US-Bangla Airlines Aims for Full Aviation Group Status with Major Expansion
US-Bangla Airlines is embarking on a significant expansion, planning to add 21 new aircraft to its fleet. This initiative is driven by the airline's ambition to capture a larger share of the international air travel market from Bangladesh, which is currently dominated by foreign carriers. Managing Director Abdullah Al Mamun stated that the international passenger market originating from Bangladesh is valued at approximately BDT 70,000 crore annually, with local airlines holding only 30% of this share. US-Bangla aims to increase its market share to 15% by 2027 through this expansion.
The new aircraft will facilitate expanded flight operations to various destinations. Key focus areas include increasing flights to Kolkata, Chennai, and the Maldives in South Asia, and launching new services to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kathmandu, and Colombo. In Southeast Asia, flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore will be enhanced, with new routes to Brunei, Johor Bahru, and Penang. East Asian destinations like Guangzhou will see increased frequency, alongside new services to Kunming, Shenzhen, Beijing, South Korea, and Japan. The Middle East network will also grow with more flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, as well as new routes to Kuwait, Madinah, Dammam, and Salalah.
US-Bangla also plans to develop Chittagong and Sylhet as operational hubs, aiming to launch direct international flights from these cities, particularly to the Middle East. This strategy involves stationing aircraft at these airports for maintenance and operations, thereby creating local employment opportunities. Al Mamun highlighted infrastructure limitations, policy gaps, and decision-making delays as major challenges for the aviation sector in Bangladesh. He also noted that high airport charges and taxes contribute to increased airfare, hindering domestic airlines' competitiveness against foreign counterparts. The airline is also investing in training to address the skilled workforce shortage, sending 28 young individuals for pilot training in the US with plans to train 200 more, along with 100 aircraft engineers, and establishing a global standard aviation training center.
US-Bangla's ambitious expansion plan underscores the significant untapped potential within Bangladesh's aviation market, particularly in international routes. The strategy to increase domestic market share against foreign carriers reflects a common national objective to retain foreign exchange and foster local industry growth. Developing regional hubs like Chittagong and Sylhet could enhance connectivity and economic activity, provided that supporting infrastructure and regulatory frameworks keep pace. The airline's focus on training and development addresses a critical bottleneck for the sector's long-term sustainability. However, achieving these goals will necessitate a concerted effort from both the private sector and the government to address systemic challenges such as inadequate airport infrastructure, policy inconsistencies, and high operational costs. A balanced approach, fostering a competitive yet equitable business environment, will be crucial for Bangladesh to realize its aspiration of becoming a regional aviation hub.
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