New Airlines GSA Forum Launched in Dhaka

A new platform of General Sales Agents (GSA) representing foreign airlines in Bangladesh, titled Airlines GSA Forum, has been formally launched in the capital.

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan attended the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday night.

In his speech, the CAAB chief expressed hope that the newly built third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) will unlock new horizons for airline businesses in the coming days.

He also stressed the importance of reducing air cargo operational costs and reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing HSIA as a regional aviation hub.

The newly formed forum has yet to announce its committee but aims to bring together all companies representing foreign carriers operating in the country.

According to forum organisers, more than 70 foreign airlines currently operate in Bangladesh through local GSAs. Initially, 28 GSA companies-representing over 50 international airlines-have joined the newly established platform.

The organisers hoped that the remaining GSAs will also join the forum in the near future.

In his welcome remarks, Ahmed Yusuf Walid, convener of the forum, said foreign airlines have expanded their operations in Bangladesh since independence largely due to the proactive role played by GSA companies.

Presenting the keynote paper on the aviation sector, Director of TAS Group Muzakker Haque said the foreign airlines currently transport at least 12 million passengers and 250,000 tonnes of cargo annually from Bangladesh.

These carriers now operate direct flights to 30 international destinations from the country.

He noted that around 5,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are involved in aviation-related businesses and the sector provides direct and indirect employment to approximately 125,000 people.

GSA companies operate in accordance with the guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the airlines, providing ticketing, reservations and customer services on behalf of their principals.

They also act as intermediaries between airlines and key stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, while assisting with financial reporting and facilitating the repatriation of earnings in foreign currency to parent companies.

In addition, GSAs assist with passenger boarding, baggage handling and cargo operations at airports on behalf of the airlines.