Biman To Procure Ten Airbus Aircraft

To expand its international route network and boost global competitiveness through advanced aeronautical engineering, state carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a agreement to purchase 10 next-generation aircraft from European manufacturer Airbus. On Wednesday night (October 7, 2026), the agreement was formally executed at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden hotel. Featuring advanced sci-tech design and fuel efficiency, the order comprises four long-range A350-900 widebody aircraft and six A321neo single-aisle jets for regional routes, scheduled for phased delivery starting in 2033.

The agreement was signed by Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, and Rumi A. Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, on behalf of their respective organizations.

Biman management views this agreement as a vital milestone in its fleet modernization and long-term expansion strategy. According to Biman, the next-generation aircraft feature state-of-the-art fuel-saving technologies that will significantly enhance long-haul and regional passenger transport capabilities. The acquisition will allow the airline to launch new international routes, reinforce existing flight networks, elevate passenger comfort, and compete effectively in global markets.

Speaking as the chief guest, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that the initiative extends beyond mere aircraft procurement, serving as a core component of transforming Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. He noted that Biman currently carries only about 20 percent of the country's international air traffic, with the remaining 80 percent served by foreign carriers. Expanding and modernizing the fleet is therefore critical to carrying more Bangladeshi citizens globally. He emphasized that the versatile Airbus fleet will allow Biman to align capacity with route demands, addressing current operational shortages.

Addressing airline personnel, the minister stated that while new Airbus aircraft will strengthen Biman's operational capacity, fleet additions alone cannot ensure success. He stressed that Biman's future relies on the professionalism, discipline, efficiency, and dedication of its staff, adding that every flight and decision reflects the national image. He urged the workforce to foster a culture of safety, punctuality, integrity, and operational excellence, while expressing optimism that at least one Airbus aircraft might arrive within this year.

Biman Board Chairman Rumi A. Mahmood highlighted the necessity of building reliable global connectivity for the nation’s large population and the 15 million non-resident Bangladeshis living abroad, framing the expansion plan as a realistic reflection of the airline's global ambitions.

Menoa Du Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Airbus, noted in statement that combining A350 and A321neo aircraft creates an efficient fleet strategy for Biman, empowering the airline to expand into new international destinations and meet growing passenger demand.

Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, stated that the Airbus deal deepens trade and investment ties between Bangladesh and the European Union. He remarked that choosing Airbus reflects Bangladesh's focus on economic modernization, safety, global competitiveness, and value for money, marking a strategic milestone in bilateral commercial relations.

The signing ceremony was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Abul Kalam Azad Siddique, BIDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, and Biman Managing Director Kaizar Sohail Ahmed. Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, delivered a video address.

According to government plans, the benefits of fleet modernization will be leveraged to ensure enhanced air connectivity for passengers, business trade, tourists, and expatriate Bangladeshis. Established in 1972, Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently operates passenger and cargo services from Dhaka to key destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. //DBTech/DDR/BPO/MIS//