Shaping Bangladesh’s Travel Future

Bangladesh’s travel industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts towards an integrated, tech-driven ecosystem to resolve traditional service gaps. To lead this change, AKIJ Air is developing a comprehensive super-app offering seamless booking experiences and innovative, flexible payment solutions. In this interview, Daraz Mahmud, Chief Commercial Officer of AKIJ Air, explains how the brand combines modern technology with human-centric support.

The Daily Star (TDS): AKIJ Air describes itself as more than an online travel aggregator. What gap in Bangladesh’s travel market are you trying to solve?

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Daraz Mahmud (DM): Bangladesh's travel industry has long been fragmented, requiring travelers to use multiple providers for flights, hotels, visas, holidays, and support. At AKIJ Air, we are addressing this gap by building a trusted, technology-driven travel ecosystem that brings every travel service under one platform, supported by personalized assistance.

In just over 1.5 years, we have earned the trust of 10,000+ registered customers and served 150,000+ travelers, reflecting the growing demand for a seamless, end-to-end travel experience. Our vision is to become Bangladesh's most trusted travel partner, not just another online booking platform.

TDS: Among flights, visa services, holiday packages, and corporate travel, which part of AKIJ Air’s business do you see becoming the strongest growth engine, and why?

DM: While flights remain the foundation of every OTA business, we believe holiday packages and value-added travel services will emerge as the strongest growth engines in the coming years.

Globally, the highest margins in travel often come from packaged experiences rather than air tickets alone. In Bangladesh, rising disposable income, increasing outbound tourism, and growing demand for curated experiences are creating significant opportunities in holidays, visa assistance, and destination services.

At the same time, corporate travel remains a stable and high-volume segment. Therefore, our strategy is to build a balanced portfolio: flights drive scale, corporate travel ensures stability, and holidays generate higher customer lifetime value and profitability.

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Globally, the highest margins in travel often come from packaged experiences rather than air tickets alone. In Bangladesh, rising disposable income, increasing outbound tourism, and growing demand for curated experiences are creating significant opportunities in holidays, visa assistance, and destination services.

Daraz Mahmud, Chief Commercial Officer, AKIJ Air

TDS: Your profile highlights “book now, pay later” and multiple payment options. How important are flexible payments in shaping travel demand today?

DM: Flexible payment solutions are becoming one of the biggest drivers of travel demand globally. Consumers increasingly want convenience and affordability without compromising their travel plans.

In markets like Bangladesh, where credit card penetration remains relatively low, offering multiple payment options—including mobile financial services, bank transfers, cards, and “book now, pay later” solutions—can significantly expand access to travel.

We believe payment innovation does not merely facilitate transactions; it creates demand. When customers have greater financial flexibility, they travel more frequently, plan further ahead, and spend more confidently. The future of travel is not only digital—it is financially accessible.

TDS: Travel customers often compare price, trust, and support. What is AKIJ Air doing differently to build confidence, especially for first-time travellers and families?

DM: Price may attract customers, but trust retains them.

At AKIJ, we focus on three pillars: transparency, reliability, and support. We provide clear pricing, secure payment systems, and dedicated customer assistance before, during, and after travel.

For first-time travelers and families, travel can often be stressful due to visa requirements, documentation, and itinerary planning. Our approach combines technology with human support, ensuring customers always have access to expert guidance when needed.

As seen with leading global OTAs, customer experience is becoming the key differentiator. Our objective is not simply to sell tickets but to build lifelong relationships with travelers.

TDS: As a wing of AKIJ Resource, how does that backing help AKIJ Air improve service quality, technology, and reach in a competitive travel market?

DM: Being part of AKIJ Resource gives AKIJ Air a strong foundation of trust, credibility, and long-term stability. In a market where customer confidence remains a key challenge, the AKIJ brand provides assurance of reliability, financial strength, and service excellence. This backing also enables us to invest in advanced technology, strategic partnerships, and continuous service innovation to deliver a seamless travel experience. By combining AKIJ's trusted legacy with modern travel solutions, we aim to raise industry standards and strengthen trust in Bangladesh's travel market.

Interview conducted by Tagabun Taharim Titun