GMG Airlines to increase flights to India

Bangladesh's leading private carrier, GMG Airlines, is looking to increase its current number of flights and destinations into India. It currently operates daily flights to Kolkata and is set to start flying into Delhi thrice a week. Under the recent review of bi-laterals by respective countries, the DGCA has now allowed Bangladesh's carriers daily frequencies to seven metros and unlimited flights to eighteen tourism destinations. According to GMG Airlines managing director, Shahad Sattar, the carrier plans to fly to all seven metros and has an eventual target of at least 100 frequencies within two years. GMG will target leisure and medical tourism, business as well as student travel, all of which are on the rise on the outbound front in India. "Medical tourism destinations like Chennai and Kolkata will be key to our network while Jaipur remains the biggest draw for leisure tourism.

Bangladeshis spend an estimated US $200 million annually in treatment abroad due to inadequate facilities at home. The airline is currently using the MD 80's (180 seater)," states Sattar. The airline will have four aircraft by the end of the year and future plans for flights to Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi will drive the airline's wide-bodied aircraft acquisition. GMG is also looking at regional alliances with Indian carriers, particularly through the code share route. According to industry sources, Bangladesh's aviation sector is a difficult one to operate in as the chairman of Biman, the nation's flag carrier is also the minister of civil aviation for Bangladesh. GMG is the lone survivor from among the nation's three private carriers.

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