US-Bangla marks 12 years, eyes European routes by 2028
US-Bangla Airlines, Bangladesh's largest private carrier, marked 12 years of operations today and unveiled plans for fleet expansion and new routes across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The airline commenced operations on 17 July 2014 with flights between Dhaka and Jashore using Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.
US-Bangla currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including three Airbus A330-300s and nine Boeing 737-800s. Since its inception, the airline has maintained an on-time performance rate exceeding 90 per cent.
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The carrier's domestic network connects Dhaka with Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Saidpur and Rajshahi.
US-Bangla operated its inaugural international service on the Dhaka-Kathmandu route on 15 May 2016. It now serves international destinations including Kolkata, Chennai, Male, Muscat, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Guangzhou.
The airline plans to induct Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft into its fleet.
It is also considering launching flights to Dammam, Medina, Bahrain, Kuwait, Kathmandu, Colombo, Johor Bahru, Penang and Hong Kong by 2027.
Under its long-term expansion roadmap, the airline targets services to London and Rome by 2028, with New York, Toronto and Sydney to follow by 2030.
US-Bangla reported being named Best Domestic Airline in 2025, after securing the same accolade in 2015 and from 2022 to 2024.
The airline employs around 4,000 people in Bangladesh and overseas. In addition to passenger services, it transports cargo across domestic and international routes.
Tickets are available via the airline's website, mobile application, over 40 sales offices, travel agencies and online platforms. The Sky Star programme offers loyalty benefits to frequent travellers.
US-Bangla stated it was the first Bangladeshi private airline to operate direct flights to China, Chennai in India and Male in the Maldives.
The airline said it aims to deliver baggage within 15 minutes of landing on international flights, in line with its service pledge: "You don't wait for your luggage; your luggage will wait for you."
Since its establishment, US-Bangla has supported educational, social, cultural and sporting initiatives nationwide.
Managing Director Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mamun said the company is prepared to meet intensifying competition in the aviation sector.
"Modern aircraft are essential for delivering proper service to passengers. US-Bangla is continuously adding new aircraft to its fleet to ensure a comfortable travel experience," he said.
"The US-Bangla team is proud to contribute to the country's economic progress," he added.
Al-Mamun also expressed gratitude to the government and private organisations, travel agents, tour operators, civil aviation authorities, corporate partners and journalists for supporting the airline throughout its 12-year journey.
