As part of its preparations to offer top-notch ground handling services at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), Biman Bangladesh Airlines today put 32 cutting-edge ground support equipment (GSE) into service.
At a cost of Taka 540 crore, the national flag carrier acquired six different types of equipment to increase handling capacity and operational efficiency.
The commissioned equipment includes two advanced aircraft container pallet loaders from OSHKOSH, USA; 12 aircraft container pallet transporters and nine belt loaders from TLD, France; two aircraft air conditioning units with a 115-ton capacity and five units with a 65-ton capacity from TLD, USA; and two air start units from Guinault, France.
Biman’s Board of Directors Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, and Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Shafiqul Rahman formally commissioned the equipment at an event titled “New Ground Support Equipment Commissioning 2025” at Biman’s hangar at HSIA.
After commissioning the equipment, Muyeed Chowdhury told media that Biman would be fully equipped with all necessary gears and human resources before the Third Terminal becomes operational.
Through continuous investment in modern equipment, workforce expansion, and training programmes, Biman remains committed to maintaining excellence in ground handling operations, he added.
CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan noted that despite inadequate facilities, Biman has been efficiently managing ground handling activities.
With the sophisticated facilities of the Third Terminal, the airline would be able to maintain worldwide standards, he claimed.
For all international airlines that operate in Bangladesh, Biman continues to be the only supplier of ground handling services.
The addition of this advanced equipment has significantly strengthened its capacity to support the upcoming Third Terminal’s operations.
As part of its ongoing GSE fleet expansion, Biman has recently added 43 new equipment at a cost of Taka 350 crore, including four forklifts, five modern passenger coaches, 18 tow tractors, six belt loaders, two pushback tow tractors, and eight ground power units.
Additionally, six aircraft passenger steps, four push carts, and four advanced ambulifts will soon be incorporated into the fleet.
The procurement process is also underway for 14 aircraft container pallet loaders, four portable water carts, six flush carts, and 250 baggage trolleys.
Biman is also expanding its workforce in line with its fleet enhancement. The airline is in the process of recruiting 193 new personnel, including 20 assistant managers, 81 GSE operators, and 71 mechanics/electricians.
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