Ticket bookings in Bangladesh market alone will hit 1 million per month

Flight Expert, a trailblazing Online Travel Agency (OTA), started operation in Bangladesh in March 2017. As the very first fully operational OTA in the country, their mission has always been crystal clear: to become the leading OTA in Bangladesh, providing exceptional online ticketing services, hotel bookings, and visa processing. 

In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard, Salman Bin Rashid Shah Sayeem, the founder and CEO of Flight Expert, delves into the state of the air travel industry in Bangladesh, offering insights into the impact of the new third terminal and much more.

How will the third terminal shape Bangladesh's aviation sector?

The third terminal will be a game-changer for Bangladesh's aviation sector. It has the potential to turn the country into an aviation hub. We expect many internationally renowned airlines to set up their operations here, which will be a significant boost to the sector. 

Photo: Collected

Currently, 12 international airlines have applied to operate in Bangladesh, and we anticipate more to follow once the third terminal is fully operational. To ensure smooth airport operations, it is crucial for the authorities to consider building a second runway.

With the aviation market bouncing back after the pandemic, we have seen the monthly passenger count double from 300,000 to around 600,000. With the third terminal, we project that ticket bookings in the Bangladesh market alone will hit at least 1 million per month, giving a substantial boost to the economy.

How do you see the current status of domestic air travel in Bangladesh?

Domestic air travel has seen a significant surge in demand over time, often exceeding the available supply. 

Bangladesh Biman is performing admirably, and there's room for even more efficiency. With a strategic approach, the government can fully harness the potential of this valuable asset.

Local private airlines like US-Bangla, NovoAir, and Air Astra have played key roles in the domestic flight market. 

Among them, US-Bangla has been particularly dominant in the domestic market, and they're also seeing an uptick in international flight demand. 

However, these local airlines could offer more competitive pricing and better service if they received aircraft tax rebates from the government. 

While we have aeronautical engineers in Bangladesh who can service aircraft, the issue arises when we need aircraft parts because they have to be imported and come with high taxes. Reducing taxes on aircraft parts would save costs for airlines and create more opportunities for local aeronautical engineers.

Can you explain the factors driving the growth of commercial airlines in the country?

The rise of commercial airlines in Bangladesh can be attributed to remittance income and government support. Approximately 60% of flights are taken by migrant workers, and affordable travel options have encouraged more people to explore tourism abroad.

Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and online transactions from abroad has further fueled the expansion of commercial airlines. 

Why are Dash aircraft widely used for domestic flights in Bangladesh?

Most domestic flights in Bangladesh use the Bombardier Dash aircraft, which are perfect for short-distance journeys. They can fly for up to two hours continuously at full capacity, and they are preferred for their cost-efficiency. Dash aircraft consume less fuel and have lower maintenance costs compared to other options, enabling airlines to offer lower ticket prices. 

Some airlines tried using Boeing 737 for domestic flights, but it led to significantly higher ticket prices and losses for airline companies.

How does the aviation sector contribute to the nation's economy?

The aviation sector plays a crucial role in boosting the economy. It supports export-oriented businesses by facilitating order placement, lobbying, and building relationships with buyers and suppliers. 

Air transport availability also helps reduce unemployment and poverty in the country. Expatriates can secure jobs abroad more easily, directly benefiting the economy through air transportation.

Tell us about Flight Expert's ticket-purchasing system.

Purchasing tickets from Flight Expert is hassle-free. You can buy tickets through our online platform, and we were pioneers in bringing this service to Bangladesh. 

It is convenient because you can purchase tickets from the comfort of your home, and your tickets will be delivered to you via email and mobile SMS.