Dhaka : US-Bangla Airlines, the country's largest private carrier, has stepped into its 12th year with a renewed pledge to strengthen Bangladesh's aviation sector, boost economic growth, and expand its network at home and abroad.

Launched on July 17, 2014, with its inaugural Dhaka-Jashore flight on a Dash 8-Q400, the airline now boasts the largest fleet in Bangladesh with 24 aircraft, including two Airbus 330-300s and nine Boeing 737-800s.

It currently operates flights to 20 destinations across domestic and international routes while maintaining an industry-leading over 90 percent on-time performance since its inception.

Regional strength, global vision

Domestically, US-Bangla connects Dhaka with Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Jashore, Saidpur, and Rajshahi. Its international destinations include Kolkata, Chennai, Male, Muscat, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Guangzhou.

Looking ahead, the airline is preparing for a major expansion with the planned induction of another Airbus 330-300 and two ATR 72-600s into its fleet.

Strategic long-haul operations are also on the horizon, with plans to launch flights to London/Manchester/Birming-ham and Rome by 2027 as well as to New York and Toronto by the end of 2028-subject to Bangladesh securing ICAO Category 1 status from the United States' Federal Aviation Administration.

"Our focus is not only on regional connectivity but also on taking Bangladesh's aviation to the global stage," said Kamrul Islam, General Manager - Public Relations, US-Bangla Airlines, in an exclusive interview with The Bangladesh Monitor.

Recognitions, milestones

US-Bangla has received consistent recognition for service quality, winning the Best Domestic Airline award in 2024-its third consecutive win after 2022 and 2023, and adding to its first win in 2015. The carrier was also the first domestic airline to introduce direct flights to China, Chennai, and Male, demonstrating its pioneering role in Bangladesh's aviation.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when international travel came to a standstill, US-Bangla stood out by operating Dhaka-Guang-zhou flights to bring in critical medical supplies, as well as chartering over 150 repatriation flights worldwide. Notably, it became the first Bangladeshi private carrier to operate a charter flight to Paris, marking a milestone in the country's aviation history.

Beyond passenger service

The airline has also introduced innovations such as a 15-minute baggage delivery guarantee for international flights, living up to its motto: "You don't wait for your luggage; your luggage will wait for you."

In addition to passenger services, US-Bangla is active in cargo operations and has extended its footprint into education, sports, and social development initiatives in Bangladesh. With nearly 3,000 employees at home and abroad, it continues to play a significant role in job creation and the economy, while maintaining regular tax and surcharge contributions.

Customer-centric approach

US-Bangla facilitates bookings through its website, mobile app, 40+ sales offices, and an extensive travel agency network. Its 'Skystar' loyalty program offers exclusive benefits for frequent flyers.

"With the trust of our passengers and partners, US-Bangla will continue to expand, innovate, and contribute to the country's aviation future," he concluded.