Air Astra adds second ATR 72-600 to boost capacity

Air Astra, Bangladesh’s youngest private airline, has added a second new ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet to expand its operations and improve domestic connectivity.

The aircraft arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka yesterday evening, according to a press release.

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With the addition, Air Astra’s fleet has grown to five aircraft. The 72-seat ATR 72-600 offers better efficiency and performance for the airline’s regional operations.

Air Astra said the new aircraft further strengthens its position in Bangladesh’s domestic aviation market. It will support the airline’s growing operations and its goal of improving connectivity between key destinations across the country.

“We remain committed to strengthening our fleet, expanding our network, and delivering a safe, reliable, and comfortable flying experience to our passengers,” said Air Astra CEO Imran Asif.

The ATR 72-600 is the second of three aircraft the airline is adding under an eight-year operating lease from ATR, a joint venture between European aeronautics companies Airbus and Leonardo, said AFM Rubayat-Ul Jannat, assistant general manager for brand marketing at Air Astra.

The airline took delivery of the first aircraft in May this year and expects to receive the third next month, he said.

“Our aim is to increase flights and strengthen our position in the domestic market,” he said.

Air Astra is one of four airlines operating in Bangladesh. It started operations in November 2022 and now operates 16 daily flights from Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Saidpur and Sylhet.

Of these, six flights operate daily on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route and four on the Dhaka-Chattogram route. The airline also operates three daily flights to each of Saidpur and Sylhet.

Rubayat said the airline plans to start international operations with flights to Malaysia and Singapore in the first quarter of next year.