Biman mulls mixed fleet, expansion by 2035: Minister

Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2035 and is also considering adopting a mixed-fleet model, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said in parliament on Thursday.

She made the disclosure in a written reply to a question from Chattogram-13 lawmaker Sarwar Jamal Nizam during the question-and-answer session.

A mixed-fleet model means an airline operates aircraft from more than one manufacturer or multiple aircraft types, rather than relying on a single standardised fleet.

The minister said fleet expansion is part of Biman’s long-term growth strategy, under which the airline has already signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 14 new aircraft. She added that the plan would significantly expand the national carrier’s fleet over the next decade.

According to her written statement, Biman has added nine aircraft over the past 15 years, including two Boeing 787-9s in 2019, five Dash 8-400s in 2020 and 2021, and two Boeing 737-800s in 2021.

Bangladesh signed a deal with Boeing on 30 April to purchase 14 aircraft worth around US$3.7 billion.

Earlier, on 5 April, Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye met Minister Afroza at the Secretariat and expressed interest in participating in Biman’s future fleet expansion. Airbus also proposed supporting the airline’s development through a mixed-fleet structure.

The minister welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to explore cooperation with Airbus for fleet expansion and modernisation of the national carrier.