US-Bangla Airlines announced plans to invest about $1.5 billion to add 21 Boeing aircraft to its fleet, aiming to become an integrated global aviation group. The announcement was made on July 29 at the “Beyond Youth Boeing” event at Sheraton Dhaka in the capital. The airline said it would lease 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with the additions to be phased in by 2027.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government is pursuing an aviation master plan and pilot training academy to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub. He said the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would be able to serve 24 million passengers annually. US Ambassador Brent T Christensen described the investment as important for Bangladesh’s future aviation sector.

US-Bangla plans to send about 200 Bangladeshi pilots to the United States for advanced training. It also intends to increase flights on existing routes and launch services to several destinations in Asia and the Middle East. The company said it plans to station new Boeing aircraft in Chattogram and Sylhet to develop them as international regional hubs, while pursuing aviation training and flight catering facilities in Purbachal.