Sylhet Airways – Leadership & Advisory Team

Board Leadership

Abdul Kalam Bakht (A.K. Bakht) – Chairman & Founder
Born in Sylhet and raised in both Bangladesh and the UK, A.K. Bakht has carried the vision for Sylhet Airways for over two decades. His early airline experience with Cathay Pacific Airways and Gulf Air gave him first-hand insight into world-class operations, while his career as a news editor at BBC and MSNBC sharpened his skills in communication, global affairs, and brand storytelling. Alongside a successful UK-based business career, he leads Sylhet Airways with a mission to unite the Sylheti diaspora with their homeland through safe, efficient, and culturally authentic air travel.

Hasan Bakht – Co-Chairman
A respected British-Sylheti business magnet with extensive experience in trade, logistics, and cross-border investment. Hasan Bakht works alongside the Chairman in steering corporate governance, high-level strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the airline’s long-term stability and growth.

Captain Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A senior airline captain with over 20 years of long-haul flying experience on Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s. Captain Chowdhury has held senior operational management positions, overseeing route planning, crew training, and safety compliance. He blends technical mastery with cultural understanding, ensuring Sylhet Airways delivers on both performance and passenger experience.

Executive Management

Christopher Hughes – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
British aviation operations leader with 18 years’ experience in flight scheduling, ground services, and safety oversight for leading UK carriers. Oversees daily operations, ensuring efficiency, punctuality, and service quality across the network.

Priya Nair – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Indian-origin British chartered accountant with over a decade in aviation and infrastructure finance. Expert in capital planning, cost control, and investor relations. Responsible for financial stability, forecasting, and securing growth funding.

Nazmul Hossain Khan – Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Bangladeshi-born commercial strategist specialising in revenue growth, pricing optimisation, and diaspora-focused sales campaigns. Leads sales strategy, partnerships, and travel trade relationships.

Emily Dixon – Marketing Director
Experienced aviation marketing professional with a background in brand development, digital strategy, and sponsorship. Manages all global marketing campaigns, community outreach programmes, and Sylhet Airways’ brand identity.

Flight & Service Operations

Captain Abdul Matin – Director of Flight Operations
Senior pilot with over 12,000 flight hours on Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft. Oversees pilot recruitment, training, and operational safety compliance in partnership with the ACMI provider.

Emma Foster – Director of Cabin Services
Former British Airways service manager with 15 years of premium in-flight service experience. Designs and oversees the onboard experience, ensuring a fusion of world-class standards and Sylheti hospitality.

Jahirul Alam – Director of Ground Operations
Ground handling specialist with more than a decade managing airport operations at UK and Gulf hubs. Coordinates check-in, baggage, and turnaround processes for maximum efficiency.

Safety & Compliance

Mahbubur Rahman – Director of Regulatory & Safety Compliance
Veteran aviation compliance expert with extensive experience working with both the UK CAA and CAAB. Ensures the airline meets all operational, safety, and regulatory standards.

Community Engagement

Ayesha Sultana Khan – Head of Community Engagement
Well-known community leader with strong ties to Sylheti organisations across the UK. Leads grassroots outreach, cultural sponsorships, and diaspora engagement strategies.

Maulana Mahbub Ambia – Religious & Ethical Practices Advisor
A respected Islamic scholar and community leader, Maulana Mahbub Ambia provides guidance on halal compliance, prayer accommodations, and culturally sensitive policies. His role ensures Sylhet Airways maintains ethical integrity and community trust across its services.

Yasmine Kalam Bakht – Youth Engagement Officer
A final-year Economics student at a London university, Yasmine Kalam Bakht leads initiatives to connect young Sylheti diaspora members with their heritage through aviation-focused cultural programmes. She works to inspire youth engagement in air travel, heritage tourism, and cross-generational community connections.

Sylhet Airways – Full Advisory Board

Strategic & Industry Advisors

Hafizur Rahman – Strategic Aviation Advisor
Former airline CEO with over 25 years in route development, fleet planning, and international partnerships. Advises on strategic expansion, operational scaling, and alliance building.

Dr. Azharul Ahmed – Aviation Policy & Strategy Advisor
Aviation economist and former UK Department for Transport consultant. Expert in bilateral air service agreements, diaspora travel demand forecasting, and regulatory compliance.

Farzana Rahman – Government & Airport Relations Advisor (Dhaka-based)
Former senior manager at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, specialising in slot negotiations, airport coordination, and government liaison for aviation operations.

Tourism, Marketing & Service Experience

Anjali Roy – Tourism & Destination Development Advisor (based in Sylhet)
Hospitality and tourism strategist with 15 years in South Asian eco-tourism, heritage travel, and destination partnerships. Supports inbound tourism growth to Sylhet and Bangladesh.

Elizabeth Curnock-Cook– Customer Experience & Service Innovation Advisor
Former Head of Passenger Experience at Virgin Atlantic. Brings expertise in luxury cabin service design, digital booking journeys, and loyalty programme strategy.

Khadija Begum – Cultural Heritage Advisor
Cultural leader and diaspora advocate ensuring Sylhet Airways’ branding, menus, and onboard experience reflect authentic Sylheti heritage.

Organisational Structure Overview

• Board Leadership: Sets vision, governance, and long-term strategic goals.

• Executive Management: Oversees day-to-day operations, finance, sales, and marketing.

• Flight & Service Operations: Manages pilots, cabin crew, ground handling, and passenger experience.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensures adherence to international aviation regulations.

• Community Engagement: Builds brand loyalty and cultural connection.

• Advisory Board: Provides strategic guidance, industry insight, and community authenticity.