Four international aviation services companies have been shortlisted to provide ground handling services at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), raising hopes of foreign investment, new employment opportunities and improved passenger services. The companies are expected to compete for a major contract that could introduce greater competition into a sector long dominated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

The shortlisted firms are UK-headquartered Menzies Aviation, Switzerland-based Swissport, Türkiye’s Çelebi Aviation Holding and UAE-based dnata, according to sources at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). The selection process is being handled by a Japanese consortium, which has shared the names of the shortlisted companies with the aviation regulator.

CAAB Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan said the authority would first examine the security and regulatory eligibility of the four companies. The findings will then be shared with the consortium, which will make the final selection.

He said the selected operator would subsequently have to apply to CAAB for a ground handling licence. The authority would assess the company's proposed services, equipment, facilities and operational capacity before deciding whether it meets the required standards.

Among the contenders, Menzies Aviation has outlined a significant investment proposal. The company has proposed investing more than $12 million in modern ground support equipment, operational technology and workforce training if awarded the contract.

Menzies has also pledged to create more than 1,000 direct jobs, with 99 percent of recruitment targeted locally. In addition, the company estimates that its operations could generate around 4,500 indirect employment opportunities through suppliers, transport providers and other supporting businesses. It currently operates at approximately 350 airports in 65 countries and employs around 65,000 people.

Swissport is another major contender, operating at 312 airports across 49 countries with a workforce of around 63,000. The Swiss company is reportedly pursuing the Dhaka contract in partnership with Bangladesh's Rhythm Group.

Meanwhile, UAE-based dnata, part of the Emirates Group, provides aviation services in 35 countries. However, its proposed investment and recruitment plans for Dhaka have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Türkiye's Çelebi Aviation has also presented plans to invest in electric ground support equipment and create between 1,000 and 1,500 local jobs if selected. The company has indicated that it could initially deploy equipment from its international operations to prevent delays in launching services. It operates at more than 60 airports in five countries and employs approximately 9,000 people.

The move comes amid longstanding passenger complaints about delayed baggage delivery, inefficient aircraft turnaround and inconsistent ground handling services at HSIA. Authorities hope that bringing in an experienced international operator will improve operational efficiency and service standards at the country's busiest airport.

Former CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman, however, stressed that service quality should take priority over a company's international reputation or size. He said the authorities must establish clear performance targets for baggage handling, aircraft turnaround and overall operational efficiency.

He also called for regular monitoring and strict penalties if the selected operator fails to meet its contractual obligations. Baggage delivery within the stipulated time and aircraft turnaround performance must be monitored consistently, he said. "Otherwise, changing the operator will not reduce passengers' suffering."

The final selection will therefore be closely watched, as passengers expect the new arrangement to bring tangible improvements rather than simply a change in the service provider.