Fly Dhaka Sets Sights on November 2024 Launch Despite AOC Pending
Fly Dhaka, the aspiring Bangladeshi airline, is once again generating buzz around its planned operational launch, slated for November 2024, as announced by CEO Molla Fazle Akbar. Despite the airline’s three-year journey since receiving a no-objection certificate and its announcement two years ago of being in the final stages of acquiring its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), the certification remains outstanding. However, the airline’s leadership expresses confidence, stating they are “all set to spread wings” by the targeted date, focusing on initiating services with ATR72-600 aircraft.
The lack of an AOC hasn’t dampened the airline’s preparatory efforts, as evidenced by active recruitment drives for ATR Captains, First Officers, Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs), and various other roles. This recruitment strategy underscores Fly Dhaka’s commitment to operational readiness, aiming to make a significant entry into the domestic flight sector before expanding its fleet to include Boeing and Airbus aircraft for international operations. This ambition aligns with Bangladeshi aviation regulations, which necessitate a two-year domestic operational period before airlines can venture into international skies.
In a bid to bolster its future expansion plans, Fly Dhaka reveals ongoing negotiations with a leading Asian airline, hinting at strategic partnerships that could facilitate its transition to global operations. This move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to not only cement its presence in the domestic market but also to position itself as a formidable player on the international stage.
Previously, Fly Dhaka engaged AirAsia Consulting, a branch of the AirAsia Aviation Group, signaling its intentions to launch as a low-cost carrier with a focus on A320 family aircraft. This collaboration reflects the start-up’s ambitious vision for a cost-effective yet expansive service offering.
Owned and managed by Anisul Islam Mahmud, a distinguished barrister, politician, and current member for Chittagong-5, along with CEO Molla Fazle Akbar, a retired lieutenant general with a doctoral degree, Fly Dhaka boasts a leadership team with diverse and dynamic backgrounds. The airline’s management is optimistic about overcoming the challenges that have historically beset new entrants in the Bangladeshi aviation sector, where eight carriers have ceased operations over the last 25 years.
As Fly Dhaka progresses towards its anticipated launch, the airline is poised to join the ranks of Air Astra, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, NovoAir, and US-Bangla Airlines, enriching the domestic aviation landscape and eventually aiming for a significant footprint in international air travel.