US-Bangla Airlines wet leases an A320-200

US-Bangla Airlines (BS, Dhaka) has begun wet leasing an A320-200 from BBN Airlines Thailand (TZ, Bangkok Don Mueang), the start-up ACMI specialist announced in a social media post. According to ADS-B data, HS-SXA (msn 5089) began operating under the "UBG" callsign on June 24, 2026.

The aircraft was repositioned from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Dhaka on June 23. Since entering service with US-Bangla Airlines, HS-SXA has operated flights from Dhaka to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Malé, Singapore Changi, and Sharjah.

Before its current engagement, the 14.3-year-old Airbus narrowbody operated for Thai VietJetAir from December 2025, when BBN Airlines Thailand launched commercial operations, until April 2026.

US-Bangla Airlines also continues to wet lease a B737-800 from BBN Airlines Indonesia (0B, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta), a sister company of BBN Airlines Thailand under Avia Solutions Group. In addition, the carrier wet leases an ATR72-500 from NovoAir and a B737-200(F) from SkyAir, while wet leasing out one of its ATR72-600s to Air Astra, according to ch-aviation data.

The airline's in-house fleet comprises 17 aircraft: three A330-300s, ten ATR72-600s, and four B737

CH Aviation / Photo: Flyingphotos AI

FLEET - US-Bangla Airlines wet leases BBN Airlines Indonesia B737s

US-Bangla Airlines (BS, Dhaka) has wet leased two B737-800s from BBN Airlines Indonesia (0B, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta). The first, PK-BBH (msn 36121), ferried to Dhaka on March 31, 2025, and commenced operating for US-Bangla the following day. The second B737, PK BBG (msn 39390) is due to ferry to Bangladesh in early May.

Both aircraft are configured in an 189-passenger all-economy class layout. They will operate international routes from Dhaka to the Middle East, Thailand, Maldives, and Singapore. The aircraft and crew are fully based in Dhaka. FlightRadar24 ADS-B data indicates PK-BBH is primarily flying on the Dhaka-Singapore Changi and Dhaka-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi city pairs.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our expansion within the Asian market,” said BBN Airlines Indonesia Chairman Martynas Grigas.

The second B737-800 will begin operating for US-Bangla Airlines after finishing a five-month wet-lease contract with Sriwijaya Air (SJ, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta). "We’re signing a couple more agreements,” Grigas told ch-aviation in February.

BBN Airlines Indonesia has enjoyed a strong take-up of its ACMI product since securing its air operator's certificate in 2023. However, it hasn't all gone to plan. Among other things, it is suing SpiceJet (SG, Delhi International) for almost USD6 million after wet leasing three B737-800s to it during the 2024 IATA summer but not getting paid.

“US-Bangla has been consistently seeking credible partners for ACMI leases, and with BBN Airlines Indonesia now on board, this marks our second ACMI partnership with Avia Solutions Group,” said Jitendra Pandey, US-Bangla Airlines' commercial chief.

In addition to PK-BBH, US-Bangla currently wet-leases another B737-800, from SkyUp MT. It also operates five of its own B737-800s, one DHC-8-Q400, one (wet leased) B737-200(F), ten ATR72-600s, and two A330-300s. US-Bangla Airlines flies to 21 airports in 11 countries.

Avia Solutions Group, parent entity of BBN Airlines Indonesia, says a quick turnaround time was a hallmark of this wet leasing deal. The parties completed all operational preparations, including aircraft positioning, regulatory compliance, and crew readiness, within four weeks. In addition to BBN Airlines-supplied crew, a representative crew member from US-Bangla will also be present on each flight.

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FLEET - US-Bangla Airlines prepares for long-haul expansion with arrival of first A330-300, 9H-POP ex HIFLY MALTA

Bangladesh US-Bangla Airlines showed off its first Airbus A330, having announced last year that it would step up wide-body operations.

The A330-300, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, flew from Guangzhou, China, to Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on February 9.

US-Bangla said last year it would lease two A330s for use on routes to cities in Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Photo: K M ABU BAKAR SIDDIQUE

 

Bangladesh's US-Bangla Airlines to take two A330s in 2Q23

US-Bangla Airlines (BS, Dhaka) says it will add a pair of A330-200s to its fleet in May 2023 ahead of planned flights between Dhaka and Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh from June 2023 to cater to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims as well as expatriate travellers.

