Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to lease at least two aircraft in the coming months to address an acute shortage of planes to meet growing passenger demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Biman’s Managing Director and CEO, Shafiqur Rahman, stated that the decision to lease aircraft stems from the inability of global manufacturers to deliver new planes before 2031.
Rahman noted that both Airbus and Boeing have submitted proposals to sell new aircraft to Biman, but these will not be available for delivery until 2031. As a response to this delay, the airline has decided to pursue leasing opportunities directly with aircraft lessors to meet current passenger needs.
The lack of available aircraft has also hindered Biman’s ability to open new routes. Rahman mentioned that Biman’s high-level aircraft procurement committee is actively reviewing proposals from Airbus and Boeing for both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.
Furthermore, Rahman announced that flights on the Dhaka-Narita route will be suspended starting July 1 due to financial non-viability. Despite these challenges, Biman is planning several initiatives, including ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, launching international flights from Cox’s Bazar Airport, and implementing measures to address mismanagement and corruption within the airline.