Ethiopian Airlines, Air China to commence operations in Bangladesh from May: CAAB
Ethiopian Airlines and Air China are gearing up to commence their operations in Bangladesh starting May 2024. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is making the necessary preparations to accommodate these new flights. According to CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman, efforts are being made to ensure that Ethiopia Airlines and Air China can operate smoothly as part of Bangladesh’s vision to establish itself as an aviation hub.
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The CAAB has informed the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and directed Biman Bangladesh Airlines to provide ground handling services for these new carriers.
Shohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Ethiopian Airlines in Bangladesh, stated that the airline aims to commence its Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa direct flights by the third week of May. Initially, Ethiopian Airlines will operate five weekly flights, with plans to increase to daily services using their Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. This move will significantly enhance connectivity for Bangladeshi expatriates to major European and North American cities via Addis Ababa.
The air service agreement between Ethiopia and Bangladesh, signed in December 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked a significant milestone following diplomatic negotiations. Ethiopian Airlines, boasting a fleet of 147 aircraft, is the largest airline in Africa and ranks fourth globally in terms of countries served.
Similarly, Air China is set to introduce two weekly flights on the Dhaka-Beijing-Dhaka route, reflecting the growing ties between China and Bangladesh. This new route aims to simplify travel, reducing the need for additional transfers currently required for flights from Dhaka to Chinese cities like Kunming and Guangzhou. Air China, with its impressive fleet of 497 aircraft, is looking to expand its international and regional routes, adding to its existing 452 routes.
This strategic expansion by both airlines is expected to boost travel and trade links, aligning with Bangladesh’s aspirations to enhance its global aviation footprint.
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