The airline already flies to four Gulf destinations - Doha Hamad Int'l, Muscat, Dubai Int'l, and Sharjah, but does not fly to Saudi Arabia and to date, has used B737-800s on its Gulf flights. The incoming Airbus aircraft, which will seat 218 passengers each, will be the first widebody planes to enter the US-Bangla Airlines fleet. ch-aviation has contacted the airline for further details about the aircraft.

US-Bangla Airlines will take on Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG, Dhaka) and Saudia (SV, Jeddah) on the Bangladesh - Saudi Arabia country pair. According to ch-aviation capacities data, the two airlines currently offer around 39,000 seats a week on the country pair, with Saudi having a 56.11% market share and Biman Bangladesh Airlines having a 43.11% market share. Saudi uses B777-300(ER)s on its flights to and from Bangladesh with Biman using a combination of B777-300ER, B787-8, and B787-9 aircraft.

In October 2022, CEO Lutfar Rahman flagged acquiring A330s to cater to network growth. However, he did not provide any additional details regarding the aircraft type, their source, or firm delivery timelines. Presently, the airline flies three DHC-8-Q400s, seven ATR72-600s, and seven B737-800s to 19 destinations in 10 countries.

In addition to the two A330s, US-Bangla Airlines also said it will receive another B737-800 and ATR72-600 this month to improve network capacity. The airline expects a 40% increase in daily passenger numbers this year compared to 2022.
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US-Bangla Airlines plans to add one A330-300 in June 2022 for Saudi operations.

 

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Photos:US-BANGLA

US-Bangla Airlines Adds Two ATR 72-600 Aircraft To Fleet

Lessor Avation orders two more aircraft, further demonstrating the suitability of the -600 series for the leasing market



Singapore, 12 February, 2020 – World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR announce that Singapore based lessor Avation PLC (AVAP: LSE) has converted two Purchase Rights into firm orders for two ATR 72-600 aircraft. The aircraft will be leased to Bangladeshi airline US-Bangla, the biggest private airline in Bangladesh and will support the expansion of the airline’s turboprop fleet by increasing the number of ATR aircraft from six to eight. In addition, Avation has further acquired an additional two ATR 72-600 purchase rights to replace those that were exercised.

This development will see the airline expand its operations using the most efficient and eco-responsible aircraft on the market, which burns 40% less fuel and emits 40% less CO2 than a similarly-sized regional jet. With the lowest seat mile cost in its market segment, the ATR 72-600 is the only profitable regional aircraft in low fares environments, and offers unmatched comfort in a modern, spacious cabin. Since incorporating their first ATR, the market response has been extremely good on their domestic network and their regional flights are supporting the growing Bangladeshi economy. Increasing the size of their ATR fleet also allows US-Bangla to increase their frequency on certain trunk routes, offering more choice to passengers.


Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla said: “Regional connectivity is essential in Bangladesh and the region. We are delighted that we can offer our passengers the chance to access new opportunities throughout the country. Operating the ATR 72-600 makes total sense in Bangladesh, we have received very good feedback from passengers and are very satisfied with the reliability and comfort of these aircraft. With the -600 series’ modern and comfortable cabin, featuring the latest 18” wide passenger seats, we are able to give our passengers a premium experience, which is essential for US Bangla.”


Executive Chairman of Avation, Jeff Chatfield, commented: “The economics of the ATR 72-600, its wide customer base and proven environmental credentials make it an extremely attractive asset for both lessors and airlines operating in all types of environments. We are glad to foster our partnership with US-Bangla and see them expand their regional footprint and develop connectivity in Bangladesh.”



Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, remarked: “It is pleasing to have two satisfied customers at the same moment. US-Bangla are continuing to increase their fleet size, showing the unrivalled performance of the ATR in providing regional connectivity throughout Bangladesh. We continually develop our product to ensure that operators and clients are satisfied. Aircraft with high asset values are essential for lessors. So when Avation, with its market acumen and track record of placing aircraft, continues to order the ATR we know that our product is working for our customers.”

US-Bangla use their regional fleet to connect all of Bangladesh and feed their international network from Dhaka. The value of regional connectivity is proven, with a 10% increase in regional flights leading to a six percent increase in regional GDP and an eight percent increase in Foreign Direct Investment.

