Aviation Minister Says 200 Aircraft Needed!

❐ Staff Reporter

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said he wants to expand the air fleet in line with the talent and development of the country’s new generation.

In his words, “I want not just 35 planes, but as our children are improving, developing, and talented, I want there to be more than 200 planes in this country.”

It will take about 10 years for the new aircraft to reach the country. Their delivery will begin in stages from 2031, and they will arrive in the country between 2036 and 2037.

The minister announced plans to expand the aviation sector in line with the country’s capacity building and the development of the new generation of talent.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception for students who scored GPA-5 in the 2026 SSC and equivalent examinations organized by the Mymensingh City Corporation on Sunday afternoon, October 11.

The event titled ‘Creation in the Joy of Happiness’ was organized at the city’s Sarinda Sabari Resort.

The aviation minister said that the country’s current aircraft will eventually become obsolete. In the future, new aircraft will be needed to keep the air transport system running and meet the needs of passengers. Therefore, long-term planning needs to start now.

The minister called for the plan to purchase 35 aircraft to be seen as part of a larger initiative to increase air transport capacity in the future.

He said that by expanding the fleet step by step, Bangladesh will eventually achieve the capacity to operate more than 200 aircraft.

He also stressed the importance of increasing Bangladesh’s international air connectivity. The minister said it is necessary to increase the opportunities for direct flights to countries like Canada and the United States, as well as South Korea and China.

He mentioned that work will also have to be done to obtain the necessary slots for operating flights in different countries.

The minister said that initiatives will be taken to develop Birishiri in Netrokona as a national-level tourist center to develop the tourism industry along with air transport.

He also pledged to work with public representatives for the development, employment creation, and infrastructural advancement of Greater Mymensingh.

The event, chaired by Mymensingh City Corporation Administrator Md. Roknozzaman Rokon, was attended by State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-4 (Sadar) constituency Md. Abu Wahab Akand Wahid, Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-5 (Muktagachha) constituency Md. Zakir Hossain Bablu, and Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-8 (Ishwarganj) constituency Lutfulahel Majed.

Public representatives and government officials from various levels were also present at the event. About 1,200 students from educational institutions in the Mymensingh City Corporation area who secured GPA-5 in the 2026 SSC and equivalent examinations were felicitated.