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US-Bangla Airlines has announced plans to lease 21 Boeing aircraft by 2027 in a major fleet expansion aimed at meeting rising passenger demand and strengthening its international network.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at an event titled “Beyond with Boeing” held in Dhaka’s Banani. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the ceremony as chief guest.
Under the deal—valued at around $1.5 billion—the airline will add 15 Boeing 737-8 and 6 Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet in phases over the next few years.
Officials said the expansion comes at a crucial time, as Bangladesh’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly. With the upcoming launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, annual passenger capacity is expected to reach 24 million, further increasing demand for modern aircraft.
US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said Bangladeshi carriers currently serve less than 30% of the country’s international passenger market, while foreign airlines earn nearly $4.5 billion annually from Bangladesh-bound travelers.
“To bridge this gap, we are preparing to add wide-body aircraft in the future to connect Bangladesh directly with Europe, Oceania, and North America,” he said.
The airline is also investing in human resource development, launching fully funded training programs to produce 200 pilots and 100 certified aircraft engineers.
Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi described the deal as a milestone, noting that the addition of fuel-efficient aircraft will support US-Bangla’s next phase of growth, particularly across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said the agreement would strengthen bilateral trade ties while boosting connectivity, tourism, and employment opportunities.
Industry insiders say the fleet expansion positions US-Bangla Airlines to play a bigger role in the global aviation market while supporting Bangladesh’s broader economic growth.
