Italian firms eye Bangladesh airport bird management, aviation training projects

Dhaka: Italian companies have expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh's aviation sector through airport bird hazard management and technical capacity-building initiatives during a meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro on June 22.

At the meeting held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Ambassador Alessandro said Italian company The Edge is interested in developing a Bird Control Management System (BCMS) for airports in Bangladesh, aimed at enhancing aviation safety by mitigating bird strike risks, according to a press release from the ministry.

The ambassador also highlighted the interest of Flyon Aero in establishing a training academy in Bangladesh to strengthen the technical skills and professional capacity of local aviation technicians.

The proposals came as Bangladesh seeks to modernize its aviation infrastructure and develop a skilled workforce to support the sector's rapid expansion.

Minister Afroza Khanam welcomed Italy's interest and reiterated Bangladesh's willingness to work closely with Italy in advancing the country's aviation industry. She also discussed opportunities for foreign investment in airport expansion and infrastructure development under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations. Ambassador Alessandro thanked Bangladesh for the contribution of around 250,000 Bangladeshi workers to the Italian economy.