United Airways (Dhaka) is planning to resume operations with a renewed fleet of aircraft including widebodies airline Chairman and Managing Director, Captain Tasbirul Ahmed Choudhury, has told Bangladesh's Financial Express.

In an interview, Choudury said the dormant carrier had already signed agreements with unspecified aircraft suppliers for the purchase of two A340-300s, three ATR 72-500s, and one MD-83.

Of the aircraft, the A340-300s will be used to start longhaul flights to London Gatwick and Manchester International while the ATR 72-500s will be used on domestic Bangladeshi and shorthaul, regional Asian routes. The MD-83, he said, will fly primarily to the Middle East.

Concerning United Airways' finances, Choudury said the carrier has now paid BDT880 million (USD11.1 million) to two separate suppliers, including Phoenix Aircraft Leasing, to cover debts owed for previously supplied aircraft including several ATR72-200s, MD-83s, and A310-300s.

As per the agreement, the suppliers have already agreed to take partial payment in exchange for United Airways shares with the remainder to be paid in cash (at the face value of BDT10 each with a lock-in period of one year).

Insofar as the "new" fleet is concerned, BDT3.12 billion (USD39.4 million) will be paid to the aircraft suppliers once the machines have passed inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Although Choudury did not give any indication as to when United Airways may resume flights, the CAAB has confirmed it has received a proposal from management concerning a relaunch.