Air Astra prepares for wide-body era with major fleet expansion

Dhaka: Private carrier Air Astra is set to enter wide-body operations as part of an ambitious fleet expansion plan that will see its aircraft count rise from four to 10 by 2027, making it one of the country's fastest-growing airlines.

The airline, which currently operates four ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, plans to add two more ATRs alongside four leased Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft. The first Boeing 777 is expected to join the fleet in April 2027.

As per reports, Air Astra Chief Executive Officer Imran Asif said that the opening of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Third Terminal has transformed the growth prospects for Bangladesh's aviation sector.

"In the past, limitations in terminal facilities and aircraft parking restricted fleet expansion. With the new capacity now available, local airlines need to grow. Otherwise, foreign carriers will capitalize on the additional infrastructure and strengthen their presence in the market," he said.

Asif also noted that Bangladesh has become a far more attractive destination for international aircraft leasing companies over the past decade.

He attributed the growing confidence of global lessors to stronger financial discipline within the aviation industry, improved regulatory oversight and the country's implementation of the Cape Town Convention.

"Leading international lessors are now much more willing to lease aircraft to Bangladeshi airlines because the industry's credibility has improved significantly," he said.