Bangladeshi regional airline Air Astra has taken delivery of its first factory-new ATR72-600 aircraft, marking a significant step in the carrier’s fleet expansion strategy as demand for domestic air travel continues to grow across the South Asian nation.
The aircraft arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday evening, where it was welcomed with a traditional water-cannon salute following a low-pass flypast over the airport.
The ATR72-600 is the first of three brand-new aircraft scheduled to join Air Astra’s fleet. Manufactured by Franco-Italian aircraft maker ATR, the turboprop is widely used on regional routes worldwide due to its fuel efficiency and suitability for short-haul operations.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s latest PW127XT engines, the aircraft features a 72-seat cabin equipped with Geven Neo Prestige seating, which the airline said would enhance passenger comfort on its domestic network.
The delivery ceremony was attended by Frédéric Inza, Chargé d’Affaires at the French Embassy in Dhaka, who welcomed the airline’s investment in the French-designed aircraft and highlighted the ATR72’s role in connecting regional communities around the world.
Air Astra Chief Executive Imran Asif said the new aircraft would support the carrier’s long-term growth plans and thanked employees and aviation regulators for their support in the airline’s development.
Founded in 2022, Air Astra is Bangladesh’s youngest scheduled airline and operates domestic services linking Dhaka with major cities across the country. The addition of the new ATR72-600 is expected to strengthen capacity and support further network expansion in one of South Asia’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
The event concluded with a live acoustic performance celebrating the arrival of the aircraft, as guests gathered to mark the milestone in the airline’s continued growth.