Following the government's vision to make the country an aviation hub, the private aviation sector has been expanding.
Two new companies are going to be added to the list of private airlines of the country - Air Astra and Fly Dhaka. They are optimistic that they would start flight operations on domestic routes and later expand their operation globally.
The new company Air Astra is preparing to start the journey. The Air Astra Company was formed in July with the investment of a Japanese expatriate.
Air Astra CEO Imran Asif while talking to Bangladesh Post said, “We are going to apply for formal approval of the authorities concerned within this week. I hope to get an airworthiness certificate if I can complete four long processes after getting NOC. If all goes well, maybe in January next year we will be able to fly in the sky.”
When asked about the process of procuring the aircraft required for operating flights he replied, “Initially, ATR 72 aircraft have been selected to operate domestic flights. We are talking to a number of companies that rent aircraft. If we can collect four aircraft, then maybe we can operate flights to seven domestic destinations. Negotiations are still going on with various organizations in this regard.”
Meanwhile, another airline, Fly Dhaka, has applied for NOC. Several businessmen, including former minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, are said to be the initiators.
To know more, when this correspondent tried to reach Anisul Islam Mahmud on his phone, he did not receive the call.
Civil Aviation Chairman Air vice Marshal Mofidur Rahman said the preparations of these agencies are still at an early stage. If these two new companies are added, the number of domestic private airlines operating will be four.
In the last 25 years, a total of 10 private airlines have started flying in the country, but now only two have survived. During this period, Arrow Bengal, Air Parabat, Royal Bengal, Air Bangladesh, GMG Airlines, Best Air, United Air and Regent Air have rolled up their wings one by one.
Regent Airlines has suspended flights during Covid-19 outbreak since March last year. Private airlines Novo Air and USBangla operate flights besides national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
