Regent Airways prepares to start int'l operations in May

Regent Airways, a private airline in Bangladesh, is set to expand its fleet with two Boeing Next Generation 737-700 aircraft as it prepares to start international operations from May, said a press statement. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft will join the airline's fleet in April and May, under a six-year lease from leasing giant International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). CEO of the airline Imran Asif said that the 737-700 aircraft was evaluated to be the best from the options available to choose from in the 120 - 140 seat category of airplanes and promises to deliver the best economics and reliability in its class. ILFC is also regarded as one of the most dependable of leasing companies having a massive portfolio of over 1,200 airplanes, and the aircraft being leased are of an average age of just around six years which would allow the airline to have the youngest fleet in Bangladesh. "We are honored Regent Airways selected the 737-700 and look forward to building our new partnership," said Marty Bentrott, Vice President of Sales for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The Boeing 737-700s for Regent Airways are equipped with fuel-saving winglets, and will be configured with 126 seats comprising of 12 business and 114 economy seats. The aircraft shall initially be deployed on flights to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Abu Dhabi, among others, out of the airline's base in Dhaka, Bangladesh.