Regent Airways (Dhaka) is planning to acquire widebody aircraft as it moves to expand its international reach in the face of growing local competition.

According to a statement, the chairman of Regent Airways, Yasin Ali, told a press conference this weekend that in addition to three B737-800s (one 183-seater and two 165-seaters), the carrier will also be acquiring a maiden 265-seater B777-200.

Collectively, the four aircraft will allow for growth in the Middle East and Asian markets with Kathmandu, Doha Hamad International, Guangzhou, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, Colombo International, and Malé among the first new destinations to be served next year.

At present, Regent Airways operates two B737-700s, one B737-800, and two Dash 8-300s on scheduled flights throughout Bangladesh as well as to Thailand, Oman, India, Malaysia, and Singapore. At home, it competes with Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG, Dhaka), NovoAir (VQ, Dhaka), US-Bangla Airlines (BS, Dhaka), and, pending adequate funding, United Airways (Dhaka).