Air Astra gets final nod to operate flights

Private airline company Air Astra received the final approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to operate flights in domestic routes. 

It was given through a ceremony held at the Flight Standard and Regulations offices of the CAAB  on Thursday. 

Air Astra secured the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the CAAB as the first passenger airline in more than eight years to launch commercial flight operations across the domestic network of Bangladesh.

The AOC (No. 27) was handed over by Air Commodore Shah Kawsar Ahmed Choudhury, Member (Flight Standards and Regulations), CAAB, to Imran Asif, Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Air Astra, reads an Air Astra press release.

While handing over AOC, Air Commodore Shah Kawsar Ahmed Choudhury welcomed Air Astra to the industry and hoped that the company would contribute to the economy and the aviation industry by operating safe and efficient flights.

He thanked Air Astra for its consistent compliance with the regulations of CAAB leading to its certification within one year since application.

Imran Asif on the occasion expressed his gratitude to the authorities for its continued support and guidance helping the airline comply with all regulations and achieve the AOC.

He reiterated that the airline will always endeavour to act absolutely professionally through its team of industry-leading professionals and always adhere to all regulations, especially ones pertinent to safety.

 
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.

The French-built aircraft is the most modern turboprop in the world today with excellent industry reliability, configured to carry 70 passengers in a comfortable, quiet cabin, said Air Astra.

Following the achievement of the AOC, the airline will soon make official flight schedule announcements for commercial operations.