New Private carrier Air Astra is set to launch commercial operations with its inaugural flight from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar on November 24.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali officially announced the date of operation of commercial flights of private airlines at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Tuesday.
Referring to the government's commitment to advance the aviation sector, the state minister said that the authorities are always trying to create a competitive market. The entry of new private airlines will further accelerate the competitive market.
However, the state minister expects that the new carrier will operate their flights keeping passenger service quality and safety as priority so that air passengers can travel hassle free.
Air Astra Chief Executive Officer Imran Asif said: “We are committed to ensuring quality passenger service as well as maintaining flight schedules so that Air Astra can earn the trust of passengers as the most preferred and reliable airline.”
Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US Bangla are operating flights on domestic and international routes while NovoAir only operates on domestic routes.
Initially Air Astra will operate three flights on Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka route and two flights on Dhaka-Chittagong-Dhaka route.
Air Astra will operate flights on all domestic routes in phases.
The minimum one-way fare from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar has been fixed at Tk4,799 and the minimum one-way fare from Dhaka to Chittagong has been fixed at Tk 3,694.
According to Air Astra, the airline has a total of 2 ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet to to carry 70 passengers
However, the airways will add two more aircraft within this year and is also planning to increase its fleet to 10 aircraft by 2023.