US-Bangla unveils $1.5b plan to add 21 Boeing aircraft
The expansion includes 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, all scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027.
US-Bangla Airlines has announced plans to add 21 Boeing aircraft under a leasing programme worth about $1.5 billion, as part of an expansion aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's aviation industry, growing its international network and transforming the airline into a global aviation group.
The announcement was made today (29 July) at the airline's "Beyond with Boeing" event in Dhaka, attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, PM's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, Boeing executives, senior government officials, diplomats and aviation stakeholders.
The expansion includes 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, all scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027.
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According to the airline, the new aircraft will offer improved fuel efficiency, larger overhead bins, modern cabin interiors, in-seat power, wireless in-flight entertainment, high-speed internet connectivity and enhanced operational performance.
Speaking at the event, US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said the investment represents more than fleet expansion.
"This investment represents much more than fleet expansion. It reflects our long-term vision to transform US-Bangla from an airline into a fully integrated global aviation group," he said.
Mamun said the company would invest not only in aircraft but also in training, technology, maintenance, cargo, catering and aviation infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of Bangladesh's aviation sector.
He noted that Bangladesh's international air travel market generates an estimated $5.8 billion annually, but foreign airlines carry the majority of international passengers, resulting in a significant outflow of foreign currency.
He said the fleet expansion would help increase the market share of Bangladeshi carriers on international routes and strengthen the country's competitiveness in aviation.
Once the new aircraft are delivered, US-Bangla plans to increase frequencies on existing international routes across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Middle East.
The airline also plans to launch services to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Colombo, Kathmandu, Kunming, Shenzhen, Beijing, Johor Bahru, Penang, destinations in South Korea and Japan, as well as Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah, Dammam and Salalah, subject to regulatory approvals.
As part of its long-term network strategy, the carrier aims to develop Chattogram and Sylhet as regional international hubs to provide direct overseas connectivity from eastern Bangladesh and reduce reliance on Dhaka.
Beyond passenger services, the airline plans 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 to serve both domestic and international carriers.
US-Bangla said it has already sponsored dozens of Bangladeshi cadet pilots for overseas training and will further expand investment in pilot and aircraft engineering education to meet growing demand for skilled aviation professionals.
The airline also called for supportive aviation policies, competitive airport charges, improved infrastructure, modern bilateral air service agreements and investment-friendly regulations to help unlock Bangladesh's aviation potential.
"Aviation is not simply a mode of transportation. It is a strategic economic asset that drives tourism, trade, investment, employment, technology and international connectivity," Mamun said, adding that Bangladesh has the potential to become one of South Asia's leading aviation markets over the next two decades.
Founded in 2014, US-Bangla Airlines is Bangladesh's largest private carrier, operating domestic and international passenger services with the long-term goal of becoming a globally competitive aviation group spanning passenger transport, cargo, maintenance, training and aviation support services.
