Govt seeks Lufthansa support to develop aviation hub

The government has sought Lufthansa’s support in developing Bangladesh as an aviation hub, including investment in a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and cooperation in developing skilled aviation professionals.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the request during a meeting with a Lufthansa delegation led by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz at his office in Dhaka on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the minister said there was significant scope to expand cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany in the civil aviation sector, building on the existing friendly relations between the two countries.
He said Lufthansa, one of the world’s leading aviation companies, could explore investment opportunities in establishing an MRO facility in Bangladesh as the country moves towards becoming an aviation hub.
The airline could also work with Bangladesh to develop skilled human resources for the aviation sector, he said.
The minister also sought Germany’s cooperation in withdrawing the European Union’s High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) status imposed on cargo arriving from Bangladesh since 2017.
He said the government had taken measures to address all observations since coming to power, while Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport recently achieved ratings of more than 90% in security audits.
Bangladesh therefore expected Germany’s support in removing the HRCM status, Millat said.
The meeting also discussed the development of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the proposed purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft.
Millat said the government was working to sign an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of the 10 aircraft, but stressed the need to bring forward the delivery schedule.
He emphasised that deliveries should begin before 2030.
The two sides also expressed interest in increasing air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany and expanding cooperation in tourism, alongside strengthening bilateral relations.
The meeting was attended by the German ambassador and members of the Lufthansa delegation.