Bangladeshi domestic carrier, United Airways, eyes Dhaka-Kolkata route
05 May 2008
Startup Bangladesh airline, United Airways, which serves the Bangladesh domestic market, now intends to cross beyond borders and connect with the eastern Indian metro city of Kolkata. It hopes to start services by early July.
''We are hopeful about starting flight on Dhaka-Kolkata route from the first week of July this year. We will seek permission from Indian authorities this week,'' said Jilanee FR Chowdhury, director-in-charge of marketing & sales.
The carrier, a venture of non-resident UK-based Bangladeshis, will step into international operations after completing a year on the domestic route. If permission is granted, United will become the fifth service provider on the Dhaka-Kolkata route and will compete with other carriers, including flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, GMG Airlines, Air India and Jet Airways.
''Some 2.0 lakh passengers fly on the Dhaka-Kolkata route every year with 75 per cent Bangladeshis. There is a very good prospect,'' said Jilanee.
The company was founded in 2005 and began flights on 10 July 2007.
United Airways has announced its intention to fly to Kolkata after receiving its government permission to operate flights to Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.
