Cox’s Bazar: US-Bangla Airlines has set an ambitious benchmark in passenger service, pledging to deliver baggage within 15 minutes on international flights as the country's leading private carrier seeks to redefine the passenger experience with a simple promise: "You will not wait for your baggage; rather, your baggage will wait for you."

Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines, highlighted the commitment at a press conference here this evening marking the airline's 12th anniversary and its entry into the 13th year of operations.

"In pursuit of excellence in passenger service, we are continuously setting new benchmarks. Our commitment to delivering baggage within 15 minutes on international flights is one notable example," he said.

"US-Bangla continues to work towards establishing the concept: 'You will not wait for your baggage; rather, your baggage will wait for you,'" he added.

The initiative reflects the airline's broader strategy of placing passenger convenience, operational efficiency and service quality at the centre of its operations as it prepares for one of the largest fleet expansions in Bangladesh's private aviation history.

From Jashore to international skies

US-Bangla began its journey in 2014 with domestic flights on the Jashore route. Over the past 12 years, the carrier has grown from a small domestic operator into one of Bangladesh's largest private airlines.

Mamun attributed the airline's growth to the trust of passengers, policy support from the government, cooperation from regulatory authorities, support from business partners and the dedication of its more than 4,000 employees.

Currently, US-Bangla operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including three Airbus A330-300s, nine Boeing 737-800s and ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The airline operates regular services to six domestic destinations and 14 international destinations across 10 countries, running nearly 100 domestic and international flights every day.

The managing director said the airline's success should not be measured by fleet size alone.

"We believe that the true strength of an airline lies not merely in the size of its fleet, but in safety, service quality, operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction," he said.

US-Bangla has become Bangladesh's first private airline to achieve international recognition from IATA and IOSA, which the managing director said reflected the carrier's operational capabilities, safety culture and commitment to international standards.

The airline also takes pride in being the first Bangladeshi private carrier since independence to operate direct flights to destinations in China, Chennai in India and Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

21 new Boeing aircraft by 2027

Looking ahead, US-Bangla has drawn up an ambitious fleet expansion programme that will see 21 brand-new Boeing aircraft joining its fleet by 2027.

According to the managing director, the planned additions comprise 15 Boeing 737-8s and six Boeing 737-800NGs, representing one of the largest fleet expansion programmes undertaken by a private airline in Bangladesh.

The new-generation aircraft are expected to be more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and technologically advanced, while enabling the carrier to further improve passenger services and expand its international footprint.

Alongside its fleet expansion, US-Bangla is planning to significantly broaden its international route network.

The airline plans to launch regular flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah, Dammam, Kathmandu, Colombo, Hong Kong, Johor Bahru and Penang.

Through the planned expansion, US-Bangla aims to connect Bangladesh more effectively with global trade, tourism and transportation networks.

"Our corporate philosophy is very clear—Safety First, Service Excellence, Operational Efficiency and Sustainable Growth," Mamun said.

"Our passengers remain at the heart of every decision, every investment and every service we provide," he added.

Foreign carriers dominate international market

The US-Bangla managing director also drew attention to the dominance of foreign airlines in Bangladesh's international aviation market.

According to him, US-Bangla and the country's national flag carrier together account for only around 25 percent of the international passenger market, while foreign airlines capture approximately 75 percent.

He said the imbalance poses a challenge to the country's efforts to achieve greater economic self-reliance, underscoring the need for stronger domestic carriers capable of competing effectively in the international market.

US-Bangla believes a strong national private airline can play a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh's economic growth, tourism development and expansion of international trade.

The airline's nearly 100 daily domestic and international flights demonstrate the growing capacity and progress of Bangladesh's aviation industry, he said.

Marking the completion of 12 years, Mamun expressed gratitude to the airline's passengers, shareholders, business partners, the government, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, domestic and international partner organisations and the media.

"Our commitment is to remain uncompromising on safety, ensure international-standard services and transform US-Bangla into one of Bangladesh's strongest brands in the global aviation industry as a modern, technology-driven airline," he said.