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

US-Bangla Airlines yesterday announced the acquisition of 21 new Boeing aircraft in a deal worth about $1.5 billion, calling it “one of the most significant fleet expansion programmes in the country’s aviation history.”

The announcement was made at an event titled “Beyond with Boeing” at the Sheraton Dhaka.

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The new fleet will include 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft. All are scheduled to be delivered in phases by the end of 2027 under a leasing programme.

In a statement, the private airline said the expanded fleet would allow it to launch flights to several new destinations, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India; Colombo in Sri Lanka; Kathmandu in Nepal; Kunming, Shenzhen and Beijing in China; Johor Bahru and Penang in Malaysia; destinations in South Korea and Japan; Kuwait; Bahrain; Madinah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia; and Salalah in Oman.

“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. We are investing in aircraft, people, technology, training, maintenance, cargo, catering and infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s aviation sector,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, managing director of US-Bangla Group and US-Bangla Airlines.

Mamun said foreign airlines still carry nearly 70 percent of passengers on Bangladesh’s international routes, indicating a significant opportunity for the country’s aviation industry.

United States Ambassador Brent T Christensen described the announcement as a historic milestone and called Boeing Bangladesh’s “best business case”.

“Perhaps even more important is the investment in people. US-Bangla’s plan to send about 200 Bangladeshi pilots to the US for advanced training represents an investment in the next generation of aviation professionals,” he said.

“Today’s ceremony also highlights something larger: the growing economic relationship between the US and Bangladesh. American companies offer innovation, technology, high-quality products and long-term partnerships. Bangladeshi companies likewise offer entrepreneurial spirit, determination and a vision for growth,” the ambassador added.

Humaiun Kobir, the prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser, spoke about the challenges facing the aviation sector. He said the industry was seeking tax relief and pledged the government’s financial support.

Rashiduzzaman Millat, state minister for civil aviation and tourism, said that with the opening of the third terminal at Dhaka airport, Bangladesh aims to serve 24 million passengers a year.

He added that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is expanding its fleet with 14 new Boeing aircraft. The growth of both airlines will strengthen the country’s aviation industry and improve services for passengers at home and abroad.

Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, said increasing the share of Bangladeshi airlines in the country’s passenger traffic is one of the government’s national priorities.

Paul Righi, vice-president of sales and marketing for Eurasia, India and South Asia at Boeing, also spoke at the event.