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British Bangladeshis launch Manchester to Dhaka link

22/ 2/2007

A NEW airline hopes to end the "misery" of passengers travelling to Bangladesh from Manchester.

The Royal Bengal Airline is the first airline to be owned and run by British born Bangladeshis and they hope they can make flying much easier and comfortable for their passengers.

The directors held an exclusive seminar in Oldham's Menzies Hotel to announce the launch of its domestic and regional services.

Over 200 guests attended the invitation only seminar, organised by Fortune PR, where Royal Bengal Airline informed the audience that it has agreed to buy their first two domestic aircraft and are due to launch their domestic and regional services in Bangladesh within the next couple of months.

Managing director, Shalim Rahman said: "The desire to establish an airline has been a burning ambition of all those involved. The founding members as well as frequent travellers to Bangladesh are not only frustrated by the primitive services offered by existing airlines but were also inspired by the belief that a new British Bangladeshi owned airline could revolutionise the air travel experience in Southeast Asia."

Royal Bengal Airline hopes to develop a route from Manchester to Dhaka as well as its initial routes from London Stanstead to the Bangladesh capital.

Said Mr Rahman: "We carried out a survey on the experiences of travellers to Bangladesh. Time and time again we have been told that people often have a miserable journeys where flights are delayed, luggage often arrives three days late and passengers often travel in cramped conditions.

"They are fed up and want to have an easier journey to the subcontinent."

Community leaders and local businessmen extended their words of encouragement.

Chair of Greater Sylhet Council UK, JP Monchab Ali welcomed the Royal Bengal Airline management team.

He said: "I am delighted to learn that third generation Bangladeshis are working on this project, but what is further encouraging is to see the professionalism and high levels of standards that is being demonstrated by our children"