Bangladesh Seeks to Deepen Aviation, Tourism Cooperation with Malaysia
A high-level Bangladeshi delegation visited Malaysia on August 17-18 to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment and skills development.
The delegation was led by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun.
During the first day of the visit, the delegation visited AirAsia’s headquarters and operations at Terminal 2 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, including the facilities of Ground Team Red (GTR).
AirAsia briefed the delegation on its low-cost carrier model, highlighting efficient aircraft turnaround, smart technologies and integrated aircraft maintenance systems. The delegation also observed automated check-in, self-service baggage drop, dual-door boarding, advanced apron management and digital baggage handling systems.
According to the presentation, such measures can reduce passenger waiting times, manpower requirements and operating costs, allowing an aircraft to operate around six to eight flight sectors a day.
The delegation also visited ADE’s newly built 14-line Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which provides aircraft maintenance services and supports the operational reliability of AirAsia’s fleet.
Later that day, State Minister Millat met Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of Capital A. Discussions focused on the potential use of AirAsia’s experience in ground handling, airport management and related services at international airports in Bangladesh. The meeting also explored opportunities to increase investment and cooperation in Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector.
On August 18, the State Minister held a meeting with Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man in Putrajaya.
The meeting discussed ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries, including increasing the number and frequency of flights, facilitating visa procedures and pre-verification, promoting cultural exchanges, tourism marketing, sharing expertise and developing skills.
The two sides also discussed training and skills development in Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as expanding employment opportunities for qualified Bangladeshi workers.
The visit is expected to open new avenues for Bangladesh-Malaysia cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment, skills development and related services, while also creating opportunities to enhance connectivity and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.