DHAKA- US-Bangla Airlines (BS), the largest carrier in Bangladesh by fleet size, will add 21 Boeing aircraft under a leasing programme worth about $1.5 billion. The airline announced the plan on Wednesday to expand its international network.
The announcement came at the “Beyond with Boeing” event in Dhaka, the airline’s hub at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). The programme covers 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and 6 Boeing 737-800s, all scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027.
Breaking Down the 21-Aircraft Leasing Programme
The aircraft will not be bought outright. US-Bangla will source them from 5 international aircraft leasing companies, marking the largest fleet expansion undertaken by a private airline in Bangladesh.
The airline said the incoming jets will offer improved fuel efficiency, larger overhead bins, modern cabin interiors, in-seat power, wireless in-flight entertainment and high-speed internet connectivity.
Earlier reporting placed the programme at a different value. In July, the airline told the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority that it would add 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in 2027 under an investment of about $1.11 billion, or nearly Taka 14,000 crore.
The figure announced on Wednesday is higher and covers a mixed fleet of two 737 variants rather than a single type.
According to Channel News Asia, the event was attended by government officials, diplomats and Boeing executives.
Those present included Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, Boeing executives and senior aviation stakeholders. Paul Righi, Vice President of Sales at Boeing, was scheduled to attend.
Foreign Carriers Hold Majority of Bangladesh Traffic
Bangladesh’s international air travel market generates an estimated $5.8 billion annually. Foreign airlines carry the majority of international passengers, which results in a significant outflow of foreign currency.
Mamun said the fleet expansion would help increase the market share of Bangladeshi carriers on international routes.
The country is also strengthening trade ties with the United States. In April, state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a separate $3.7 billion agreement with Boeing for 14 aircraft, aiming to grow its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2035.
Airline Targets Group Structure
US-Bangla Airlines said the deal represents more than fleet growth.
“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,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, Group Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines.
Mamun said the company, which began commercial operations in 2014, is investing in technology, training, maintenance, cargo, catering and aviation infrastructure to support the long-term growth of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
Current Fleet and Network Position
US-Bangla operated 25 aircraft as of July 2026, including three Airbus A330-300s and nine Boeing 737-800s. Flightradar24 data also lists ATR 72-600 and Dash 8-Q400 types in the fleet.
The airline began operations on 17 July 2014 with a Dash 8-Q400 on the Dhaka to Jashore route, and entered international service on 15 May 2016 with flights to Kathmandu.
It currently serves 14 international destinations across 10 countries: Riyadh, Jeddah, Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Guangzhou, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Male, Kolkata and Chennai. Domestic routes link Dhaka with Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Saidpur and Rajshahi.
Planned Routes Across Asia and the Middle East
US-Bangla said the new aircraft would support expansion across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Middle East. The carrier listed the following planned services, all subject to regulatory approvals:
- Bengaluru (BLR), India
- Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka
- Kathmandu (KTM), Nepal
- Beijing (PEK), China
- Penang (PEN), Malaysia
- Kuwait (KWI)
- Madinah (MED), Saudi Arabia
Beyond 2027, the airline has stated plans for London and Rome by 2028, followed by New York, Toronto and Sydney by 2030.
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