UK-headquartered aviation support leader Menzies Aviation expressed strong confidence in its bid to secure the second ground handling license at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s newly constructed Terminal 3, voicing optimism that the final award will remain a purely commercial decision free from political or geopolitical pressures.

Speaking at a press meet at the Crowne Plaza in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, top executives from Menzies Aviation and officials from the British High Commission detailed the company’s expansion strategy, global operational capabilities, and multi-million-dollar investment commitments for Bangladesh to journalists. 

The Menzies delegation was led by Charles Wyley, Executive Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and John Henderson, Senior Vice President of Operations for MEA, alongside Sakib Ershad, Director of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission in Dhaka.

Addressing media queries regarding potential political influences surrounding the competitive selection for Terminal 3, where a Sumitomo-led Japanese consortium is managing operations funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sakib Ershad affirmed that the British High Commission remains very confident in Menzies’ proposal, while Menzies executives emphasised their commitment to adhering strictly to the open tender process overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Outlining its financial and structural commitments, Menzies revealed plans to invest over $12 million during its initial year of operation in Bangladesh, dedicated to procuring ground support equipment (GSE), implementing advanced aviation technologies, and establishing workforce training facilities.

The venture is projected to generate more than 1,000 direct, “well-paid jobs,” with a workforce comprised of 99% local Bangladeshi personnel, alongside an estimated 4,500 indirect support jobs across local garment manufacturing and service supply chains.

To support talent development, Henderson announced that Menzies will establish a dedicated, physical training academy within the airport precinct to train local staff to international standards, collaborate with local universities and aviation colleges, and provide a global career pipeline across Menzies' international network.

Addressing airport efficiency and service performance, Menzies highlighted its operational scale across 350 airports in 65 countries, where it handles 1.5 million aircraft turnarounds and 2.4 million tons of cargo annually.

Henderson noted that Menzies maintains an industry-leading safety record that exceeds standards set by international regulators such as IATA.

Responding to CAAB's operational turn-time benchmarks, executives confirmed full capability to meet required standards, promising widebody baggage delivery times between 10 and 15 minutes for first bags and under 40 minutes for final bags through real-time baggage scanning and automated systems.

Addressing queries regarding corporate ownership and market competition, Wyley and Henderson clarified that Menzies remains a UK-headquartered entity operating under a British board and paying UK taxes following its combination with Agility's National Aviation Services (NAS) unit.

The delegates noted that Menzies is the only international bidder possessing established operational experience in South Asia and has maintained active compliance with CAAB's Air Navigation Order requirements since 2018.

Emphasising the broader economic benefits of introducing ground handling competition alongside state carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Menzies stated that enhanced operational reliability and competitive ground handling will make Dhaka a significantly more attractive destination for international and European airlines.

During the visit, the Menzies delegation held a series of meetings, including with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashidduzaman Millat and CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, to review regulatory compliance and discuss operational readiness.