Biman Bangladesh Airlines finalizes $2 billion Airbus aircraft deal

Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BBA) is set to finalize a $2.0 billion deal for 10 Airbus aircraft, expanding its fleet significantly. The agreement, to be signed today at a ceremony titled 'Spreading Our Wings Together' in Dhaka, includes four A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six A321neo narrow-body jets. Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain and Airbus India and South Asia President Jurgen Westermeier will officially sign the deal, with key officials including Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir in attendance.

Deliveries of the Airbus planes are scheduled to begin in 2033 and conclude by 2035. However, Minister Millat has expressed a desire to accelerate the delivery timeline, aiming to start before 2030. This follows Biman's recent agreements with Boeing, which include the purchase of 25 aircraft for a total of $6.7 billion. The Boeing deals, signed on April 30 and September 23, cover a mix of 787-10s, 787-9s, 737-8s, and 737-8 MAX aircraft.

Biman's fleet expansion plan was initiated after the current government took office in February. The national carrier currently operates a fleet predominantly consisting of Boeing jets, with 19 aircraft in service. The latest Airbus deal marks a significant step in diversifying Biman's fleet with European-made aircraft.