Air Astra Seeks A320/A321 For International Expansion
Air Astra, the Dhaka-based carrier, has launched plans to expand beyond its domestic network by issuing a request for proposal (RfP) to dry‑lease or purchase three to four Airbus A320‑200 or A321‑200 aircraft. The move marks the first step in Air Astra’s strategy to enter international markets, targeting delivery of the narrowbody jets by the end of 2025. In the long term, the airline aims to modernize its fleet further with next‑generation A320neo and A321neo models.
According to the RfP, any A320‑200 or A321‑200 offered must be no older than 15 years at the time of delivery, ensuring Air Astra operates relatively young aircraft. While the airline prefers a single‑class all‑economy layout to maximize seat capacity, it remains open to dual‑class configurations for carriers that wish to present a business cabin option. To maintain consistency in training and maintenance, Air Astra encourages proposals featuring “sistership” aircraft from the same owner or lessor. Importantly, the RfP explicitly excludes wet‑lease offers and prohibits brokers or intermediaries from participating, reflecting Air Astra’s intention to negotiate directly with owners and lessors.
Although Air Astra has not publicly detailed its planned international network, regulatory filings from last year indicate the airline applied for traffic rights to fly ATR 72‑600 turboprops to Kolkata in India and Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal, hinting at South Asian route ambitions. However, those initial applications targeted short‑haul services using existing ATR 72‑600 aircraft. The introduction of A320‑200/A321‑200 jets will enable Air Astra to reach longer‑haul destinations and compete on more lucrative international routes.
Air Astra’s current fleet comprises three ATR 72‑600 aircraft, with an additional fourth unit secured on a long‑term lease from US‑Bangla Airlines. These turboprops serve domestic routes linking Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, providing critical connectivity within Bangladesh. The forthcoming narrowbodies will complement the ATR fleet, allowing Air Astra to maintain its domestic network while gradually building its international schedule.
In the RfP, Air Astra emphasized that once the first tranche of A320‑family ceo aircraft is in service, the airline plans to “further expand the fleet with the induction of A320/321neo aircraft in the near future.” This staged approach reflects a desire to balance immediate network growth with long‑term operational efficiency, as neo models offer fuel‑burn reductions and enhanced range capabilities.
Industry experts note that Air Astra’s decision to pursue dry‑lease or purchase, rather than wet‑lease, underscores its commitment to building in‑house expertise in narrowbody operations, including crew training, maintenance, and ground handling. By avoiding wet‑leases—which include crew and maintenance in the contract—Air Astra retains full control over its brand and service quality, two critical factors in establishing a reputation on international routes.
As Air Astra moves forward with its RfP and engages directly with lessors and owners, the carrier is positioning itself to tap into growing travel demand in South and Southeast Asia. The planned delivery timeline of late 2025 suggests that Air Astra’s inaugural international flights could launch as soon as early 2026, provided negotiations proceed smoothly and regulatory approvals are secured.
Air Astra’s leadership believes that the addition of A320‑200 and A321‑200 aircraft will unlock new revenue streams, attract higher‑yield passengers, and elevate the airline to a broader market. With its foothold in domestic turboprop operations and a clear vision for international expansion, Air Astra is on course to become a regional player in Bangladesh’s fast‑evolving aviation landscape.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com