US-Bangla to acquire 21 Boeing jets in USD 1.5bn expansion plan
Dhaka: US-Bangla Airlines
has announced plans to acquire 21 Boeing aircraft in a landmark fleet expansion
valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion, aiming to strengthen its international
network and position itself as a global aviation group.
The announcement was made
on July 29 during the airline's "Beyond with Boeing" event in the capital,
attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat,
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, US Ambassador Brent T Christensen,
Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi, Civil Aviation Authority of
Bangladesh Chairman Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, senior aviation and tourism
officials.
The order includes 15
Boeing 737-8 and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, all scheduled for delivery by the
end of 2027. The new aircraft will feature improved fuel efficiency, modern
cabin interiors, larger overhead bins, in-seat power, wireless entertainment,
and high-speed internet connectivity.
US-Bangla Managing
Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said the expansion is part of the airline's
long-term strategy to transform itself into a full-service aviation group with
investments in training, maintenance, cargo, catering, and aviation
infrastructure.
The airline plans to
increase frequencies on existing international routes and launch services to
destinations including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Colombo, Kathmandu, Beijing,
Shenzhen, Penang, Johor Bahru, South Korea, Japan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah,
Dammam, and Salalah, subject to regulatory approval.
US-Bangla also intends to
develop Chattogram and Sylhet as regional international hubs while investing in
an aviation academy, maintenance and repair facilities, cargo operations, and
pilot and engineering training.
Government officials
welcomed the investment, describing it as a boost for Bangladesh's aviation industry
and its ambition to become a regional aviation hub.
