Highbury Group keen to invest in Bangladesh aviation

UK-based aviation company Highbury Group has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s aviation sector, particularly in aircraft leasing, financing and cargo operations of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

A delegation led by the company’s Managing Director William Prothero met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday and discussed potential investment opportunities.

During the meeting, Prothero highlighted Highbury Group’s experience in aircraft acquisition, financing, leasing and asset management, expressing the company’s interest in supporting the development and expansion of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The minister said the government was working to modernise Biman Bangladesh Airlines and strengthen its position in the international aviation market.

He said the government had already taken initiatives to expand the national flag carrier’s fleet to make it a stronger and more profitable airline.

Considering the time required for the delivery of new aircraft, the government is also exploring the possibility of leasing aircraft to meet Biman’s interim requirements, he added.

The minister said any leased aircraft would be assessed carefully, taking into account flying hours, maintenance records and other important technical and operational factors.

He also outlined the government’s plan to convert two aircraft from Biman’s existing fleet into dedicated freighters to meet the country’s growing air cargo demand.

The initiative is expected to increase Bangladesh’s cargo-handling capacity in international markets and generate additional revenue for Biman, he said.

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

The two sides also discussed opportunities for international investment, aircraft leasing and financing, as well as ways to expand the country’s air cargo capacity.

They expressed hope that such cooperation could open up new opportunities for the modernisation and development of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.