DHL Express has started operations for the first-ever network flight to and from Bangladesh to carry the country's inbound and outbound shipments.

The flight will connect Bangladesh to more than 220 countries and territories via DHL's Bangkok hub, the world's leading international express service provider said in a press release on Friday.

The Boeing 737 freighter will be operated by Bangkok-based airline K-Mile Asia five days a week, offering a total of 180 tonnes of capacity, with an option to increase it based on customer demand.

With 36 tonnes of capacity available for each rotation, the first-ever network flight will help extend the reach and presence for customers in Bangladesh, DHL said.

"The introduction of the network flight will help ensure consistent service levels are delivered to customers, as demand for air cargo capacity increases."

In the press release, Sean Wall, executive vice-president for network operations and aviation at DHL Express Asia Pacific, said historically, trade has been a key driver for economic growth.

According to the recent DHL Trade Growth Atlas, there are now new centres of trade emerging across South Asia, with Bangladesh especially proving to be a reliable export and import market, Wall said.

"I am excited that we are playing our part in Bangladesh's economic growth story as we help boost cross-border trade activities with this new international freighter."

Md Miarul Haque, managing director of DHL Express Bangladesh, said DHL Express has always contributed to the trade growth of Bangladesh.

"As the economy is growing rapidly, DHL wants to keep investing to stay ahead of the curve and continue supporting the growth trend of trade."

"We strongly believe that the new flight not only supports the growth of our export industry but also facilitates the growth of a diversified economy. The inclusion of this flight will also give DHL a huge competitive advantage and strengthen its position as a market leader in Bangladesh."