US-Bangla Airlines plans to invest approximately $22 million in modernizing its ground operations, improving flight punctuality and enhancing passenger services, as it expands its fleet and international network.
The airline has already opened letters of credit (LCs) worth $12 million for the investment, according to a press release issued on Thursday.
Having completed more than a decade of operations, the airline is seeking to strengthen its position in the international aviation market.
It currently operates 25 aircraft and plans to add another 21 Boeing 737 series aircraft by December 2027. It is also planning to introduce around 16 new international destinations, expanding its existing network of 14 destinations across 10 countries.
To support the expansion, US-Bangla currently operates around 590 units of ground service equipment (GSE) and plans to add another 146 units within the next three to four months.
The new equipment will include aircraft pushback tractors and tow bars, baggage belt loaders and tractors, passenger boarding stairs, ground power units, air start units, catering trucks, water and lavatory service trucks, and other ramp support equipment.
The airline said modern ground handling equipment, skilled personnel and integrated operational management were essential to improving punctuality and operational efficiency.
It is also expanding its ground support capabilities as part of plans to establish regional hubs in Chattogram and Sylhet.
As part of its environmental sustainability initiatives, US-Bangla plans to introduce 80 electric vehicles at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, in line with the government's Electric Vehicle Industry Development Policy.
Work is underway to establish the charging infrastructure required to operate the vehicles, the press release said.
The airline noted that airports in several regions, including North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, have introduced charging infrastructure to support electric ground service vehicles.
The planned transition to electric vehicles in airport ground operations is expected to reduce reliance on conventional fuel, lower local carbon emissions and support more sustainable airport operations.
The airline said government initiatives to modernize the aviation sector, including the construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, improvements to airport infrastructure and efforts to expand connectivity, were creating opportunities for the industry.
US-Bangla said it remained committed to investing in the country's aviation sector, expanding its operational capacity and helping bring Bangladesh's aviation industry in line with international standards.
