Bengal Airlift Limited Brings RwandAir to Bangladesh Market

Bengal Airlift Limited has introduced a new name to Bangladesh’s aviation scene with the announcement that RwandAir (WB), the flag carrier of Rwanda, is now available for booking through all major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP).

The move, came effective from September 15, makes ticketing on the African carrier seamless for local travel agents and opens new travel corridors between Bangladesh and Africa. Industry observers say the partnership reflects the company’s longstanding role in shaping the international connectivity of the country’s travel market.

RwandAir, founded in 2002, has developed a reputation as one of Africa’s most ambitious carriers. Operating a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the airline has prioritized safety, punctuality, and service quality. Its Kigali hub has been positioned as a bridge between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

For Bangladesh’s travel agents, the development is significant. Inclusion in GDS platforms means RwandAir’s schedules and fares can be accessed alongside those of other international airlines, while BSP integration allows agents to issue tickets and manage settlements through IATA’s standardised system. Passengers are expected to benefit through greater choice, more competitive fares, and smoother booking processes.

The African airline’s entry also offers new one-stop connections to destinations not previously well-served from Bangladesh. At the heart of the opportunity is RwandAir’s growing network. Operating from its hub in Kigali, the airline flies to over 25 destinations across East, Central, West and Southern Africa, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra and Lusaka. For Bangladeshi passengers, whether business executives, aid workers or tourists, the carrier provides easier access to a continent where demand for travel has been steadily rising. Bangladesh has seen growing commercial ties with African economies in garments, pharmaceuticals and light manufacturing, while Africa has emerged as a source of raw materials and agricultural products. Enhanced air connectivity, analysts suggest, will further facilitate this flow of trade and people.

RwandAir’s appeal is further boosted by its codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways (QR). The partnership allows seamless itineraries that combine RwandAir flights through Kigali with Qatar Airways’ extensive global network via Doha. For Bangladeshi passengers, this arrangement creates new options not only to Africa but also to Europe and North America, using a combination of two carriers with complementary networks. Aviation experts note that such partnerships are increasingly vital for mid-sized airlines seeking to compete in the global market.

The airline’s minority partnership with Qatar Airways has further enhanced its global credibility. Analysts suggest the collaboration could eventually transform Kigali into a major transit point for traffic between Africa and Asia.

As RwandAir’s GSA in Bangladesh, Bengal Airlift Limited is responsible for marketing the airline, supporting the travel trade, and ensuring customer service in the local market. Founded in 1982, Bengal Airlift has decades of experience representing international carriers and is regarded as a pioneer in aviation services in the country. The company’s focus now will be on building awareness of RwandAir among agents and passengers. Training programmes, promotional campaigns, and close engagement with the travel trade are expected in the coming months.

The inclusion of RwandAir is seen as a positive development for the wider travel and tourism sector in Bangladesh. Tour operators note that Africa is becoming an emerging niche destination for Bangladeshi travelers, particularly for safari tourism, heritage sites, and cultural experiences. Business travel is another area of potential growth. With increasing trade missions, joint ventures and educational exchanges, Bangladeshi nationals are expected to travel more frequently to African capitals. RwandAir’s hub in Kigali provides a central point of access to these destinations.

As travel demand continues to diversify, industry leaders see the presence of new carriers as vital to the sector’s resilience. By bringing RwandAir to Bangladesh, Bengal Airlift Limited has added another link in the chain of global connectivity, one that could prove increasingly valuable as ties between South Asia and Africa deepen.