Bangladesh seeks Lufthansa cooperation on aviation, MRO investment

Bangladesh is seeking greater cooperation with German airline Lufthansa to develop the country’s aviation sector, including potential investment in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on October 6.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with a Lufthansa delegation led by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz at his office in Dhaka.

The meeting covered air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany, the development of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, tourism and other areas of mutual interest.

The minister said Lufthansa could explore investment opportunities in establishing MRO facilities as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub. He also invited the airline to cooperate in developing skilled aviation professionals in Bangladesh.

The minister also sought Germany’s support in removing the European Union’s High-Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) designation, which has been in place for Bangladesh since 2017. He said recent security audits at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport resulted in ratings above 90 percent.

He also said Bangladesh is working to sign an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft for Biman and stressed the need to bring forward delivery schedules, with deliveries ideally beginning before 2030.