US-Bangla unveils $1.5b leasing deal to add 21 Boeing aircraft

US-Bangla Airlines has announced plans to acquire 21 Boeing aircraft through a $1.5 billion leasing deal as part of a major fleet expansion.

The announcement was made today (29 July) during the airline's "Beyond with Boeing" event in Dhaka, attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, Boeing executives, senior government officials, diplomats and aviation stakeholders.

The order includes 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, all of which are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027.

According to the airline, the new aircraft will feature improved fuel efficiency, larger overhead bins, modern cabin interiors, in-seat power, wireless inflight entertainment, high-speed internet connectivity and enhanced operational performance.

Speaking at the event, US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said, "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."

Mamun noted that although Bangladesh is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, local airlines currently account for less than 30% of the country's international passenger traffic, while foreign carriers generate around $4.5 billion annually from passengers travelling to and from Bangladesh.

The fleet expansion, he said, is expected to increase the market share of Bangladeshi carriers on international routes and improve the country's aviation competitiveness.

"Every aircraft we add is an investment in our nation's future – creating jobs, strengthening connectivity and supporting Bangladesh's economy," Mamun said.

He said the airline is also preparing to introduce additional wide-body aircraft to launch direct services from Bangladesh to major destinations in Europe, Oceania and North America as part of its next phase of international expansion.

Following the arrival of the new aircraft, US-Bangla plans to increase frequencies on existing international routes across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Middle East.

The airline also intends to launch flights 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.

Beyond passenger operations, the airline plans to establish an aviation training academy, develop aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, launch a dedicated air cargo airline and build a modern flight catering facility to serve both domestic and international carriers.

Founded in 2014, US-Bangla Airlines is currently the country's largest private carrier, operating both domestic and international passenger services with a long-term goal of becoming a globally competitive aviation group spanning passenger transport, cargo, maintenance, training and aviation support services.

US-Bangla currently has 25 aircraft, most of them under lease.

Addressing the event as the chief guest, State Minister Millat said, "We are working relentlessly to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. As part of this vision, we are advancing the preparation of a comprehensive Aviation Master Plan, which will provide a roadmap for the sustainable, modern and well-planned development of the country's civil aviation sector over the coming decades."

US Ambassador Christensen said the United States is proud that Boeing, one of America's leading aerospace manufacturers, would play a central role in Bangladesh's aviation development.

Highlighting human resource development, the ambassador welcomed US-Bangla Airlines' plan to send around 200 Bangladeshi pilots to the US for advanced training, describing it as an investment in the next generation of aviation professionals.

"These pilots will return with world-class skills, strengthen Bangladesh's aviation sector and build lasting professional ties between our two countries," he said.