United Airways

United Airways: Connecting Bangladesh to the World

United Airways (BD) Limited, a private airline based in Bangladesh, served as a prominent carrier for domestic and international flights from 2007 until it ceased operations in 2016. With its hub at Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, United Airways played a key role in connecting travelers across Bangladesh and major global destinations. Known for its affordability and network expansion during its operational years, the airline catered to both domestic travelers and expatriate communities abroad. This guide explores United Airways' history, destinations, fleet, services, and its contributions to the Bangladeshi aviation sector.

About United Airways

1. Historical Overview

• Foundation: United Airways was founded in 2005 and began operations on July 10, 2007.
• Growth: It quickly expanded its domestic routes and began offering regional and international services to neighboring countries and beyond.
• Achievements: United Airways became the first private airline in Bangladesh to operate international flights using its own fleet.
• Challenges: Despite rapid growth, the airline faced financial and operational difficulties, leading to its eventual suspension of operations in 2016.

2. Operational Base

• Main Hub: Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
• Secondary Hubs: Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) and Sylhet Osmani International Airport (ZYL).

3. Services Offered

• Passenger Flights: Domestic and regional flights connecting major cities in Bangladesh and international destinations.
• Cabin Classes:
• Economy Class: Affordable fares with basic in-flight services, including complimentary refreshments.
• Business Class: Premium seating, better amenities, and priority boarding for international travelers.
• Cargo Services: United Airways provided cargo services for domestic freight transportation and limited international operations.

Destinations

United Airways operated both domestic and international routes during its peak years, serving major cities in Bangladesh and expanding into key international markets.

Domestic Destinations

• Dhaka (DAC): The main hub and capital city of Bangladesh.
• Chattogram (CGP): A major port city and industrial hub.
• Sylhet (ZYL): Known for its large expatriate community and tea gardens.
• Cox's Bazar (CXB): A popular tourist destination with the world's longest natural sandy beach.
• Jessore (JSR): A key domestic route serving southwestern Bangladesh.
• Barisal (BZL): An important connection for travelers in southern Bangladesh.
• Rajshahi (RJH): A hub in the northwest, known for its agricultural significance.

International Destinations

• Middle East:
• Dubai (DXB): A critical route for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the UAE.
• Jeddah (JED): Serving religious pilgrims and the Bangladeshi workforce in Saudi Arabia.
• Riyadh (RUH): A popular route for business and expatriate travelers.
• Muscat (MCT): Offering connectivity to Oman's growing Bangladeshi expatriate population.
• South Asia:
• Kolkata (CCU): A vital connection between Bangladesh and neighboring India.
• Chennai (MAA): Facilitating trade and medical tourism for Bangladeshi travelers.
• Southeast Asia:
• Bangkok (BKK): A hub for tourism, business, and medical travel.
• Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Serving travelers to Malaysia for work and tourism purposes.

Fleet

United Airways operated a modest fleet of aircraft suitable for both short-haul domestic routes and medium-haul international flights.

Fleet Highlights

• McDonnell Douglas MD-83: A key aircraft for United Airways' international routes, offering medium-haul capabilities.
• ATR 72-200: A turboprop aircraft ideal for short domestic routes to smaller cities.
• Bombardier Dash 8 Q300: A versatile aircraft used for connecting regional airports efficiently.

The fleet reflected United Airways' focus on cost-effectiveness and connectivity across Bangladesh and nearby international destinations.

Popular Routes and Flight Durations

Key Routes

1. Dhaka (DAC) - Chattogram (CGP): 50 minutes
2. Dhaka (DAC) - Sylhet (ZYL): 45 minutes
3. Dhaka (DAC) - Cox's Bazar (CXB): 1 hour
4. Dhaka (DAC) - Dubai (DXB): 5 hours 30 minutes
5. Dhaka (DAC) - Jeddah (JED): 6 hours
6. Dhaka (DAC) - Bangkok (BKK): 3 hours 20 minutes

Why Choose United Airways?

1. Affordability: United Airways offered budget-friendly fares for both domestic and international travelers.
2. Connectivity: The airline connected major cities in Bangladesh and key global destinations in the Middle East and Asia.
3. Expatriate Services: Popular routes to the Middle East served the large Bangladeshi expatriate workforce.
4. Convenience: United Airways provided direct, non-stop flights to reduce travel time for passengers.
5. Reliability: For several years, United Airways became a dependable carrier for domestic travelers within Bangladesh.

Challenges and Legacy

Despite its early success, United Airways faced operational and financial difficulties, including rising fuel costs and increased competition. The airline officially ceased operations in 2016. However, it left a lasting impact on Bangladesh's aviation sector:

• Pioneering Private Aviation: United Airways was one of the first private airlines in Bangladesh to operate international routes successfully.
• Affordable Travel: It introduced low-cost options for domestic and expatriate travelers.
• Infrastructure Support: The airline helped develop regional airports by increasing flight traffic across Bangladesh.

Conclusion

United Airways played a critical role in Bangladesh's aviation history by providing essential connectivity within the country and to international destinations. Although its operations ceased in 2016, its legacy remains as one of the pioneering private carriers in the region. The airline bridged gaps between cities, facilitated global travel for expatriates, and contributed to the growth of air transportation in Bangladesh. United Airways' story highlights the opportunities and challenges of the evolving aviation industry in South Asia.