Biman commissions 32 GSE to enhance ground handling capacity
Biman Bangladesh Airlines enhanced its handling capacity at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal by adding 32 new pieces of ground support equipment (GSE) on Wednesday.
The new equipment, worth Tk 54 crore, includes advanced tools for improving ground handling at the newly built Terminal 3 of the airport.
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.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Biman Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury said, “Biman will be fully prepared to provide ground handling services before the third terminal becomes fully operational.”
“Biman has the full capacity to serve its clients and passengers. That is why it has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing ground handling services at Dhaka Airport for the next two years,” he said.
Through continuous investment in modern equipment, workforce expansion, and training programmes, Biman remains committed to maintaining excellence in ground handling operations, he added.
He urged journalists to highlight Biman’s shortcomings so that the authorities can take necessary actions.
CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan stated that despite limited facilities, Biman has been efficiently managing ground handling operations.
With the modern facilities of the Third Terminal, the airline would be able to maintain international standards, he added.
Among the equipment are 2 aircraft container pallet loaders from OSHKOSH, USA; 12 aircraft container pallet transporters and 9 belt loaders from TLD, France; 2 aircraft air conditioning units (115 tonnes) and 5 smaller air conditioning units (65 tonnes) from TLD, USA; and 2 air start units from Guinault, France.
Biman remains the sole ground handling service provider for all foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh.
The addition of this advanced equipment has significantly strengthened its capacity to support the upcoming Third Terminal’s operations.
Biman has also recently expanded its fleet with four forklifts, five modern passenger coaches, eighteen tow tractors, six belt loaders, two pushback tow tractors, and eight ground power units worth Tk 35 crore.
Six more aircraft passenger steps, four push carts, and four state-of-the-art ambulifts will be added to the fleet.
In addition, 14 aircraft container pallet loaders, 4 potable water carts, 6 flush carts, and 250 baggage trolleys, among others, are under procurement process to continue improving operations, said the press release.
Biman is also recruiting 193 new employees, including assistant managers, GSE operators, and mechanics.
These efforts are part of Biman’s commitment to improving its ground handling standards and providing better service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.