Air Astra to add three brand-new ATR72-600 aircraft between May and July

Bangladeshi private carrier Air Astra is set to significantly bolster its operational capacity with the addition of three factory-fresh ATR72-600 aircraft between May and July 2026, announces in its Facebook Page.

The first of these, bearing the registration S2-STD, has already been painted and is currently undergoing final preparations for delivery from ATR’s production facility in Toulouse, France.

This fleet expansion marks a crucial step in Air Astra’s growth trajectory, especially as it looks to solidify its domestic presence and explore international operations. The ATR72-600 is recognised as one of the world’s most fuel-efficient regional turboprops, capable of carrying approximately 70 to 78 passengers in a comfortable and quiet cabin. The aircraft’s renowned operational economics and suitability for short-haul routes make it ideal for Bangladesh’s bustling domestic aviation market.

Upon commencing operations in November 2022, Air Astra initially relied on two ATR72-600s to serve routes including Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar. As of 2026, the airline has expanded its domestic network to encompass cities such as Sylhet and Barishal.

The induction of these three new aircraft is expected to boost flight frequencies and potentially pave the way for new routes. Industry insiders have previously indicated that Air Astra is planning to launch international flights to destinations like Nepal, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Singapore once its fleet reaches sufficient scale.