The US-Bangla Airlines has received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB) to operate cargo flights, to import medical equipment and to export goods, amidst the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
General manager (PR) of US-Bangla Airlines, Kamrul Islam confirmed the approval, saying: “As per our appeal, the CAAB gave us permission to operate cargo flights. We are planning to start carrying goods from next week.”
He said they will operate the cargo flights, using four passenger Boeing 737-800 aircraft, within countries having bilateral air service agreements on cargo with Bangladesh.
Kamrul added that the airlines plans to bring various emergency medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, and hand sanitizers from different countries to help in the fight against coronavirus.
The cargo flights can also transport different emergency export items like ready-made garment products and perishable food items to various destinations, he said.
The spokesperson said the country’s exporters and importers have already welcomed the government’s decision as US-Bangla Airlines can now contribute to keeping the country’s trade flow rolling during this global crisis.
Earlier, on Saturday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh CAAB extended its suspension of passenger flights to all countries, except for China, till April 30, in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.