Highbury Group, an international aviation company, has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector, including aircraft leasing and converting aircraft into dedicated freighters for Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

A delegation led by Highbury Group Managing Director William Prothero paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the minister’s office at the Secretariat at noon on Tuesday. 

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said in a press release.

During the meeting, Prothero spoke about the company’s long experience in aircraft acquisition, financing, and leasing, as well as global investment and asset management, the release said.

The minister said the government is working to modernise Biman and give it a respected position internationally. He said the government has already taken steps to expand the national flag carrier’s fleet and make it stronger and more profitable.

He said that, considering how long it will take for new aircraft to arrive, the government is looking at leasing aircraft to meet interim needs. Technical and operational indicators, including an aircraft’s flying hours and maintenance history, will be properly assessed, he said.

Citing growing demand for air cargo, the minister said the government plans to convert two aircraft in Biman’s current fleet into dedicated freighters. He said this would help meet the country’s cargo demand, raise Bangladesh’s cargo capacity in the international market, and increase Biman’s income.

He assured the delegation that the government would give serious consideration to any specific and realistic investment proposal from Highbury Group.

The ministry said both sides held positive discussions on international investment in Bangladesh’s aviation sector, aircraft leasing, financing, and ways to increase cargo capacity. They expressed hope that such cooperation could open new opportunities for modernising and developing the sector.