US-Bangla Airlines has announced plans to add 21 brand-new Boeing aircraft to its fleet, including 15 Boeing 737-8s and six Boeing 737-800NGs, by 2027.
Managing Director and CEO of the airline, Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, made the announcement at a press conference in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday. The event was arranged to mark the 12th anniversary of the airline.
Outlining the expansion plan, he said, “This is one of the largest fleet expansion programs in Bangladesh's private aviation sector. These new-generation aircraft are fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, technology-driven, and will enable the airline to provide an enhanced passenger experience.”
“Alongside the fleet expansion, the airline is also expanding its international route network. Our plans include launching regular flights to Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah, Dammam, Kathmandu, Colombo, Hong Kong, and the Malaysian cities of Johor Bahru and Penang. Through these initiatives, we aim to strengthen Bangladesh's connectivity with global trade, tourism, and international transportation networks.”
Abdullah Al Mamun expressed gratitude to their passengers, shareholders, business partners, the government, the Civil Aviation Authority, local and international partner organisations, and the media on the milestone occasion of the 12th anniversary.
The US-Bangla Airlines MD and CEO said the airline began its journey in 2014 by operating domestic flights on the Jashore route. “From those modest beginnings, we have grown into one of Bangladesh's largest private airlines. This achievement has been made possible by the trust of our passengers, the government's policy support, the cooperation of regulatory authorities, the support of our business partners, and above all, the unwavering dedication of our more than 4,000 employees.”
He said US-Bangla Airlines currently operates a modern fleet of 25 aircraft, comprising three Airbus A330-300s, nine Boeing 737-800s, and ATR 72-600 aircraft. “With this fleet, we operate regular flights to six domestic destinations and 14 international destinations across 10 countries. Through nearly 100 daily flights at home and abroad, we provide safe, reliable, and punctual service to thousands of passengers every day.”
“We believe that an airline's true strength lies not only in the size of its fleet, but also in its commitment to safety, service quality, operational excellence, and passenger satisfaction. Guided by this vision, US-Bangla Airlines became the first private airline in Bangladesh to earn international recognition through IATA and IOSA certification.”
Pointing out an imbalance in the aviation sector, he said, “US-Bangla Airlines and the national flag carrier together account for only about 25 per cent of the international route market, while foreign airlines capture nearly 75 per cent.” “This imbalance poses a challenge to Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen its economy and retain greater value within the country. Operating nearly 100 domestic and international flights every day, US-Bangla Airlines continues to play a significant role in advancing Bangladesh's aviation sector."
