Akij Group has launched commercial helicopter charter operations in Bangladesh, opening its three-aircraft fleet to corporate travellers, tourists, industrial clients, and private customers, alongside its existing emergency medical evacuation services.

The commercial venture will be run by the conglomerate's aviation arm, Akij Aviation Limited, which had previously used its helicopters mainly to ferry company executives, doctors, and patients between its factories and hospitals.

The fleet comprises a five-seat Bell 505, used mainly for patient transport, and two Robinson R66 helicopters deployed for passenger services, according to Air Commodore (retd) Md Mamunur Rashid, chief executive officer of Akij Aviation.

Mamunur said opening the fleet to commercial customers would help offset maintenance costs while the company continues its medical transport operations. He said emergency evacuation of critically ill patients to Akij's hospitals remains the company's primary focus, adding that the commercial charter business is not intended to maximise profit.

Akij Aviation also runs free air ambulance services for underprivileged patients in the Khulna division needing emergency treatment, operated in coordination with the Ad-din Foundation, according to the CEO.

Mamunur said demand for helicopter services has been rising among industrialists and business executives seeking faster travel for corporate and emergency needs and has more recently extended to families chartering helicopters for weddings and other social events.

Bangladesh currently has about 10 helicopter operators running a combined fleet of roughly 23 aircraft, he said, adding that high operating and maintenance costs—including hangar rent, utilities, spare parts, and tools—continue to make the business challenging.

Other helicopter operators in the country include South Asian Airlines, Square Air, Bashundhara Airways, Impress Aviation, Meghna Aviation, Partex Aviation, BCL Aviation, Bangla International Airlines, BRB Air, and ATL Aviation.