Turkish Airlines hosted a major workshop today at the Elite Convention Hall in Dhaka, aimed at transforming the local travel industry through its New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform, TK Connect. The event, which drew representatives from approximately 300 travel agencies, marks a significant milestone in the airline's digital distribution strategy in Bangladesh.

Transforming Travel Distribution

The workshop was presided over by Mr. Islam Gure, General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Dhaka, who emphasised that NDC represents the "future of airline retailing". Originally launched in the Bangladesh market in September 2024, TK Connect has spent the last two years establishing its presence before this large-scale technical workshop was organised to further enhance its adoption.

According to Mr. Gure, the platform allows travel partners to access products directly with richer content, personalised offers, and a smoother booking experience, ensuring agencies remain competitive in a digital marketplace.

A Growing Partnership

The event’s keynote speaker, Mr. Umut Sertaç Yılmaz, an NDC Specialist from Turkish Airlines Headquarters, expressed his high satisfaction with the turnout, describing the venue as "very crowded" and beyond his expectations.

"Bangladesh is our friend—like a brother country," Yılmaz told Aviation Express, praising local travel partners for "tracking the technology" and being aware of real market conditions. He noted that the market is working "very fast and very organised," and he expects to see the positive effects of the workshop on sales very soon.

Major Announcements: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Coming to Dhaka

During his opening address, Mr. Gure shared landmark news for the Bangladesh market: starting in 2027, Turkish Airlines plans to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner regularly on the Dhaka route. This upgrade is expected to significantly enhance the passenger experience with modern cabins and improved comfort in both Business and Economy classes.

Currently, Turkish Airlines stands as the only European carrier offering direct flights from Dhaka to Europe, connecting passengers to 358 destinations across 133 countries with a fleet of 562 aircraft.

Interactive Sessions and Turkish Hospitality

The workshop featured two primary presentations: a general overview conducted by Ejaz Kadry, Marketing Officer (International), and a deep-dive technical session with live demonstrations by Mr. Yılmaz. Agencies participated in an interactive Q&A session and a KAHOOT Quiz Competition for attractive prizes.

The event concluded with a networking lunch featuring authentic Turkish cuisine prepared by Chef Bayram Sökmen and arranged by Turkish Lounge Expresso, highlighting the airline's commitment to cultural connection alongside technological advancement.