en.Wedoany.com Reported - M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh, confirmed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will purchase 10 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus as part of the government's strategy to move toward a mixed fleet. The relevant agreement is expected to be signed by August 31, with aircraft joining the fleet starting in 2031.
Details of the purchase, including price and other terms, will be disclosed after the agreement is reached. Millat stated that the government has always prioritized Bangladesh's national and commercial interests in negotiations. This development marks a major turning point in the most closely watched aircraft procurement competition in Bangladesh's aviation industry, following Biman's earlier decision to purchase 14 aircraft from U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing, including 8 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, 2 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with a total value of approximately $3.7 billion.
After the Boeing order, Airbus has recently renewed its push to enter Biman's fleet. According to sources, Airbus submitted a proposal to the airline's Technical and Financial Committee involving 4 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft and 6 Airbus A321neo narrow-body aircraft. Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye recently met with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Millat, and Biman's top management in Dhaka to promote the proposal. Following negotiations, the government decided to proceed with the purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft.
Millat stated that maintaining a balanced commercial environment with Bangladesh's key international partners was one of the considerations behind the procurement, and the decision is part of the government's broader policy to transform Biman into a mixed-fleet operator. This move represents a significant shift in Biman's fleet strategy, with both Boeing and Airbus aircraft to be operated in the future fleet. The decision comes as the government is reviewing a long-term roadmap to expand the fleet to 47 aircraft by fiscal year 2034-35, aiming to modernize the flag carrier, expand its international route network, and support Bangladesh's ambition to become a regional passenger and cargo aviation hub.
Airbus and Boeing have been competing for a share of Biman's future fleet for years. Airbus's bid gained momentum during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Bangladesh in 2023, while Boeing secured the 14-aircraft order in the context of broader trade negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States. Airbus continues to compete, with the A350-900 primarily serving long-haul routes and the A321neo deployable on regional, Gulf, and medium-haul Asian routes.
The government's mixed-fleet stance was also elaborated last week by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. She stated that Bangladesh needs both Boeing and Airbus, and the government will purchase what the country requires while maintaining prudent economic management. She also noted that Bangladesh does not grant preferential treatment to any country in trade and investment, and national interests are always prioritized. The Airbus issue also featured prominently in meetings between the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and ambassadors and senior diplomats from France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and the European Union, with the government expressing its intention to incorporate Airbus aircraft into the long-term fleet expansion plan while safeguarding national interests.
Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam stated that a mixed-fleet strategy can provide greater operational flexibility, better route adaptability, and long-term commercial efficiency. He noted that if new aircraft are used to replace aging assets, additional procurement is commercially justified, but expansion without a clearly defined long-term network and profitability strategy requires careful evaluation. A mixed fleet allows airlines to deploy the most suitable aircraft based on passenger demand, route performance, and cost structure, and switching to different aircraft types can significantly improve route economics and reduce operating costs.
