are UK-headquartered Menzies Aviation, Switzerland's Swissport, Türkiye's Çelebi Aviation Holding and UAE-based dnata, part of the Emirates Group," Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan told BSS here recently.

The names have been submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), which will examine whether any of the companies face security, regulatory or other concerns that could prevent them from operating at Bangladesh's principal international airport.

Khan said once the authority gives clearance, the Japanese consortium will select one company from among the eligible operators.

CAAB will subsequently issue the required ground handling licence in the name of the selected operator, paving the way for preparations to begin at the Third Terminal.

The move marks a major shift in Bangladesh's aviation sector as globally established service providers compete to enter the country's passenger ground handling market.

Under the proposed arrangement, the selected international operator will work alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines in passenger ground handling at the Third Terminal, while cargo handling will remain exclusively under the national flag carrier.

Ground handling covers aircraft servicing, baggage management, passenger check-in, ramp operations and aircraft turnaround activities, all of which directly affect service quality, punctuality and passenger experience.

Industry analysts said the decision therefore carries significance beyond appointing another service provider, as Bangladesh moves from construction of the third terminal towards delivering international-standard airport operations.

For passengers, the most visible tests will be baggage delivery, check-in efficiency, passenger assistance and disruption management.

For airlines, the critical indicators will include safe aircraft handling, efficient turnaround, reliable ground support equipment and the ability to maintain schedules.

The four contenders bring different combinations of global scale, operating experience and technical capability.

A comparative industry profile reviewed by BSS shows Menzies operating at 347 airports across 65 countries, Swissport at around 310 airports across approximately 44 to 49 countries, dnata at 146 airports or locations in 35 countries and Çelebi at more than 60 airports across five countries.

The same comparison lists more than 65,000 employees at Menzies, around 43,000 at Swissport, over 55,000 at dnata and roughly 9,000 at Çelebi.

It also shows Menzies handling about 5.3 million flights annually, compared to around four million for Swissport and more than 888,000 aircraft turns for dnata.

Swissport, however, is shown handling about 6.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, ahead of dnata's 3.2 million tonnes and Menzies' 2.4 million tonnes, indicating that the companies hold strengths in different operational areas.

Industry observers said the key issue for Dhaka will be how global experience is translated into measurable service improvements at HSIA.

Menzies' Bangladesh proposal has drawn attention because it includes a detailed local investment, employment and workforce-development plan.

The UK-headquartered company has proposed investing more than US$12 million in its first year if selected, covering ground support equipment, aviation technology, workforce development and operational capability.

Its plan envisages more than 1,000 direct jobs, with around 99% of the workforce expected to be Bangladeshi, alongside an estimated 4,500 indirect employment opportunities.

Menzies has also proposed establishing a physical training academy within the airport precinct and collaborating with Bangladeshi universities and aviation institutions to create professional training, internship and career pathways.

CAAB has been moving towards measurable service standards, with industry discussions focusing on delivery of the first bags within around 15 minutes and completion within approximately 40 minutes.

During a visit to Bangladesh last month, Menzies Executive Vice-President for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Charles Wyley said the company could target delivery of the first bags from wide-body aircraft within 10 to 15 minutes and the final bags within 40 minutes.

He said the proposed operation would use real-time scanning, digital baggage reconciliation and performance-monitoring systems.

Aircraft turnaround is another critical area, as delays in baggage unloading, servicing, ramp coordination or reloading can quickly affect airline schedules.

Aviation experts said consistent turnaround performance would become increasingly important if Bangladesh wants HSIA to develop beyond a destination airport into a competitive regional hub.

Former CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal (retd.) Muhammad Mafidur Rahman said experienced operators would be necessary to maximise the benefits of the terminal's advanced facilities.

"The equipment installed is state-of-the-art and requires experienced operators," he said.

He said international expertise could also help transfer knowledge and develop a stronger pool of Bangladeshi aviation professionals.

Foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh have advocated greater competition in ground services, arguing that competition could improve service standards and reduce baggage and aircraft turnaround times.

Mafidur Rahman welcomed the move to introduce competition in passenger handling.

Aviation entrepreneur and TAS Aviation Group Chairman K M Mozibul Hoque also said internationally experienced operators could improve efficiency, safety, compliance and service quality while transferring knowledge to local manpower.

"Ownership may remain with the government, but operations should be entrusted to proven global companies," he said.

Industry analysts said all four shortlisted companies bring significant credentials.

Swissport has one of the world's largest airport networks and strong cargo-handling volumes, while dnata combines ground handling with the wider aviation ecosystem of the Emirates Group.

Çelebi has decades of experience across several international aviation markets.

Menzies, meanwhile, combines the broadest country footprint and largest airport network among the four in the supplied comparison with a Bangladesh-specific plan covering investment, technology, recruitment and training.

Aviation analyst ATM Nazrul said whichever operator is finally selected should be measured against clear key performance indicators covering baggage delivery, aircraft turnaround, equipment availability, safety, staff competency and passenger service.

The new operator will work alongside Biman, creating scope for direct comparison of performance at the same terminal.

Biman says it has already procured the required ground handling equipment and recruited more than 1,000 additional personnel for Third Terminal operations.

The Japanese consortium comprises Japan Airport Terminal Co Ltd, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei and Narita International Airport Corporation.

It is set to assume operation and maintenance responsibilities for the third terminal following completion of the contractual process.

Industry experts said the appointment of the second passenger ground handler will be one of the most important operational preparations before the terminal enters full-scale service.