Biman Bangladesh Expresses Formal Interest in Acquiring 10 Airbus Aircraft

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has formally expressed its interest in signing an agreement with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to add 10 new aircraft to its fleet by August 31, marking a significant step toward introducing Airbus jets into the national carrier's fleet for the first time.

According to a senior Biman official, the airline sent a formal letter to Airbus following several rounds of discussions held during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. Both sides are currently negotiating the final commercial terms of the deal. If finalized as planned, deliveries of the aircraft could begin in 2031.

Earlier, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government was working toward signing the agreement with Airbus by the end of August. He added that the contract value and other commercial details would be disclosed once the agreement is finalized.

According to Biman sources, Airbus has proposed supplying four Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six Airbus A321neo narrow-body aircraft under the latest offer.

The A350-900 is designed for long-haul international routes, including destinations across Europe, while the fuel-efficient A321neo is better suited for regional, Middle Eastern, and Asian routes. Aviation officials believe the combination of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft will significantly enhance Biman's operational flexibility and network expansion capabilities.

If the agreement is completed, Biman will operate Airbus aircraft alongside Boeing jets for the first time in its history. At present, the airline's fleet consists exclusively of Boeing aircraft and Dash 8 Q400 turboprops.

Previously, Biman approved a US$3.7 billion plan to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft, including eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Boeing 737 MAX 8s. The addition of 10 Airbus aircraft would bring the total number of new-generation Boeing and Airbus aircraft on order to 24, making it one of the largest fleet expansion programs in the airline's history.

Under the government's long-term aviation strategy, Biman aims to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by the 2034–35 fiscal year. The expansion is intended to increase international routes, boost flight frequencies, and help position Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub.

The fleet modernization plan is also closely linked to the upcoming launch of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is expected to significantly increase passenger handling capacity and improve international connectivity.

Aviation expert A.T.M. Nazrul Islam said any fleet expansion should be based on long-term business planning, market demand, operating costs, and maintenance capabilities. He noted that operating a mixed fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft offers greater flexibility in route planning, strengthens airlines' negotiating position with manufacturers, and improves operational efficiency.

However, he emphasized that such a strategy also requires substantial investment in pilot and engineer training, spare parts inventory, and maintenance infrastructure. He added that many of the world's leading airlines successfully operate mixed fleets under similar models.