Air Astra cleared to fly commercially

The private airlines company Air Astra has received the approval to begin commercial flight operations in Bangladesh.

The company received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to operate commercial flights from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) at a ceremony held at the Flight Standards & Regulations office of the authority on Thursday, said a press release.

At the event, CAAB’s Member Air Commodore Shah Kawsar Ahmed Choudhury welcomed Air Astra to the industry to contribute to the GDP of the country through safe and efficient flight operations across the country. He also thanked Air Astra for its consistent compliance with the regulations of CAAB leading to its certification within one year since application. “It is the first passenger AOC issued by CAAB since 2014,” he said.

Air Astra’s Chief Executive Officer Imran Asif also thanked the authority for its continued support and guidance helping the airline to comply with all regulations and achieve the AOC.

He assured the authority that the airline shall always endeavor to act absolutely professionally through its team of industry-leading professionals and always adhere to all regulations — especially ones pertinent to safety.