US-Bangla Airlines’ $1.11B Expansion Plan

Private carrier US-Bangla Airlines is set to launch one of the largest expansion programmes in Bangladesh's aviation history, investing $1.11 billion (around Tk 14,000 crore) to expand its fleet and international operations by 2027.

According to company sources, the airline will add 21 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft over the next 18 months through lease agreements with five of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies. Negotiations have already been completed. The expansion will nearly double the airline's existing fleet and is expected to strengthen Bangladesh's position in the regional aviation market.

US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun recently informed Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun of the investment through an official letter. He said the acquisition is part of the airline's long-term business expansion strategy and is expected to be completed within the coming year.

Following the fleet expansion, the airline plans to develop Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet as regional aviation hubs. In addition to Dhaka, US-Bangla intends to operate international flights from Chattogram and Sylhet to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The airline will officially announce the expansion plan at a ceremony on July 29 at a hotel in Banani, Dhaka. The event is expected to be attended by Boeing Vice President Paul Righi, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, representatives of international aircraft leasing companies, and stakeholders from the aviation, travel and tourism sectors. The airline will present its investment strategy, aircraft delivery schedule and long-term expansion roadmap.

The additional aircraft will enable US-Bangla to increase frequencies on existing international routes while launching services to several new destinations.

 Planned destinations include Dammam in Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, Penang and Johor Bahru in Malaysia, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Brunei. Direct international services from Chattogram and Sylhet to Middle Eastern destinations are also planned. The new aircraft are scheduled to join the fleet between January and December next year.

The expansion is expected to create around 3,000 new jobs, including pilots, engineers, cabin crew and technical personnel. The airline believes the investment will also contribute to tourism, international trade and foreign currency earnings.

US-Bangla currently operates international flights to 14 destinations in 10 countries, including India, the Maldives, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and China. Domestically, it serves Chattogram, Sylhet, Jashore, Saidpur, Cox's Bazar and Rajshahi from Dhaka. Its current fleet consists of 25 leased aircraft, including nine Boeing aircraft, three Airbus aircraft, ten ATR turboprops and three other aircraft.

The new Boeing 737-8 aircraft will feature modern cabin interiors, premium seating, wireless in-flight entertainment accessible on passengers' personal devices, and in-flight Wi-Fi for internet access, messaging and voice calls.

"We have long sought to operate flights on international routes where Bangladeshi passenger demand is high but is currently dominated by foreign airlines," said Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun.

"As a Bangladeshi airline, we want to establish a stronger global presence. That is why we are bringing into our fleet the same generation of aircraft and passenger amenities offered by the world's leading airlines," he added.