US-Bangla Airlines (BS), Bangladesh’s largest airline by fleet size, has unveiled plans to lease 21 Boeing aircraft in a deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion. The expansion, announced on Wednesday, is aimed at strengthening the carrier’s international operations over the coming years.
The announcement was made during the “Beyond with Boeing” event in Dhaka, home to the airline’s main hub at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). Under the programme, US-Bangla will induct 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800s, with all deliveries expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Largest Fleet Expansion for Bangladesh
Rather than purchasing the aircraft outright, US-Bangla will acquire them through lease agreements with five international aircraft leasing companies. The airline described the programme as the biggest fleet expansion ever undertaken by a privately owned Bangladeshi carrier.
The incoming Boeing jets will feature upgraded passenger amenities, including improved fuel efficiency, larger overhead storage, redesigned cabins, in-seat power outlets, wireless in-flight entertainment, and high-speed internet connectivity.
The latest announcement also revises the scale of the investment previously disclosed. Earlier this year, the airline informed the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority that it planned to lease 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in 2027 under an investment of roughly $1.11 billion, equivalent to nearly Taka 14,000 crore.
Wednesday’s announcement increases the programme’s value to about $1.5 billion while expanding the fleet plan to include both the Boeing 737-8 and Boeing 737-800.
Government representatives, diplomats, Boeing executives, and aviation industry leaders attended the event, according to Channel News Asia. Among them were Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, and Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi.
Expanding Market Share in Bangladesh Aviation
Bangladesh’s international aviation market is estimated to generate around $5.8 billion annually. However, foreign airlines continue to transport the majority of international passengers, leading to a substantial outflow of foreign currency.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, Group Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines, said the fleet expansion is expected to strengthen the position of Bangladeshi airlines in international markets.
The announcement also comes as Bangladesh continues to deepen aviation ties with the United States. Earlier this year, state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a separate $3.7 billion agreement with Boeing covering 14 aircraft, supporting plans to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2035.
Growth Beyond Aircraft
Mamun said the Boeing programme is part of a wider long-term strategy for the company.
According to him, US-Bangla aims to evolve from an airline into a fully integrated global aviation group by investing not only in aircraft but also in technology, training, maintenance, cargo, catering, and aviation infrastructure. He added that these investments are intended to support the continued development of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
As of July 2026, US-Bangla operated a fleet of 25 aircraft, including three Airbus A330-300s and nine Boeing 737-800s. Flightradar24 data also lists ATR 72-600 (the very aircraft type that was involved in the crash of the Flight 691) and Dash 8-Q400 turboprops in the fleet.
The airline launched commercial services on July 17, 2014, with a Dash 8-Q400 operating between Dhaka and Jashore. It entered the international market on May 15, 2016, with flights to Kathmandu.
Today, US-Bangla serves 14 international destinations across 10 countries, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Guangzhou, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Malé, Kolkata, and Chennai. Its domestic network connects Dhaka with Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Saidpur, and Rajshahi.
Looking ahead, the airline plans to use the additional aircraft to expand services across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East, subject to regulatory approval. Planned destinations include Bengaluru (BLR), Colombo (CMB), Kathmandu (KTM), Beijing (PEK), Penang (PEN), Kuwait (KWI), and Madinah (MED).
Beyond 2027, US-Bangla has outlined plans to launch flights to London and Rome by 2028, followed by New York, Toronto, and Sydney by 2030.