With the addition, Air Astra’s fleet has grown to five aircraft. The 72-seat ATR 72-600 offers better efficiency and performance for the airline’s regional operations.

Bangladesh's private airline industry is struggling to stay afloat, hobbled by soaring fuel prices, punitive surcharges, and what operators describe as unfavourable policies. Of the 10 private carriers that have entered the market over the past three decades, only two -- US-Bangla Airlines and Air Astra -- remain in operation.

It will serve the loyal customers through a tiered membership structure – Eco, Evo, and Pro

Air Astra will start operation in November as the new private Bangladeshi airline received the go-ahead from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today.