Published: 04:10 PM, 02 October 2026
Air Astra receives its 3rd brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft
Bangladesh’s youngest private airline, Air Astra, has taken delivery of its third brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking another major milestone in the airline’s fleet and network expansion.
The aircraft, bearing the registration S2-STF (MSN-1823), arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, today, further strengthening Air Astra’s operational capacity and domestic connectivity, according to a press release.
With the arrival of S2-STF, Air Astra’s fleet has now grown to six aircraft, effectively doubling its fleet size within just over three months. The latest addition follows the arrival of two other brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, MSN-1742 and MSN-1822, reinforcing Air Astra’s commitment to building a modern and efficient fleet.
S2-STF is powered by the latest-generation Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engines and is equipped with 72 Geven Neo Prestige seats, offering passengers enhanced efficiency, performance and a comfortable travel experience across Air Astra’s growing domestic network.
The arrival of the third brand-new ATR 72-600 represents another significant step in Air Astra’s growth journey and reflects the airline’s continued investment in fleet expansion to meet the increasing demand for domestic air travel in Bangladesh.
Imran Asif, CEO of Air Astra, said: “The arrival of our third brand-new ATR 72-600 is a landmark moment for Air Astra. With S2-STF, we have doubled our fleet to six aircraft, a remarkable milestone achieved within just over three months. This growth reflects the dedication of our team and the confidence of our passengers and partners. As we continue to expand our fleet and network, our focus remains on providing safe, reliable, comfortable and efficient air travel across Bangladesh.”
Looking ahead, Air Astra is also progressing with plans to introduce narrowbody aircraft to support its international route expansion. The airline is currently in the process of adding narrowbody aircraft to its fleet, with international operations targeted to commence from the first quarter of 2027, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals and operational readiness.
With six aircraft now in its fleet and plans underway for the next phase of expansion, Air Astra continues to strengthen its position in Bangladesh’s aviation sector. The airline remains focused on enhancing domestic connectivity while preparing to connect Bangladesh with international destinations in the next phase of its growth.
