A group of businessmen are bucking the troubled aviation industry trend and launching a new high quality, value for money airline operating out of Stansted.

Air Sylhet will begin short haul flights to Vienna and Dubai from Stansted and Manchester when it launches next month.

The move comes at a tough time for the airline industry – but the private investors behind Air Sylhet believe they can exploit a gap in the market by targeting destinations currently poorly served by other airlines, while using major airports popular with travellers.

The launch of the airline – the inaugural flight is on November 9 – is the culmination of more than three years planning.

The carrier’s chairman is Kabir Khan, leading the team of investors which has successfully leased its first Airbus A320-200, capable of carrying 180 passengers.

Mr Khan said he was confident the potential market for the new service was huge, even in the current economic climate.

He said: “We recognise that we are bucking the trend by launching a new airline at a time when others have struggled, but the difference between our offering compared to others is that we provide a complete service to high and exacting standards, but we offer it at a rate which is value for money.

“We are not looking to compete with ‘low frills’ airlines. We are concentrating on a more distinct approach of safe, value-driven, point-to-point services which provide consistent, reliable products and fares appealing to both leisure travellers and the business community.

“We offer services which have almost disappeared in the cost-driven low frills end of the market. Air Sylhet passengers get reserved seats, a generous 35 lb baggage allowance, complimentary in-flight food and drinks, no hidden extra charges, and the opportunity to travel in comfort,” he added.

Air Sylhet was formed by ex-patriot British-Bangladeshi businessmen from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh .

Mr Khan said: “In order to be able to provide this service we have had to invest in the very best people – people with the experience and expertise to deliver the quality we are looking for. We have chosen to fly initially to Vienna and then to Dubai , though, given Vienna ’s location, it makes it an ideal base to expand our services to include long haul flights to Bangladesh a little further down the line.”

The airline will fly twice a week from Stansted to Vienna/Dubai, and once a week from Manchester to the same destinations.

29 October 2008