US-Bangla Airlines plans to invest about US$22 million to strengthen its ground operations, improve flight punctuality and bring passenger services up to international standards as it expands its fleet and route network.

The airline has already opened letters of credit (LCs) worth US$12 million for the investment, according to a press release issued today.

The carrier plans to add 146 units of ground service equipment within three to four months, expanding its existing inventory of about 590 units.

The new equipment will include aircraft pushback tractors and tow bars, baggage belt loaders and tractors, passenger boarding stairs, ground power and air start units, and trucks for catering, water and lavatory services.

US-Bangla also plans to deploy 80 electric vehicles for ground operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Work to set up charging facilities is underway, the airline said.

The carrier said the electric vehicles would help reduce fuel use and emissions from ground operations. It is also strengthening ground support facilities as part of plans to establish regional hubs in Chattogram and Sylhet.

US-Bangla currently operates 25 aircraft and plans to add 21 Boeing 737-series aircraft by December 2027.

The airline serves 14 international destinations across 10 countries and is working to launch services to about 16 more international destinations, the release said.