Govt Seeks Lufthansa’s Support to Position Bangladesh as an Aviation Hub

The government has sought Lufthansa’s cooperation in establishing Bangladesh as an aviation hub, including potential investment in a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and support for 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.

The minister said there was considerable potential to expand Bangladesh-Germany cooperation in civil aviation, building on the existing friendly ties between the two countries.

He said Lufthansa, one of the world’s leading aviation companies, could consider investing in an MRO facility in Bangladesh as the country works to develop into a regional aviation hub. He also called for Lufthansa’s cooperation in building a skilled workforce for the aviation industry.

Millat also sought Germany’s assistance in lifting the European Union’s High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) status imposed on cargo originating from Bangladesh since 2017.

He said Bangladesh had taken steps to address all observations raised under the status, noting that Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport had recently secured security audit ratings above 90%.

Given these improvements, Bangladesh expects Germany’s support in removing the HRCM status, the minister said.

The meeting also covered the development of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the proposed acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft.

Millat said the government was working towards signing an agreement with Airbus for the purchase and stressed the need to accelerate the delivery timeline, with deliveries expected to begin before 2030.

The two sides also discussed expanding air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany, increasing cooperation in tourism and further strengthening bilateral relations.

The German ambassador and members of the Lufthansa delegation attended the meeting.