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Dhaka : US-Bangla Airlines has created aviation history by organizing a large-scale partner retreat in the Maldives, transporting over 300 travel agents from across Bangladesh for a three-day program that blended networking, recognition, and future planning. Alongside this landmark initiative, the airline unveiled sweeping expansion plans, including new aircraft acquisitions, international routes, manpower development, and a technology industrial park in Purbachal.
First in aviation history
The "Partner Retreat Maldives-2025" took place from September 19-21 at Sai Lagoon and Hard Rock Hotel, Crossroads Island. To carry the participants, the airline operated two dedicated Boeing 737-800 flights from Dhaka to Malé on September 19 and returned on September 21. Travel agents representing Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar, Jashore, Khulna, Saidpur, Rajshahi, and other key regions joined the program.
While airlines globally often engage with agents through summits, familiarization trips, or conferences, there has been no precedent of an airline flying such a large number of partners abroad simultaneously for a retreat. US-Bangla has thus set a new global benchmark in travel trade engagement, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the travel industry.
The retreat featured interactive sessions, cultural exchanges, and networking opportunities, designed to build stronger professional ties. On September 20, an award ceremony honored the top-performing agents from different regions. Crests and certificates were presented by US-Bangla's Managing Director Abdullah Al Mamun, Head of Sales Md Shafiqul Islam, and Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor. The ceremony was conducted by US-Bangla's General Manager, Md Kamrul Islam.
Unveiling vision for growth
At the historic event, US-Bangla's Managing Director Abdullah Al Mamun shared the airline's future roadmap, highlighting not only aviation expansion but also a broader push to make Bangladesh a regional technology and aviation hub.
Travel technology industrial park
Mamun announced plans to establish a travel technology industrial park in Purbachal, complete with a data center. This park will attract both foreign investors and local companies, with facilities provided rent-free for the first two years. Export-oriented companies will also receive 10-15 percent incentives on their revenue, a move aimed at stimulating Bangladesh's tech exports and digital infrastructure.
"I want this country to become a technology hub," Mamun said, emphasizing that the initiative will create employment, enhance local capabilities, and reduce dependency on foreign expertise.
Fleet, network expansion
Since its last retreat in 2018, US-Bangla's growth has been remarkable. The airline's fleet has expanded from 7 aircraft to 24, while destinations increased from 6 to 14, including Guangzhou, where US-Bangla became the first Bangladeshi carrier to operate.
Within the next 15 days, a new Airbus aircraft will join the fleet, followed by three more later this year. Looking ahead, the airline is preparing to place a USD 4 billion order for new aircraft within 6-8 months, signaling its aggressive push into long-haul and high-demand markets.
New routes
US-Bangla is preparing to launch direct flights from Chattogram to Dubai and Oman before next year. Additionally, Sylhet will soon gain international services, enhancing regional connectivity and catering to the significant expatriate population from the northeast of Bangladesh.
Strengthening domestic dominance
With 80 percent of the domestic market share, including operations by its subsidiary Air Astra, US-Bangla has been the driving force behind enhanced connectivity across Bangladesh.
By operating Air Astra alongside its mainline brand, the airline can secure double frequencies on high-demand routes where regulators restrict a single airline from operating multiple daily flights.
Focus on manpower, training
Mamun underscored the importance of building skilled local manpower. So far, 30 Bangladeshi cadet pilots sponsored by the airline have been trained abroad and are now flying for US-Bangla. Moving forward, the airline will invest Tk 80 crore annually to send 30 cadet pilots and 30 cockpit crew members abroad for training each year.
Abdullah Al Mamun, MD, US-Bangla Airlines
The airline also operates the first non-motion simulator in Bangladesh, reducing reliance on foreign training facilities. Plans are in place to establish an aviation engineering school in Purbachal, further strengthening the country's aviation ecosystem.
"We need to build resourceful manpower. When we have our own trained pilots, engineers, and crew, we will not need to hire foreigners, which will save costs and create local opportunities," Mamun explained.
Safety, standards, int'l recognition
US-Bangla has achieved significant milestones in operational safety and compliance. The airline is now a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and holds IOSA certification, aligning its operational standards with global leaders like Emirates and Qatar Airways.
By adopting the latest technology and focusing on safety, US-Bangla continues to build passenger confidence while maintaining its leadership in the Bangladeshi aviation market.
Employment, economic contribution
Currently, 5,000 people are employed by US-Bangla Airlines, with more job opportunities planned through its upcoming ventures and industrial initiatives. The airline also contributes significantly to the national economy, bringing in BDT 4,000 crore in foreign remittance annually.
Looking forward
Mamun highlighted the airline's long-term strategy to capture the Middle East and Asian markets with brand-new aircraft, modern in-flight catering, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and upgraded cabins featuring 18 business-class seats.
"By expanding horizons not only for US-Bangla but for Bangladesh's aviation and tourism sector, we want to ensure this country becomes a true hub for connectivity, technology, and opportunity," he said.
New era for Bangladeshi aviation
By combining the unprecedented Maldives partner retreat with forward-looking announcements, US-Bangla Airlines has reinforced its role as a pioneer in Bangladesh's aviation industry. Its twin focus on expanding international operations and building local technological and manpower capacity sets it apart as both an industry leader and a national economic driver.
With its ambitious growth plans, global-standard safety credentials, and strong partnerships with the travel trade, US-Bangla Airlines is not only reshaping the aviation landscape of Bangladesh but also making waves on the global stage.
