Private airline Air Astra has added another aircraft to its fleet, increasing its total number of aircraft to five. The carrier has also announced plans to gradually induct two more aircraft by July this year.

In a statement on Sunday, Air Astra said the newly acquired aircraft arrived at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in the afternoon after making a transit stop from Toulouse, France. Upon landing, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.

The airline said the addition of the new aircraft will create opportunities to expand both its flight frequency and network. It will also help ensure a more modern and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

The newly added aircraft is an ATR 72-600, a modern turboprop regional airliner widely recognized for its fuel efficiency and operational effectiveness on short-haul routes. The aircraft has a seating capacity of 70 passengers.

Although Air Astra has been in operation for around three and a half years, the airline has yet to launch international services. It currently operates domestic flights from Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and Saidpur.