Akij Group has entered Bangladesh’s commercial helicopter market through its subsidiary, Akij Aviation Limited, launching charter operations with a fleet of three helicopters.

The fleet includes a five-seater Bell 505 for patient transportation and two Robinson R66 helicopters for passenger services, said Air Commodore (retd) Md Mamunur Rashid, chief executive officer of Akij Aviation.

Rather than operating on fixed routes, the company will offer on-demand charter services for corporate and business travel, tourism, industrial operations, personal trips and medical emergencies.

Akij Aviation previously used its helicopters to transport executives, doctors and patients between the group’s factories and hospitals. The company has now opened its fleet for commercial charter services to help offset operating and maintenance costs.

According to Mamunur, demand for helicopter services has increased in recent years, driven by business travel and emergency transportation needs among industrialists and corporate clients.

Helicopters are also widely used for rescue operations in remote areas, emergency medical evacuations, urgent travel, political events, weddings, media coverage, and film and television productions.

Bangladesh currently has 10 helicopter operators with a combined fleet of around 23 helicopters, Mamunur said.

Despite growing demand, the sector continues to face significant challenges. High operating costs have forced several operators to shut down over the years.

“Running a helicopter business is expensive. Hangar rent, electricity, utilities, maintenance, spare parts and tools all cost a great deal,” Mamunur said.

He added that private operators do not receive some of the incentives available to state-owned carriers, particularly on aviation fuel, making it difficult to sustain operations.

According to Mamunur, Beximco Aviation and R&R Aviation have already ceased operations.

Akij Aviation said its commercial charter business will help cover fleet maintenance costs while supporting its medical transportation services.

Mamunur said emergency patient transportation, particularly for Akij’s hospitals, remains the company’s primary focus.

“Our goal is to ensure quick transportation for critically ill patients. We are not entering this business to maximise profits,” he said.

The company is also providing a free air ambulance service for underprivileged patients in the Khulna division who require emergency medical care. The service is operated under the supervision of the Ad-din Foundation.

Helicopter usage has expanded beyond corporate clients in recent years, with more families chartering flights for weddings and other social events.

Bangladesh’s existing helicopter operators include South Asian Airlines, Square Air, Bashundhara Airways, Impress Aviation, Meghna Aviation, Partex Aviation, BCL Aviation, Bangla International Airlines, BRB Air and ATL Aviation.

Source: The Daily Star