The country's newest private airline “Air Astra” is going to start its commercial operations from November 24 with its maiden flight on Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route.

Announcing its formal launching, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali on Tuesday hoped that passengers will be benefited through Air Astra’s entry in the aviation sector with a fair competition among the airlines.

“Air Astra's journey has enhanced the choice of domestic routes for passengers. I believe domestic airlines will establish positive competition and cooperation, which will be helpful for passengers,” said Mahbub Ali.

Read more: Bangladesh, Uzbekistan discuss air connectivity, code-sharing between airlines

He hoped that Air Astra would operate their flights by maintaining service quality and safety.

The State Minister also launched the official website of Air Astra during the launching ceremony held at the domestic terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman was present as special guest.

Air Astra’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Imran Asif said Air Astra is proud to make its debut as a new airline in Bangladesh after almost nine years.

“We are determined to establish ourselves as the most preferred and reliable airline for the travellers through safe operation of flights and punctuality,” he said.

Initially, Air Astra will operate three flights on Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka route and two flights on Dhaka-Chattogram-Dhaka route.

Through the next three months Air Astra will expand operations to all domestic destinations as new aircraft would be added to the fleet.

Read more: US-Bangla Airlines wins Best Domestic Airlines award

Air Astra has already taken delivery of 2x ATR 72-600 aircraft at Dhaka and further 2x aircraft are scheduled to be delivered within 2022.

By 2023, Air Astra's aircraft fleet will grow to 10 aircraft.

The French-built ATR 72-600 is the most modern turboprop in the world today with excellent industry reliability, configured to carry 70 passengers in a comfortable, quiet cabin, said the private airline.