To leverage the burgeoning growth of passengers and economic development of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is gearing up to step into the forefront of the global aviation market.
Shafiul Azim, the Managing Director and CEO of Biman, emphasized the need for the national carrier to move beyond its comfort zone and actively engage in the competitive open market.
He was speaking at a seminar titled, ‘Greater cooperation between South Asian airlines’ organized by Bangladesh Monitor on the concluding day of three-day International Travel Fair ‘Biman Dhaka Travel Mart 2024’ in the capital on Saturday.
Biman MD said that currently, a significant number of foreign airlines dominate the aviation sector in South Asia including Bangladesh. Biman is now capable to compete and excel in the current age of competition. “We have to come out of the comfort zone and compete in the open market,” he said.
Highlighting the untapped potential of the Asian region, he emphasized on the importance of mutual cooperation among Asian countries.
Expressing optimism, he has also said that Bangladesh can be a pivotal hub of connectivity if collaboration among nations in the region can be fostered.
Meanwhile, pointing out a significant gap in the aviation market in Asia Bangladesh Monitor Editor Kazi Wahidul Alam said that while 15 percent of passengers worldwide originate from the Asia region, the local airlines seem to struggle in harnessing this potential for growth. Foreign airlines, particularly from the Middle East and Europe, have been quick to seize the opportunity.
“Our aim is to keep our business within ourselves. For this reason, we have to establish cooperation among the airliners of South Asian Region. There are cooperation agreements between other airlines of the world but it has not reflected here in this region yet. We want to turn it on,” added Kazi Wahidul Alam.
Notably, there is a possibility of signing an agreement among Asian countries, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Indian, and Sri Lankan airlines. Such collaboration is envisioned to bring mutual benefits to the region's airlines and its people.
