Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of France Frederic Inza has said Air Astra is establishing itself as a ‘serious player’ in a fast-growing market, with significantly increased operational capacity.
A new aircraft was delivered to Air Astra in Bangladesh on Sunday by the European company ATR, co-owned by Airbus and Leonardo.
“With this acquisition, there is no doubt that Air Astra is establishing itself as a serious player in a fast-growing market, with significantly increased operational capacity,” Frederic Inza said while speaking at the event at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The ATR 72-600 is particularly well suited to Bangladesh, as it combines reliability and comfort and it is a global leader in regional aviation, with 1,800 aircraft built over the past 45 years, said the French Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.
ATR is present in 100 countries and works with 200 operators. Like France, it is a reliable and trusted partner, the Embassy said.
It is also a group committed to the fight against climate change, with aircraft capable of flying on up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel, a challenge that concerns the entire world and one that France and Bangladesh are addressing together.
ATR’s proven eco-friendly performance makes it an extremely attractive model for airlines operating in all types of environments, perfectly meeting Bangladesh’s need to strengthen its domestic and regional connectivity, according to the French Embassy in Dhaka.
As part of its fleet and network expansion plans, the youngest airline of Bangladesh - Air Astra - received the delivery of a brand-new ATR72-600 aircraft.
The first of three brand-new aircraft arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal Intl Airport, Dhaka at 6pm local time, before which it did a low-pass demonstration over the airport and received a beautiful water-cannon salute after landing.
Frederic Inza lauded the airline's expansion with the best-selling, French-built turboprop aircraft for regional operations around the world.
CEO of Air Astra Imran Asif thanked the employees and the government regulators for their outstanding support driving the airline's growth.
To close the event, an acoustic live performance of the classic song "Abaar Elo Je Shondha" by Shuvo (from D Rockstar) had everyone present singing to celebrate the occasion.