Diplomatic Desk:
A high-level Bangladeshi delegation comprising M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), visited Malaysia on 17–18 August to explore greater cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment and skills development.
During the first day of the visit, the delegation visited AirAsia’s headquarters and operational facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, including Ground Team Red (GTR).
AirAsia shared its experience in developing an efficient low-cost aviation model, highlighting the importance of appropriate policies for low-cost carriers, fast aircraft turnaround, smart technology and integrated aircraft maintenance services.
The delegation also observed the use of automated check-in, self-service baggage drop, dual-door boarding, optimized apron facilities and digital baggage systems to reduce passenger waiting time, manpower requirements and operating costs. Such measures can enable an aircraft to operate around 6–8 flight sectors per day.
The delegation further visited ADE’s newly built 14-line MRO facility, which provides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services and supports the performance and reliability of AirAsia’s fleet.
Later, State Minister Millat held a meeting with Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of Capital A. Discussions focused on possible cooperation with AirAsia in ground handling, airport management and related services at Bangladesh’s international airports, as well as potential investment and broader cooperation in Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector.
On 18 August, the State Minister met YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, in Putrajaya.
The meeting discussed strengthening Bangladesh–Malaysia tourism cooperation, including increasing flight frequency, facilitating visa processing and pre-verification, cultural exchange, tourism promotion, knowledge sharing and capacity building.
The two sides also discussed greater cooperation in hospitality training and skills development, with a focus on expanding employment opportunities for qualified Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The visit highlighted significant opportunities to strengthen Bangladesh–Malaysia cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment, skills development and related services.
