The new private airline Air Astra is going to start operating commercial flights from November 24. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali inaugurated the country’s third private air service. On Tuesday (November 15), he opened the date, flight schedule and ticket sales program (official website) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s domestic terminal.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman along with concerned officials were present at the time.
Air Astra Chief Executive Officer Imran Asif said on the occasion, “We are proud to debut as a new airline in the country after almost 9 years. We (Air Astra) are determined to establish ourselves as a reliable airline through safe passenger service and punctuality”.
It is known that Air Astra will start the flight on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route on the morning of November 24. Initially, Air Astra will operate 3 flights on Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Dhaka route and 2 flights on Dhaka-Chittagong-Dhaka route. It will operate flights on all domestic routes of the country in phases.
The airline has already received the final approval for the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of CAAB to start commercial flights.
Air Astra has already taken delivery of two ATR 72-600 aircraft in Dhaka and will take delivery of two more aircraft within this year. By 2023, Air Astra’s fleet of aircraft will increase to 10. Made in France, the ATR 72-600 is a reliable aircraft with the most advanced turboprop technology in the world today. The comfortable cabin of the aircraft is designed to carry 70 passengers.