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US-Bangla Airlines on July 29 unveiled a US$1.5 billion fleet expansion plan to add 21 Boeing aircraft under leasing arrangements by the end of 2027, marking one of the largest expansion initiatives by a private Bangladeshi airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plan includes 15 Boeing 737-8 and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft as the airline seeks to significantly expand its international network and transform itself into an integrated global aviation group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The announcement was made at US-Bangla Airlines\u2019 \u201cBeyond with Boeing\u201d event in the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, PM\u2019s Foreign Affairs and Civil Aviation Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, senior government officials, diplomats and aviation stakeholders attended the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing the event, State Minister Millat said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working in a coordinated manner to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo build a prosperous future for our aviation sector, we are formulating an \u2018Aviation Master Plan\u2019 and are going to establish a pilot training academy in Bogura,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millat said the country\u2019s aviation capacity would receive another major boost with the opening of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnce the Third Terminal becomes operational, we will be able to handle 24 million passengers annually,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state minister termed US-Bangla\u2019s decision to add 21 Boeing aircraft to its fleet an important step towards meeting the country\u2019s growing air travel demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the same time, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also set to add 14 new Boeing aircraft to its fleet, which will further accelerate the growth of our aviation sector,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millat said the partnership with Boeing also reflected international partners\u2019 growing confidence in Bangladesh\u2019s aviation market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday\u2019s partnership with Boeing reflects the deep confidence and trust that our international partners have in Bangladesh. It will also further strengthen the friendship and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi described US-Bangla\u2019s planned induction of Boeing aircraft as a significant milestone in the airline\u2019s next phase of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday marks a significant milestone for US-Bangla Airlines as it embarks on its next phase of growth through the planned induction of modern, fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Righi said the decision reflected the airline\u2019s confidence in the future of Bangladesh\u2019s aviation industry and its commitment to expanding connectivity while enhancing passengers\u2019 travel experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As US-Bangla continues to expand its network across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, he said, the Boeing aircraft would support its ambitions through greater fuel efficiency, proven operational reliability and an enhanced passenger experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn behalf of Boeing, I would like to congratulate US-Bangla Airlines on this milestone. We are honoured that Boeing airplanes will be part of your journey, and we appreciate the trust placed both in our company and in our products,\u201d Righi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said Boeing looked forward to building on its relationship with US-Bangla and supporting the airline\u2019s continued growth and success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said the investment represents much more than an expansion of the airline\u2019s fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis investment represents much more than fleet expansion. It reflects our long-term vision to transform US-Bangla from an airline into a fully integrated global aviation group,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mamun said the airline would invest not only in aircraft but also in training, technology, maintenance, cargo, catering and aviation infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of Bangladesh\u2019s aviation sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said Bangladesh\u2019s international air travel market generates an estimated US$5.8 billion annually, but foreign airlines currently carry the majority of international passengers, resulting in a substantial outflow of foreign currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fleet expansion is expected to help increase the market share of Bangladeshi carriers on international routes and strengthen the country\u2019s competitiveness in the global aviation market, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following induction of the new aircraft, US-Bangla plans to increase frequencies on its existing international routes across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The carrier also plans to launch flights to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Colombo, Kathmandu, Kunming, Shenzhen, Beijing, Johor Bahru and Penang as well as destinations in South Korea and Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also eyeing Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah, Dammam and Salalah as part of its Middle East expansion, subject to regulatory and bilateral approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under its longer-term network strategy, US-Bangla plans to develop Chattogram and Sylhet as regional international hubs, providing greater direct overseas connectivity and reducing dependence on Dhaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond passenger operations, the airline plans to establish an aviation training academy, develop aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, launch a dedicated air cargo airline and build a modern flight catering facility to serve domestic and international carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mamun said it has already sponsored dozens of Bangladeshi cadet pilots for overseas training and plans to further expand investment in pilot and aircraft engineering education to meet the industry\u2019s growing demand for skilled professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The airline also called for supportive aviation policies, competitive airport charges, improved infrastructure, modern bilateral air service agreements and investment-friendly regulations to unlock Bangladesh\u2019s aviation potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAviation is not simply a mode of transportation. It is a strategic economic asset that drives tourism, trade, investment, employment, technology and international connectivity,\u201d Mamun said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said Bangladesh has the potential to emerge as one of South Asia\u2019s leading aviation markets over the next two decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 2014, US-Bangla Airlines is currently the country\u2019s largest private carrier, operating domestic and international passenger services with a long-term vision of building a globally competitive aviation group encompassing passenger transport, cargo, maintenance, training and aviation support services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"