US-Bangla formally announces $1.5bn fleet expansion
The expansion aims to strengthen Bangladesh's aviation industry, expand international connectivity and transform itself into a global aviation group
ATT Correspondent 
US-Bangla Airlines has formally announced a staggering $1.5-billion investment to acquire 21 new Boeing aircraft as part of its largest-ever fleet expansion programme, with an eye to strengthening the domestic aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and transforming itself into a global aviation group.
The announcement was made at the 'Beyond with Boeing' event in Dhaka on Wednesday in the presence of State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, Boeing executives, government officials, diplomats and aviation stakeholders.
Under the expansion plan, the airline will acquire 15 Boeing 737-8 and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, all scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027.
The new aircraft will be equipped with modern passenger amenities, including larger overhead bins, in-seat power, wireless in-flight entertainment, high-speed internet connectivity, improved fuel efficiency and enhanced operational performance.
The image depicts State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat (centre), US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen (right), and US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun attending the event in Dhaka on Wednesday. Photo: ATT
US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said the investment reflected the company's long-term ambition to become a fully integrated global aviation group.
"This investment represents much more than fleet expansion. We are investing in aircraft, people, technology, training, maintenance, cargo, catering and infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of Bangladesh's aviation sector," he said.
The airline said Bangladesh's international air travel market generates an estimated $5.8 billion annually, but foreign carriers currently transport the majority of international passengers, resulting in a significant outflow of foreign currency.
With the new aircraft, US-Bangla plans to increase frequencies on existing routes across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Middle East, while launching services to several new destinations, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Colombo, Kathmandu, Kunming, Shenzhen, Beijing, Penang, Johor Bahru, destinations in Japan and South Korea, Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah, Dammam and Salalah, subject to regulatory approval.
US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun presents a replica of a US-Bangla aircraft to the guests on the dais. Photo: ATT
As part of its long-term strategy, the airline also plans to develop Chattogram and Sylhet as regional international hubs to provide direct overseas connectivity from eastern Bangladesh.
Beyond passenger services, the carrier intends to establish an aviation training academy, develop aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, launch a dedicated cargo airline and build a modern flight catering facility.
Founded in 2014, US-Bangla Airlines has grown into Bangladesh's largest private airline and says it aims to become a globally competitive aviation group serving passenger, cargo, maintenance, training and aviation support markets.
