Biman signs Airbus deal, fleet pipeline reaches 35

Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday signed an agreement with Airbus to acquire 10 new aircraft, taking the national flag carrier’s planned long-term fleet acquisition pipeline to 35 jets.
The agreement covers four A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six A321neo narrow-body aircraft, officials said.
President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia Jürgen Westermeier and Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at a ceremony, styled “Spreading Our Wings Together”, at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir witnessed the signing.
Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhter, Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and EU Ambassador and 
Head of Delegation Michael Miller, among others, were present.
The agreement marks Biman’s first deal with Airbus for brand-new aircraft and is a major step towards developing a mixed Boeing-Airbus fleet.
“The A350-900 will carry our flag on long-haul routes with superior comfort, lower fuel burn and lower emissions. The A321neo will strengthen our regional network, giving us the range and efficiency to open new markets and serve our passengers better,” said Biman CEO Kaizer.
He said the decision followed a rigorous evaluation of Biman’s fleet, network and financial strategy with guidance from the board and independent expertise.
“This is an investment in efficiency, sustainability and the future of our national carrier,” he added. Kaizer also said Biman had signed purchase orders for 35 new aircraft this year, describing the Airbus agreement as part of a broader fleet expansion plan.

Biman had earlier agreed to acquire 14 Boeing aircraft, comprising eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners and four 737-8 aircraft. Another 11 Boeing jets – five 787-10s and six 737-8s – were subsequently added to the programme, taking the planned Boeing acquisition to 25 aircraft.
With the 10 Airbus aircraft, Biman’s long-term acquisition pipeline now stands at 35 jets, including 19 wide-body and 16 narrow-body aircraft.
The planned fleet expansion is expected to give Biman greater flexibility in deploying aircraft across long-haul, regional and short- to medium-haul routes. The airline is also considering leasing aircraft to meet shorter-term capacity requirements before deliveries under its long-term acquisition programme begin.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashiduzzaman said the agreement marked an important milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to build a modern, competitive and globally connected national carrier.
He said Biman currently carries only around 20 percent of Bangladesh’s air passengers, highlighting the need to expand and modernise its fleet. He urged Airbus to deliver at least one aircraft as early as possible. The minister also said the government was seeking European investment under a public-private partnership to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Bangladesh.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun said the agreement marked a milestone in Bangladesh’s relations with the European Union as well as in the country’s aviation sector.
He said the aircraft would strengthen Bangladesh’s global connectivity and support exports, investment, tourism and links with Bangladeshi diaspora.
Airbus’s Jürgen said Bangladesh’s growing economy, large overseas diaspora and rising trade were creating strong demand for international air connectivity.
He said more than 7 lakh passengers currently travelled each year between Dhaka and 10 global cities without direct flights, with another 5 lakh passengers expected to enter these markets by 2030.
Biman Chairman Rumee said the 10-aircraft procurement was an essential step towards building a sustainable mixed fleet, expanding the airline’s network and improving operational efficiency.
He said the airline was also investing in engineering, maintenance and staff training to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the new fleet.
EU Ambassador Michael said the agreement marked a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and a strategic step towards stronger commercial and investment ties with Europe.
British High Commissioner Sarah said UK expertise across the aviation value chain, including aircraft manufacturing, airport operations, technology and ground handling, could support Biman’s growth.
She said up to £2 billion was available through UK Export Finance to support the financing of UK goods and services in Bangladesh, including in the aviation sector.

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