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US-Bangla Airlines has announced a $1.5 billion plan to acquire 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking one of the largest fleet expansion programmes by a Bangladeshi carrier as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub and deepen economic ties with the United States.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in Dhaka attended by senior government officials, Boeing executives and the US ambassador.

The airline said the new aircraft will support the launch of additional international routes, increase flight frequencies on existing destinations and pave the way for future long-haul services to Europe, North America and Oceania through the acquisition of wide-body aircraft.

Abdullah Al Mamun, Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines, said the partnership with Boeing reflects the airline’s ambition to strengthen Bangladesh’s global connectivity.

“Our partnership with Boeing reflects our ambition to connect Bangladesh with more of the world,” he said.

The airline also announced fully funded training programmes for 200 aspiring pilots and 100 aircraft engineers, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in Bangladesh’s aviation workforce.

For Boeing, the agreement reinforces its presence in Bangladesh’s fast-growing aviation market. Paul Righi said the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft will help US-Bangla expand across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East while improving operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Brent T. Christensen described the agreement as an investment in Bangladesh’s economic future, saying it would support tourism, trade, international connectivity and job creation while strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation.

Government officials also outlined plans to support the sector’s expansion.

Humayun Kabir said the government aims to develop Bangladesh into a regional aviation gateway through business-friendly policies that encourage private investment, while acknowledging challenges such as volatile jet fuel prices, global economic uncertainty and regulatory constraints.

State Minister for Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government is preparing a national aviation master plan and establishing a pilot training academy to meet future demand for skilled professionals. He also highlighted the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is expected to significantly increase passenger handling capacity.

Meanwhile, Mostafa Mahmood Siddik said US-Bangla’s investment reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s long-term economic prospects and will help local airlines capture a larger share of international passenger traffic while strengthening tourism, trade and business connectivity.

Industry observers say the expansion signals growing confidence in Bangladesh’s aviation market, although sustained investment in airport infrastructure, regulatory reforms and skilled human resources will remain essential for local airlines to compete effectively with established international carriers.