Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday signed an agreement with Airbus to acquire 10 new aircraft -- four A350-900 widebody aircraft for long-haul international operations and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft for regional operations.
The aircraft are expected to join Biman’s fleet from around 2033, according to the preliminary roadmap of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
The new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft are expected to increase Biman’s long-haul and regional capacity, expand its route network and improve passenger services and competitiveness in regional and global aviation markets.
The purchase agreement was signed at a ceremony at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, with Biman represented by Chairman Rumee A Hossain and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kaizer Sohail Ahmed and Airbus by its President for South Asia Jürgen Westermeier.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the ceremony along with Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, senior government officials, members of the Biman Board and management, diplomats and media representatives were also present.
Speaking at the event, Millat said the aircraft acquisition is part of the government’s broader plan to transform Bangladesh into a modern aviation hub.
“To achieve this goal, Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet, route network and operational capabilities will be further strengthened, while the airline will move forward with the objective of establishing Biman as a world-class legacy airline,” he said.
Biman Chairman Rumee described the planned fleet expansion as a “measured and realistic ambition”, citing Bangladesh’s growing travel market and large global diaspora.
Airbus Executive Vice President for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the combination of the A350 and A321neo will create an effective fleet strategy for Biman, supporting its expansion to new international destinations and helping meet growing demand across its network.
“Airbus aircraft will provide Biman with the efficiency, range and versatility required to connect with key global markets while ensuring an enhanced travel experience for passengers,” he said.
European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller welcomed the agreement, saying it represented a strategic step in Bangladesh’s growing commercial and investment relations with Europe and supported economic modernisation, safety and value for money.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke also welcomed the agreement, saying it reflected Bangladesh’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub and that the UK remained committed to supporting trade, investment and economic growth in Bangladesh.
German Ambassador in Dhaka Rudiger Lotz said the partnership between Biman and Airbus signals growing cooperation between Bangladesh and Europe and could contribute to sustainable development and economic progress.
Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel Sistiaga congratulated Biman and Airbus, saying the agreement will benefit Bangladesh’s aviation sector, European aviation industry and the European Union while creating opportunities for further cooperation.
Beyond aircraft procurement, Biman and Airbus will continue cooperation in aviation technology, engineering and maintenance, training and capacity building for technical and operational personnel, and environmentally sustainable aviation practices.
The fleet modernisation is expected to improve air connectivity for passengers, businesses, tourists and Bangladeshi expatriates while supporting Biman’s efforts to expand its international network.