Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has taken one of the most outstanding and important to boost regional trade and connectivity by signing a landmark cargo interline special rate agreement with Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The move is aimed at making air cargo movement between Pakistan and Bangladesh faster, smoother, and more affordable for businesses on both sides.
The agreement will formally come into effect on December 1, opening a new chapter in trade cooperation between the two countries and strengthening economic ties in South Asia and the Middle East.
Strategic Trade Corridor via Saudi Arabia
Under this new arrangement, Saudi Arabia’s major cities — Jeddah, Medina, and Riyadh — will serve as key transit gateways. Instead of relying on scattered and costly routes, exporters and importers from Pakistan and Bangladesh will be able to use a more connected, structured air corridor.
By using these Saudi hubs, the two national airlines aim to:
• Reduce transit time
• Cut logistics complications
• Offer more reliable cargo schedules
This will be particularly beneficial for time-sensitive and high-value shipments.
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Easier Movement of Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Agro Products
The agreement is created in a way to support the movement of a wide range of goods, especially:
• Textiles and garments
• Pharmaceutical products
• Agricultural and food items
These sectors are central to both Pakistan’s and Bangladesh’s export economies. With streamlined cargo handling and special interline rates, manufacturers, traders, and exporters will have better access to regional and international markets without dealing with multiple separate cargo bookings and higher costs.
Lower Costs, Better Connectivity for Businesses
Through the combined and extensive cargo networks of PIA and Biman, the partnership aims to provide:
• Low-cost cargo solutions
• Improved regional connectivity
• More route options and frequencies
PIA has stated that it is strongly committed to giving Pakistani exporters and importers access to efficient and competitive cargo services, assisting them stay competitive in the global market.
The collaboration is expected to reduce logistical bottlenecks and make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to ship goods across borders.
Read more: Bangladesh resumes direct trade with Pakistan for first time since 1971
Right Step Towards Stronger Regional Trade Links
This cargo agreement is not just a technical understanding between two airlines. It depicts:
• Growing cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh
• A shared interest in expanding regional trade
• A move towards greater economic integration via air connectivity
If implemented effectively, the PIA–Biman partnership is going to become a model for other regional cargo agreements, helping to position Pakistan as a more active player in regional trade routes and logistics networks.