Speakers at a seminar on Saturday emphasized the need for forging a regional alliance among the airlines and enhancing connectivity to foster integrated economic growth in South Asia.
Improved air connectivity in the region would boost trade, commerce, and tourism, providing a range of benefits to passengers and facilitating market expansion for airlines, they observed.
The Bangladesh Monitor, a travel and tourism publication, organised the seminar titled 'Greater cooperation among the South Asian regional airlines' at a city hotel.
Shafiul Azim, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, was present as the chief guest. Aviation analyst Wing Commander (retd.) ATM Nazrul Islam presented the keynote paper in the seminar moderated by Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor Kazi Wahidul Alam.
In his keynote paper, ATM Nazrul Islam highlighted the potential of strengthening regional air alliances, saying that it could serve as a significant tool for fostering economic integration in South Asia.
It is now time to forge greater cooperation among the airlines of the South Asian countries for expanding their market as well as providing better satisfaction to the customers, he said.
The South Asian countries need more liberalisation in their air services agreements, visa process, trade, tourism, etc. to stimulate economic activities and increase passenger and cargo movement within the region, he added.
Shafiul Azim said, "The idea of forging a collaboration alliance in the aviation sector is both timely and visionary … The challenges facing our aviation industry are substantial, from fluctuating fuel prices to the ever-evolving regulatory landscape."
Salahuddin Ahmed, Acting Director (sales and marketing) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, stressed the importance of connectivity, saying that the Biman's vision is to establish Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Saidpur and Cox's Bazar as an international hub so that the South Asian airlines can get the opportunity to explore this growing market connect to other parts of the world.
Ganesh Raja Ram, Country Manager of Air India, said, "I am sure once we forge an alliance of this sort it's not only benefit India, but it will benefit all the South Asian regions."
Morgan D Suza, Country Manager of Vistara Airlines, Morad Bourou-ffala, Chief Representative of Airbus in Bangladesh, and Mes-bah-ul Islam, Head of Marketing and Sales of Novoair, also spoke.
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