Dhaka:Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed an agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of 10 aircraft, enhancing its planned fleet expansion to 35 jets. This move aims to boost the national flag carrier's capacity and market presence.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the agreement includes four A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six A321neo narrow-body jets, which will support Biman's long-haul and regional network growth. The signing ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, attended by key figures including Airbus India and South Asia President Jrgen Westermeier, Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain, and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.
Minister Millat highlighted that the Airbus acquisition aligns with the government's strategy to expand Biman, which currently holds about 20 percent of Bangladesh's air passenger market. He added that increasing the fleet would enable the airline to enhance its capacity and capture a larger market share.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir emphasized that the decision to procure aircraft from Europe and the United States is based on Bangladesh's aviation requirements, rather than external influences. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030, with a request for earlier delivery of some aircraft.
The ceremony, entitled "Spreading Our Wings Together," was attended by various dignitaries, including Invest Bangladesh Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and ambassadors from the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany. Biman Managing Director Kaizer Sohel Ahmed also addressed the event.
Rumee A Hossain stated that incorporating Airbus aircraft aligns with Biman's vision of a sustainable mixed fleet, serving routes to the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Australia, while narrow-body jets will serve regional and medium-haul Asian destinations.
This agreement follows an expansion of Biman’s Boeing acquisition program, with recent agreements for 25 aircraft, including various Dreamliner and 737 models. Combined, the Boeing and Airbus agreements encompass 35 aircraft, comprising 19 wide-body and 16 narrow-body jets, with Boeing deliveries starting in 2031. These strategic acquisitions are part of Biman's efforts to diversify its fleet, currently dominated by Boeing aircraft.