Singapore's SATS eyes ground handling at HSIA Third Terminal

Dhaka: Singapore-based aviation services provider SATS has expressed interest in providing ground handling services at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), marking another sign of growing international interest in Bangladesh's expanding aviation sector.

The interest was conveyed during a meeting between representatives of SATS and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Bangladesh Secretariat on June 22, according to a press release from the ministry.

SATS representatives Chi Cheng Bock and Tham Yin Fun met the minister and discussed potential opportunities in Bangladesh's aviation industry, particularly ground handling operations at the country's largest airport.

During the meeting, the SATS delegation expressed the company's willingness to participate in ground handling services at the Third Terminal of HSIA, a key infrastructure project expected to significantly enhance the airport's passenger handling capacity.

Minister Afroza Khanam welcomed the company's interest and invited SATS to submit a formal proposal through the appropriate process. She assured the delegation that the proposal would receive due consideration in line with government procedures.

The development comes as Bangladesh explores options to introduce additional international expertise in airport ground handling services ahead of the full-scale operation of the Third Terminal.

SATS is one of Asia's leading aviation service providers, offering gateway services, cargo handling, and food solutions across multiple international airports.

The meeting reflects Bangladesh's broader efforts to attract foreign investment and technical expertise to modernize its aviation infrastructure and improve service standards at its airports.

Earlier, companies from the UK, Turkey, the UAE, and Switzerland also showed similar interest during the meeting with the minister.