US-Bangla Airlines has grown its network with the introduction on 11 November of services linking both Chittagong and Dhaka with Muscat

Both routes will be flown by the carrier’s 737-800s. The 3,261-kilometre route from Dhaka will be operated twice-weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and face competition from Oman Air (daily flights) and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (twice-weekly). The 3,428-kilometre route from Chittagong will be operated non-stop twice-weekly, plus twice-weekly via Dhaka. On this route competition comes from Oman Air and Regent Air (both with daily flights) and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (five weekly). The MD of US-Bangla Airlines, Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, said: “We are delighted to extend our operations to our second international destination, the Sultanate of Oman. We are certain that our services connecting Bangladesh to Oman will be successful. The entire team of US-Bangla Airlines would like to express gratitude to all its patrons as well as the government institutions in Oman, Royal Oman Police, the management and team of OAMC, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Oman, the Bangladesh Social Club community and members, our GSA Travel Point LLC and all other travel agencies in Oman as well as the media for being extremely supportive in making the Oman leg of US-Bangla Airlines operations a success story.” US-Bangla Airlines has been operating domestically since 2014 with three Q400s and launched its first international service to Kathmandu earlier this year. Flights to Kolkata, the airline’s third international destination, are scheduled to start on 1 December.

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US-Bangla Airlines adds maiden B737

US-Bangla Airlines (BS, Dhaka) has taken delivery of its maiden B737-800 following the arrival of S2-AJA (msn 30039) in Dhaka on October 11.

The aircraft, on lease from AerCap, will be joined by a further two of the type later this year.

Having operated Dash 8-400s since its launch in 2013, US-Bangla will use the jets to expand its network to include: Paro (Bhutan); Kolkata (India); Kuala Lumpur Int'l (Malaysia); Singapore Changi; Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (Thailand); Muscat (Oman); Doha Hamad Int'l (Qatar); Dubai Int'l (United Arab Emirates); and various points in Saudi Arabia.

At present, it serves Barisal, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Jessore, Rajshahi, Saidpur, and Sylhet locally with Kathmandu, Nepal its only international destination.

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FIRST B737-800W for US-BANGLA - 2-TBXO

US-BANGLA

US-Bangla Airlines commences operations

US-Bangla Airlines launched scheduled operations on July 16 with twice daily flights from Dhaka to Chittagong and a daily service Jessore.
With two Dash 8-400s in the start-up's fleet.

 

US-Bangla Airlines awaiting delivery of first DHC-8-Q400

US-Bangla Airlines is set to take delivery of its first of two Dash 8-400s formerly with Augsburg Airways.
So far, S2-AGU (cn 4041), has been spotted in the start-up's livery undergoing pre-delivery maintenance checks.

US-Bangla Airlines of Bangladesh to Launch its First Operations with Two Bombardier Q400 Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace today welcomed Dhaka-based US-Bangla Airlines Ltd. to the family of Q400 aircraft operators. The airline has acquired two previously owned Q400 turboprop aircraft from a third party and as publicly noted by US-Bangla, it is scheduled to commence domestic operations as of April 2014.

“The Q400 aircraft was selected by US-Bangla Airlines as the best aircraft to provide reliable, comfortable and affordable air transportation to passengers,” said Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director, US-Bangla Airlines. “Utilizing the Q400 aircraft’s unparalleled performance, we will work to open new markets and create greater connectivity in our region.”

“We are proud to welcome another airline to our Q400 aircraft family, and congratulate US-Bangla Airlines on becoming the first operator of the aircraft in Bangladesh,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 aircraft’s performance attributes and operational flexibility provide an outstanding platform for the launch of US-Bangla Airlines’ operations, and offer the airline a great opportunity to fulfill its vision of becoming an aviation leader in Asia.”

Powered by two new-generation, 5,071-shaft horsepower (shp) PW150A engines, and capable of flying at a speed of up to 360 knots (667 km/h), the Q400 aircraft can quickly climb to turbulence-free altitudes, and provides the best passenger comfort in its category.

 

US-Bangla Airlines eyes Bangladeshi market using Q400s

US-Bangla Airlines (Dhaka) is a joint US-Bangladeshi startup which is planning to operate two Dash 8-400s on an exclusively domestic network in its initial phase. Thereafter, the airline plans to offer flights to China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives. In the long run, long-haul flights to the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, Africa and Japan are also planned according to the airline's website. The start-up is backed by the US-Bangla Group, a prominent Bangladeshi group involved in the Leather, Education, Aviation, Pharmaceutical, Agro, Media and Furniture industries
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