Biman Bangladesh Airlines has finalized a deal with Airbus, a European aircraft manufacturer, to purchase 10 new planes, increasing the total number of aircraft in the national carrier’s acquisition plan to 35. The agreement includes four A350-900 twin-aisle planes and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft.
The contract was signed by Rumee A Hossain, the Chairman of Biman, and Jürgen Westermeier, the President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. Biman’s Managing Director and CEO, Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, highlighted that the A350s will be deployed on long-haul routes, while the A321neos will enhance the regional network.
Kaizer emphasized the thorough evaluation process undertaken by the board to ensure the decision aligned with the airline’s fleet, network, and financial strategy. He described the investment in the new aircraft as a step towards efficiency, sustainability, and the future development of the national carrier.
Westermeier hailed the agreement as a significant achievement, showcasing a mutual vision for the evolving aviation market. He pointed out the substantial growth potential, citing the increasing number of passengers traveling between Dhaka and key global cities annually, with further growth expected by 2030.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat urged Airbus to expedite the delivery of at least one aircraft by 2026-27, seeking an earlier schedule than originally planned. The minister also appealed for the European Union’s assistance in removing the High Risk Cargo and Mail designation on cargo originating from Bangladesh.
The signing ceremony was attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and envoys from the UK, France, and Spain. This Airbus deal follows previous agreements with Boeing for the acquisition of 25 aircraft, which are expected to gradually replace some of Biman’s existing fleet.
The deliveries under the Boeing agreements are scheduled to commence in November 2031, with the final aircraft expected by October 2035. The procurement decisions were made amidst efforts to address trade imbalances and diplomatic considerations with the United States.
Airbus had proposed the deal to Biman around four years ago, with European governments actively supporting the agreement. Notably, the EU and French ambassadors advocated for fair competition for Airbus following Biman’s engagement with Boeing.
