New BD airline Air Astra set to fly from Nov 24

Air Astra, the country's newest private airline, is set to start its maiden commercial flight with a flight on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route on November 24.

The airliner, which is going to spread its wings in the Bangladesh sky as a 'new local carrier' after nine years, made the announcement at a ceremony held at the domestic terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Tuesday.

State Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali was present at the occasion as the chief guest while Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman was present as the special guest.

"Air Astra's launch has enhanced the choice of domestic routes for passengers. I believe domestic airlines will establish positive competition and cooperation, which will be helpful for passengers," Ali said.

He also stressed the need for maintenance of passenger service quality and safety by Air Astra, reports BSS.

"We are determined to establish ourselves as the most preferred and reliable airlines for the travellers through safe operation of flights and punctuality," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the new airlines Imran Asif said.

Initially, the airliner planned to operate 3 flights on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka route and 2 flights on the Dhaka-Chittagong-Dhaka daily.

Within the next three months, Air Astra will expand its operations to all domestic destinations.

Currently, apart from state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines, two local private carriers - US-Bangla Airline and Novoair - are operating both domestic and international flights.