Bangladesh’s Air71 eyes 3Q21 launch with B757 freighters

Air71 (Dhaka) plans to commence operations in the third quarter of 2021 with two B757-200(F)s, the start-up told Cargo Facts. The Bangladeshi airline’s preferred fleet strategy includes the acquisition of one B757 dedicated freighter and the dry-lease of another unit of the type. However, it is also contemplating alternative strategies, which entail launching with B737-800(F)s. In that scenario, the start-up would also consider buying passenger aircraft for P2F conversion. Following the initial pair of aircraft, Air71 would look to add another two units within six to eight years of its launch. Air71 obtained a No Objection Certificate from the Bangladeshi Civil Aviation Authority in October 2020. It is currently focused on securing financing for its launch. The start-up eyes international scheduled cargo services as its core business but will also evaluate cargo charters and ACMI operations. According to the ch-aviation PRO airlines module, SkyAir, Hello Airlines (Bangladesh), and Easy Fly Express are Bangladesh’s active cargo specialists. None of the three operates any active narrowbody freighters. Biman Bangladesh Airlines had plans to add dedicated freighters but suspended them earlier this year amidst a COVID-induced cash crunch.