US-Bangla plans cargo airline, to become full-fledged aviation group : MD

Dhaka : US-Bangla Airlines is preparing to launch a dedicated cargo airline as part of its long-term strategy to transform itself into a full-fledged aviation group, expanding beyond passenger services into logistics, aviation training, and other aviation-related businesses. In an exclusive interview with The Bangladesh Monitor, Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines, said Bangladesh's air cargo sector remains one of the country's most underutilized opportunities despite the nation's strong export base. He said Bangladesh's international air cargo market is worth around USD 1.4 billion annually, but local airlines carry only a small portion of that business, with foreign carriers dominating the market. To address this, US-Bangla plans to establish a dedicated cargo airline to support exporters, retain foreign currency, and help position Bangladesh as a regional cargo hub. 21-aircraft expansion plan US-Bangla is also moving ahead with an ambitious fleet expansion, with 21 new aircraft expected to join its fleet from 2027. Mamun said the expansion is aimed at increasing the airline's share of Bangladesh's international aviation market, estimated at BDT 70,000 crore annually. The additional aircraft will enable the carrier to launch new routes across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East while increasing frequencies on existing destinations including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, and Muscat. Regional hubs, skills development The airline also plans to develop Chattogram and Sylhet as regional aviation hubs by stationing four aircraft in Chattogram and two in Sylhet for direct international services. Maintenance facilities at both airports are also planned. Mamun said the shortage of skilled aviation professionals remains a major challenge. US-Bangla has already sponsored 28 pilot trainees in the United States and plans to train another 200 pilots and 100 aircraft engineers. It also intends to establish a global-standard aviation training center on 200 bighas of land in Purbachal. Long-term vision Calling for stronger policy support and improved aviation infrastructure, Mamun said Bangladesh needs a more competitive operating environment and should begin planning for a new airport near Dhaka to meet future demand. He also stressed that aviation and tourism must be developed together to unlock greater economic benefits. "Our goal is to transform US-Bangla into a complete global aviation group," he said. The airline is exploring the addition of next-generation wide-body aircraft for long-haul routes to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, while also developing a modern flight catering center after securing land from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh. Mamun said aviation should be viewed as a strategic driver of trade, tourism, investment, employment, and global connectivity, expressing confidence that Bangladesh can become one of South Asia's leading aviation hubs through coordinated efforts by the government and private sector.