THE first direct flight from Saudi Arabia to the Bengali capital Dhaka took off on Feb. 25 from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam after an alliance has been launched between Riyadh Travel and Tourism Agency (RTT) and Regent Airlines.

"Our alliance with Regent will offer direct flights from King Fahd Airport in Dammam to the Bengali capital Dhaka at a rate of 3 flights per week," said Mansour Al Qahtani, Chairman of Riyadh Travel and Tourism Company, adding that flights will increase in the near future to be on a daily basis, carrying a total of 600 passengers per week with competitive services and prices.

He said the alliance will transport passengers through 8 aircraft, six Boeing737 aircraft and two Bombardier Dash8 Q300 aircraft, stressing that the aircrafts will offer flights on business and economy classes.

He said flights from Dammam to Dhaka will be a transit destination for passengers traveling to East Asia, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Calcutta and Kathmandu, adding that RTT is set to launch flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Dhaka Airport in the near future.

Regent Airways has won many international awards and offers free unique meals on its flights.

Mohammed Hanif Zakaria, Regent Airlines Chief Executive, said their alliance with the RTT will boost flights between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

He said the new flights are direct and offer competitive prices and great services to travelers. — SG