Abelo Completes Delivery of Three New ATR 72-600s to Air Astra

Abelo has completed the delivery of three new ATR 72-600 aircraft to Bangladesh’s Air Astra, with the third aircraft now handed over under the leasing agreement.

The three-aircraft transaction expands Air Astra’s turboprop fleet as the carrier builds additional capacity in Bangladesh’s domestic market. The airline operates the ATR 72-600 on routes including services from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram.

Air Astra began operations in November 2022 and is part of US-Bangla Group, which also owns US-Bangla Airlines. The carrier said the additional aircraft will support growing passenger demand and its continued domestic expansion.

For Dublin-based Abelo, the transaction adds another placement of new-generation turboprops to its regional aircraft leasing portfolio. The lessor specializes in turboprop aircraft and has focused its investment strategy on replacing older regional aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient types.