United Airways (BD) Limited, a private airliner, launched its operation on Dhaka-London route Saturday, the first by any private airliners to operate flight on this route, reports UNB.

Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism GM Quader inaugurated the flight at the Zia International Airport Saturday.

Commerce Minister Lt Col (rtd) Farruk Khan, former Air chief Air Marshal (rtd) Jamal Uddin Ahmed and Chairman and Managing Director of United Airways Captain Tasbirul Ahmed Chowdhury were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, GM Quader said the country's economy was making gradual progress, as non-resident Bangladeshis were coming forward to invest in the country.

"Bangladesh Biman cannot provide services properly, as the number of passengers is growing fast. So, we are ready to welcome the private investors if they invest in this sector," he said.

Captain Tasbirul said this operation was undoubtedly an achievement for the country's aviation industry as the United Airways is the first airliner to have planned flight on this important route in Europe.

He said they would initially operate two passenger flights a week on the Dhaka-London route.

Tasbirul said they would also introduce flights on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka-Kathmandu and Dhaka-Bangkok routes by December.

Earlier, former President HM Ershad inaugurated the Dhaka-London flight service at the Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.